Sir, - I congratulate Medb Ruane (Opinion, September 6th) on her illumination of the poignancies associated with the abortion issue.
My perspective is unambiguous. I abhor the concept of abortion per se. However, I would not have the temerity to question the right of a girl or woman to have her pregnancy terminated if she had become pregnant as a result of rape or incest, or if there was foetal malformation. Nor would I question a decision by medical experts to advise termination if the life of the mother were in serious jeopardy.
The crisis of unwanted pregnancies creates enormous emotional problems for thousands of unmarried Irish girls. Many join the 5,000-strong annual exodus to the UK for abortions. Some decide to give birth and consign themselves to the loneliness of bed-sits as single parents. Fortunate ones are taken care of by their understanding, loving parents.
Being a parent, I commiserate with parents whose daughters are confronted with unwanted pregnancies. There but for the grace of God! . .
I deprecate the scurrilous placarding and the malevolent demeanour displayed by "pro-life", pseudo-moralistic "watch-dog" fundamentalists, who pester men and women attending family planning clinics in Dublin and elsewhere.
Disparagement of family planning clinics is a fatuous exercise. It is the inalienable democratic right of citizens to attend such clinics if they so wish, without let or hindrance from elements who don't approve of such facilities.
In my opinion, if the use of such institutions results in a substantial reduction of unwanted pregnancies, let alone abortions, their existence is both morally and pragmatically justified. - Yours, etc.,
Edwin Cussen, Wilton Avenue, Bishopstown, Cork.