The buzzword of the day concerning the newly passed New Hampshire budget seems to be “transvaginal.” In recent separate but similar letters to papers in the Upper Valley — the InterTown Record and the Valley News — two Democratic state representatives complained that those awful Republicans have forced women seeking abortions to undergo intrusive transvaginal ultrasounds. But have they?
I challenge anyone to find the word “transvaginal” anywhere in the new law.
There are two types of ultrasounds used to determine fetal age — transvaginal (invasive) and transabdominal (the wand over the belly type). Transvaginal ultrasound is most frequently used in early pregnancy to verify pregnancy, find a fetal heartbeat or rule out an ectopic pregnancy. It isn’t used after 14 weeks.
The new statute deals with abortions after 24 weeks. The purpose of the ultrasound is to determine gestational age. The language of the new statute only requires a health care provider to conduct an obstetric ultrasound. In all cases, non-invasive transabdominal obstetric ultrasound — available for free at some pregnancy centers in the Upper Valley — can be used to determine whether or not a woman is less than 24 weeks pregnant.
In government, reading about a bill and reading the actual bill are often two different things. The recent Forum letter from Rep. Laurel Stavis, D-Lebanon, is a good example (“Surreal, vicious measures in NH budget,” July 28). Making a claim that something is in a bill when it isn’t generates drama, but it is misleading. Although she claims that Republicans are on a “campaign fairy tale trail” promoting the recently passed state budget, who is really telling tales?
MARGARET DRYE
Plainfield
What a wonderful day I spent tooling around Lebanon on my bike while getting my truck serviced. The paved rail trail is gorgeous. I meet young and old biking, walking, even in-line skating. Most folks smile and say hi, others usually at least a nod.
And bravo on the new tunnel, allowing easy access to the town center. Not sure it’s totally complete: Some peaceful color added to the concrete that’s not too noisy would be great. It would also be a help to improve the access from the rail trail to the tunnel. A bit confusing at that intersection, and hopefully the approach to the tunnel will be paved.
On my return trip, I headed over Seminary Hill to the web of streets out to what I always imagine is the Dan Mackie part of West Lebanon. (I absolutely look forward to all his Over Easy columns and his whimsical take on our human endeavors!)
This neighborhood of well-kept, unpretentious homes gives me a secure feeling that all is well in the world. And while I’m on that subject, I’ll throw in my two cents about a new fire station being considered for Maple Street. No! Don’t spoil the utopia! Plenty of other buildings on the main drag look like they could use a wrecking ball. Dan Mackie needs to get in on this.
It’s great to live in the Upper Valley, even though I’m on the extreme outskirts here in Grafton. I love the feeling of our regional community. Though I love the boonies, I’m grateful for my tri-town hub of Lebanon, White River Junction and Hanover for all they offer.
DEB CLOUGH
Grafton, N.H.