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Web posted September 22, 1997

Editor: The Chronicle:

Re Mary Beth Pierucci, of Augusta Planned Parenthood, in the Sept. 17 article ``Abstinence'':

It is physically and psychologically damaging to have sex outside of marriage. Is Ms. Pierucci not aware of sexually transmitted diseases that often lead to infertility? Is she denying that giving a baby up for adoption or having an abortion is not harmful psychologically?

If she thinks that the message of sex only within a marriage is more damaging to young people than the consequences of sex outside of marriage, then Ms. Pierucci is lying to herself and unfortunately to those who seek Planned Parenthood for answers.

As for the teen-agers who want to learn about all the ``options'' and then make up their own minds, why don't we give them choices about alcohol, drugs, attending school, laws, and other matters that adults decide?

Susan Phillips, Augusta