The abortion debate

Sir, – In choosing to ignore the very real concerns articulated by experts and ordinary people about specific features of the proposed legislation, particularly during the past few months, President Higgins has shown that he is still ideologically Labour at his new address of Áras an Uachtaráin. The people of Ireland, whatever their views on abortion, would have benefited from the input of the Supreme Court on the problematic aspects of the Bill. The President has let the people down on this immensely important issue of life and death. – Yours, etc,

NOREEN O’CARROLL,

Carysfort Park,

Blackrock, Co Dublin.

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Sir, – Several correspondents have questioned Breda O’Brien’s understanding of the pro-choice position on abortion (Opinion, July 27th). Hillary Clinton has articulated what for many would appear to be a moderate pro-choice position – and one which would seem to be shared by a considerable number Irish people – namely that abortion should be safe, legal and rare.

What troubles many of us who would self identify as being pro-life, is that while a lot of legislative and political activity is focused on the “safe and legal” aspects of abortion provision, very little is ever heard (and even less acted upon) from within the broad pro-choice advocacy community, on addressing the “rare” part of that equation. – Yours, etc,

BRENDAN CONROY

Mulvey Park,

Windy Arbour,

Dublin 14.