Sir, - Over the last number of months, various TV soaps have included the complex area of adoption in their storylines. These programmes have taken the position that expectant mothers who choose to take the adoption road are selfish when the truth is that giving a baby up is probably the most selfless thing any woman can ever do.
It is my view that any pregnant woman who carries her child full term when there are other options open to her, and decides that, for whatever personal circumstances, adoption is the only way, should feel confident that she has given her baby the beginning in life that she may not have otherwise been able to provide.
In Ireland, there are many couples desperately trying to have a family but to no avail. The majority of these couples would make excellent parents given the chance.
I feel that programme makers and broadcasters have a responsibility to their viewers and the general public to put forward all sides of any emotive issue such as this.
I sincerely hope that none of these young girls or women are influenced by what they see on the television. With a very small number of Irish children given up for adoption every year and a large waiting list, I think it is safe to say that there is no such thing as an "unwanted child". - Yours, etc.,
Avila Burke, Stillorgan, Co Dublin.