Letters from Advocates to Public Officials in support of the ARA’s Public Restroom Initiative

From Cheryle Gartley, Former President of the Simon Foundation for Continence
Dear Mr. Graham:

I write to you today in my capacity as President of the Simon Foundation for Continence, an internationally recognized non-profit organization dedicated to serving people with incontinence – the loss of bladder and/or bowel control.  It is estimated that over 20 million Americans are affected by incontinence, a medical condition which does not discriminate by sex, race, age, wealth or social status.

In your upcoming role as Chair of the Metrorail Operations Board, I trust you are becoming well educated to the many health conditions such as benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH), prostate cancer, multiple sclerosis, paraplegia, irritable bowel syndrome, spinabifida and urinary tract infections, to name just a few, that demand ready access to a bathroom.  A ready access that is all too often denied – leading people to cope by remaining in their homes where they can be assured of reaching a bathroom in time.

It is my understanding that although Washington subway stations are equipped with significant toilet assets, current policy denies use of these facilities to riders.  I urge you to make changing this policy your number one priority.  For millions of Americans, access to a washroom is not a convenience, but rather the difference between getting out into the world and becoming a contributing member of society or remaining hidden at home.  By providing access to washrooms throughout the D.C. area, you will not only liberate friends, neighbors, and perhaps even family members, but also set an example for the rest of our nation to follow.

If I or any of the dedicated medical professionals on the Simon Foundation’s Board can provide you with medical information or further help in reaching this goal, please do not hesitate to call upon us.

Sincerely,
Cheryle B. Gartley

From Ingrid Nygaard M.D., Co-author of Void Where Prohibited

I am a urogynecologist at the University of Iowa College of Medicine, and as such, spend my days trying to protect and improve women’s bladder health.  I write to you in your capacity as the chair of the Metrorail Operations Board.  Issues related to bathroom access are not widely discussed, but are integral to people’s ability to use public transportation.  Millions of Americans suffer from urinary incontinence, urinary urgency, urinary tract infections, and other diseases that require ready bathroom access in order to function well in society.  It is my understanding that current Washington subway station restrooms are available only for employees (obviously, also very important!) and urge you to work towards extending this same right to urinate to your passengers.  If I can provide you with any medical information about this issue, please feel free to email me.

Sincerely yours,

Ingrid Nygaard, MD
Associate Professor
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
University of Iowa