Sir - In response to Fr David O Hanlon's critique (December 3rd) of Mr Redmond's letter on contraception, I feel that I must point out that there is a very obvious difference between, on the one hand contraception and natural family planning, and on the other, examples such as as natural and spontaneous abortion given by Fr O Hanlon. It is the matter of intent. In the case of induced/spontaneous abortions there is a clear intent in the former and none in the latter, whereas with artificial contraception and the rhythm method the intent is the same - namely to have sex without procreation. This, I believe, was one of Mr Redmond's contentions and false comparisons such as those thrown up by Fr O Hanlon do nothing to detract from it. - Yours, etc., Sean Holland,
The Hague, Netherlands.