Open Letter to Dr. Carter of Worcester, MA

Sept. 2, 2012 - PRLog -- Foster City, CA - NAAFA is a civil rights organization dedicated to eradicating size discrimination in all its forms. It was brought to our attention that you refused to treat a patient who is fat. We agree that both patient and doctor have the freedom to make choices, however, refusing to see a patient because they are fat is simply discrimination.

In the news reports, you were quoted saying that you refused to treat fat patients because of injuries to your staff. There are methods which would allow your staff to safely treat fat patients and protect both your patients and your staff.  It starts with a bias free attitude toward fat patients and an openness to consider other options. Making adjustments and accommodations is good for patients’ health, the staff’s safety and your business.

To assist health care providers to better serve their current and future fat patients, NAAFA along with other health care professionals wrote guidelines for healthcare providers who treat fat patients. Enclosed are a few copies of these guidelines and you can also access the pdf via our website:
http://issuu.com/naafa/docs/naafa_healthcarep_guidelines_...  

The guidelines cover topics such as health care philosophy, attitude, medical treatments, waiting room, equipment and resources as well as journal articles and links to websites with helpful information. Fat people experience discrimination, stigma, harassment, denial of career and educational opportunities and access to quality heath insurance and health care (see enclosed size discrimination fact sheet). It is our hope that you reconsider your discriminatory position and fully embrace Equality At Every Size and the Hippocratic oath you took to become a physician.

We welcome the opportunity to offer our assistance. Please don’t hesitate to contact us should you have any questions.

Sincerely,

NAAFA Board of Directors
www.naafa.org
We Come in All Sizes.
Understand it.
Support it.
Accept it.
Equality At Every Size