STEPHEN REDMOND SJ,
Sir, - Mary Holland (Opinion, May 23rd) predicts that legislation based on the X case will be enacted "which will allow Irish women with problem pregnancies to receive treatment in their own country".
"Treatment" in this context is a not so delightful euphemism for the deliberate killing of unborn children. Such legislation and "treatment" would usher in for some unborn children a regime "even more draconian" (to borrow again from Mary Holland) than the penalties proposed for offenders in the referendum bill. Imprisonment is bad enough, but rather less of an ordeal than execution.
If I may be allowed a third quote (this one from Alexander Pope): "Vice is a monster of so frightful mien/ As to be hated needs but to be seen/ Yet seen too oft, familiar with her face/ We first endure, then pity, then embrace".
Abominably and tragically true of abortion, a major monster of our time. - Yours, etc.,
STEPHEN REDMOND SJ,
North Circular Road,
Dublin 7.