(RE: “Group Health vs. drugs, sex and alcohol | Federal Way letters”): I would like to respond to this article. As a member of the health care community, I want to go on record to say that we do make these decisions about the law. We simply enforce the law that was passed by legislation to help protect our youth. (www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/mch/cahcp/A_of_C.pdf)

While some young people are not doing these things, they might find this law misplaced. But for those that have made bad choices and feel like they have no one to ask for help, these laws are critical. It allows them to seek care that they might not otherwise ask for. If they feel safe, protected and not judged, they are more likely to seek the care that they most desperately need.

We as health care providers would much rather have young people seek medical attention than try to self-abort unwanted pregnancies, continue to drink alcohol or do drugs. They can cause more harm to themselves that could potentially be fatal. It is not the intention to separate young people from their families or take the place of their parents. It is in fact designed to do the exact opposite, to protect them.

I think printing this article without all the facts was inappropriate and misdirected. Next time you should do some research and find out the facts before you run such a damaging article.

Carrie Beverly, Puyallup