DEAR ABBY: I recently read an article about a medical center in Maine that has redesigned its standard hospital gowns to provide extra coverage for patients. (The standard gown, open at the back, violates some people's religious customs and everyone's modesty.)
I am disturbed that modest hospital gowns have not been considered a priority before now. A patient's dignity should be protected regardless of gender or religious beliefs. Your thoughts, please. -- OFFENDED IN THE SOUTH
DEAR OFFENDED: I don't see it in terms of religious beliefs or gender. Extra coverage should be available upon request to anyone who feels overexposed, because many people do. That should be reason enough.