I read with interest the articles on "Birth control and the church" [Viewpoints, Feb. 24].

I respect Elizabeth Schiavone's right to her feelings ["A heart changed: The gift of family and parenthood"] but we have separation of church and state for a reason.

The Catholic Church should keep its nose out of politics, women's issues, etc. The Catholic Church can't keep its priests clean in its old-boy network. How can it tell women what is right or wrong when it can't take care of its own filth?

When the Catholic Church cleans its house thoroughly, then it will have the right to come into mine and guide me. Until then, let women in the Church and women in control of their facilities decide if they need birth control.

When the pill is used, women will not resort to abortion. Planned Parenthood is a gift to poor women and women in the lower middle class. To assume that it means abortion only is wrong. And there are times when abortion is necessary, (incest or anytime a little girl is impregnated). If a child is pregnant, a crime has been committed.

We must value our daughters as we did when I was raised. God bless Mom and Daddy, who thought we were great and could do "anything," just like our brothers.

Anne McCord

Spotsylvania