Readers write for Jan. 5, 2011

Ah, yes! Another man who can really relate to a newly pregnant woman and take a stand on her moral obligation (Ross Douthat column, Jan. 4).

I am an escort at a women's health clinic, and I can testify that no woman is pro-abortion or uses it as a method of birth control.

I wonder if Douthat's definition of life includes love, care, nutrition, adequate housing and educated parent/caregivers, or will a beating heart and breathing lungs suffice? Let's support the brave women who have the courage to look ahead and decide that this is not the time to bring a new life into the world.

Instead of flouting the moral superiority argument, Douthat and his followers should energize to support comprehensive sexuality education in all of our schools and acknowledge the "all option" counseling provided by the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice.

CATHERINE APOSTLE, EDINA

As a child, I had dental sealants applied to my teeth, and those sealants may have contained the synthetic chemical bisphenol A ("Benefits of sealants for teeth are worth risks," Jan. 4).

At the time, I was thrilled that I might be able to sneak some extra candy and not suffer the cavity-laden consequences. Now I know better.

Serious concerns linked with the use of this chemical include reproductive health problems, cancer, obesity and diabetes.

Continuous exposure to the chemical, even at low doses, from myriad sources (dental sealants, most canned food and thermal receipt paper, to name a few) can be more of a concern than a single exposure from one product alone.

There are BPA-free alternatives on the market for dental sealants, and common sense tells us that if a toxin can be avoided, especially when it involves the health of our children, it should be.

MEREDITH SALMI, MINNEAPOLIS

It's fantastic that the Twin Cities area has two excellent cloth diaper services ("Cloth diapers make a comeback," Jan. 4).

Though it does take a small amount of time, it's healthier for the child and for the environment.

SHANNON COOPER, MINNEAPOLIS

A letter about Katherine Kersten's column on the Latin mass ("Music that offers a glimpse of heaven," Dec. 24) painted a misleading picture.

First, it assumed that masses in Latin alienated the congregation, because it was a language "few spoke." Certainly, Latin was not used in everyday life, but it was routinely taught in schools.

And it stands to reason that Catholics who'd spent their lives attending such masses could understand what was happening at the altar.

Third, it ended with the clichéd idea that the church's hierarchy is a collection of cassock-wearing despots who stop at nothing ("with the support of conservative Catholics") to control their sheep-like congregations with such tools as the Latin mass.

But the modern form of the liturgy did not replace the Latin mass, nor was the latter thought to be in need of reform. They are considered to be equally valid forms of worship.

The Church of St. Agnes still holds Latin masses -- in addition to regular modern liturgical masses -- so that the beautiful tradition will remain for future generations.

That it is somehow trying to "reassert its authority over the laity" is an idea with no substance.

LEA STANS, BELLE PLAINE

This misleading emphasis impugned an institution that has nothing to do with Cramer's actions.

St. Thomas Academy, an institution that makes ethics and good character the heart of its instruction, deserves better -- and so do Star Tribune readers.