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Wednesday, July 2, 1997

Controversy surrounds new health commissioner

HOUSTON (AP) - The state's new health commissioner says his only agenda is the public health of Texans but family planning professionals are concerned about his previously stated views on birth control and abortion.

Dr. William "Reyn" Archer was appointed by Gov. George W. Bush, who accepted the 5-1 vote of the Texas Board of Health.

Archer, son of U.S. Rep. Bill Archer, R-Texas, told members of the health board and others he has since moderated his views and will perform his duties with the highest ethical standards.

"My only agenda is to bring public health to people in the state and to be open to people," Archer told the Houston Chronicle in a telephone interview from Milwood, Va., headquarters of the nonprofit group Project Hope where he is a senior medical adviser.

Archer, whose father is chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, rose to prominence and drew criticism from women's advocates when he became chief defender of the so-called "gag" rule under President Bush, the governor's father.

The rule, since dropped, prevented staffers at tax-supported health clinics from discussing abortion with pregnant clients.

Gov. Bush praised Archer as "a compassionate man" who understands major health challenges facing Texas.

"I know Reyn Archer. He will do a fine job," Bush said at an Austin news conference Monday.

But not everyone shared the governor's optimism.

"Fasten your seatbelts," Susan Nenney, spokeswoman for Planned Parenthood of Houston and Southeast Texas, said.

"We certainly hope that Dr. Archer's views have changed over the past few years. Our attitude is going to be one of watchful waiting," she said. "Frankly, if he tries to chisel women's access to family planning, he's got a tiger by the tail."

Archer, 42, will oversee a $6.4 million budget, 6,000 employees and nearly 100 programs affecting millions of Texans. His annual salary will be $148,683.

Bush praised Archer for his national and international experience, and for his work in both public health and private practice.

"Dr. Archer is a nationally renowned expert on tuberculosis, which unfortunately is a growing problem in Texas," Bush said. "He also has a clear knowledge and perspective on health issues as they impact diverse populations throughout the world."

But family planning professionals said they're concerned that Archer has opposed not only abortion and out-of-wedlock sex but the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in 1965 legalizing birth control.

Peggy Romberg, president of the Texas Family Planning Association, said officials from her office have received assurances that Archer will meet with them once he arrives in Texas.

"We believe that family planning improves the lives of women and children. We look to Dr. Archer to help with that," Ms. Romberg said.

"He wasn't our choice based purely on the history. We want to give him the opportunity to prove us wrong in being apprehensive about his appointment," she said. Send a Letter to the Editor about This Story | Start or Join A Discussion about This Story
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