To the editor:

Our health care is being limited by many of the providers in Western Washington, including the one in Kitsap County.

Since early August last year, Harrison Hospital and all of its physicians and other providers have been forbidden to participate in any care that conflicts with the Assembly of Bishops Encyclical.

This means that reproductive and end-of-life care that are legal in Washington are not available to us through the sole hospital system in this County. We can go to health care providers that are not affiliated with Catholic systems, like Virginia Mason and Group Health. Some physicians not salaried by Harrison/Franciscan may also be free from these constraints.

Where is the popular uprising? People in this area seem uniformly opposed to limiting our options. Moral objections of some Catholics and others are fine for their own choices. Why should we all accept them?

Please mobilize opposition in any way you can. Other regions have reversed these mergers. We should too.

RICHARD BAKER

Bainbridge Island