NIAMH ROCHE,
Sir, - Carol Coulter quotes one of the staff of the Blackdown abortion clinic in Warwickshire, England, as saying that "most women have a huge sense of relief" after an abortion. This may well be so, given the anguish many feel when confronted by an unwanted pregnancy. However, this does not lessen the fact that abortion results in long-term grief and regret for many women.
I have met some of these women in recent years. They regret their decision. Many feel a particular sense of loss when they see others with young children. In every other respect they are ordinary women, and seek no publicity for themselves.
On balance, a Yes vote in the forthcoming referendum should prevent abortion becoming a casual activity in Ireland as it is in other countries. For this reason alone I will be voting for it. - Yours, etc.,
NIAMH ROCHE, Kill Avenue, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin.