06/26/03
The Patriot Ledger
Letters to the Editor
OPINION
READER'S VIEW: Limiting patients' rights would be devastating
By JOHN J. McCORMACK, Pembroke
Regarding President Bush claiming that lawsuits are driving up insurance costs.
Mr. President, from father to father, my family's pain and suffering is not frivolous. In his June
11 speech, Bush asked Congress to severely limit compensation in medical malpractice cases, calling
lawsuits ‘‘junk.'' But his proposal to limit patients' rights would be devastating for families
like mine, and especially children. My 13-month-old daughter, Taylor, died a needless and
preventable death. My family suffered firsthand the consequences of medical malpractice.
Our family did not file a ‘‘junk'' lawsuit. Our lives were turned upside down by senseless medical
malpractice that devastated us. No one was held accountable or responsible for their actions. But
if I had neglected and abandoned my daughter, like the doctors did, I would have faced criminal
charges for neglect, and DSS would have taken my two boys, Jack and Steven, away from us. We would
have been labeled unfit parents. For many families in our situation, civil suits are the only avenue
available to seek redress and correct the policies that caused harm. Moreover, Bush's proposals will
do nothing to help doctors who are being price-gouged by insurance companies.