Sir, - For those who uphold Christian principles it will be necessary to repudiate the proposed wording for the referendum on abortion. It is utterly flawed in that it refuses the scientific fact that life begins at conception.
It is proposing to legitimise abortifacients such as intrauterine devices and the "morning-after pill".
The following points should cause one to ponder the words of the Archangel Gabriel to Mary: "Behold thou shalt conceive and shalt bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name Jesus." So it is apparent that Jesus was present from the moment of His conception.
Also, Father Peyremale, parish priest of Lourdes, consistently sought proof of the authenticity of Bernadette's vision of the lady who had appeared at the grotto. In particular he questioned her repeatedly to find out her identity.
In the light of today's concern about when life is initiated, her answer was profound and moving. Out of the many titles she could have chosen she revealed herself as "the Immaculate Conception".
Therefore the question is raised: did Jesus and Mary not exist from the moment of their conception? - Yours, etc.,
DR Robert K. Doyle, Newtown Road, Wexford.