Amnesty and abortion

Madam, - As a member of Amnesty I have long been disappointed that the organisation remains "silent on the rights and wrongs…

Madam, - As a member of Amnesty I have long been disappointed that the organisation remains "silent on the rights and wrongs of abortion" ( The Irish Times, June 15th), even though Amnesty was established to protect the vulnerable and be a voice for the voiceless.

Now I learn from a statement by Amnesty's Irish section that it "will not be working on the issue of access to abortion".

I hope it will not be left only to the Vatican to condemn this disgraceful betrayal of Amnesty's raison d'être. I cannot see how those who value human rights can continue to support Amnesty. I became a member because of its stance on the death penalty. However, Amnesty International's new policy on abortion leaves me no option but to withdraw my support. Perhaps if human rights considerations do not make Amnesty reverse this amoral stance, financial concerns will lead to a change of heart. - Yours, etc,

Mrs MARY STEWART, Ardeskin, Donegal Town.