Sir, - Esther Steele claims that as a Catholic she finds the abortion debate very disturbing. Nothing wrong with that: abortion is disturbing. However, she mentions "especially the arguments coming from the pro-life lobby". As a Catholic and a woman, I find the arguments coming from the pro-choice or pro-abortion lobby disturbing. I cannot accept that "there are a myriad of reasons why women might have to make this decision" (my italics). Nowadays, when so much help is available from Cura and Life for those with crisis pregnancies, no one has to have an abortion.
No, Ms Steele, it is not the pro-life campaigns giving the facts and the effects of abortion which are cruel, but the promoters of abortion who exploit women by telling them that it is an answer to their problem. Where are they when these women are traumatised and guilt-ridden? Those promoting life have the greatest understanding and compassion for those who have had an abortion, acknowledging the loss involved. They also in their campaigns try to ensure that more women do not look to abortion as a quick-fix solution.
What is wrong with displaying posters showing the reality of abortion? Why the outcry over these when there is none over those showing the reality of road accidents? I thought we were aiming for transparency and the right to information, or is it only some information that should be made available?
Its a sad reflection on our society today that abortion is perceived as a solution to a crisis pregnancy and capital punishment as an answer to violence. - Yours, etc.,
Mrs Mary Stewart, Ardeskin, Donegal Town.