Sir, - Having read William Binchy's response to the Oireachtas all-party report on abortion (News Features, November 18th) I could not help being saddened by the negative approach of Ivana Bacik in her response.
Prof Binchy, in moderate and responsible language, favours the third option of legislation followed by a constitutional amendment ensuring that abortion will be unlawful in the State, an option which is based on "sound medical ethics and is consistent with what doctors do every day in hospital". This option also "has the support of the vast majority of the electorate".
William Binchy says: "It is crucially important that we conduct our public discussion on this troubling and sad subject calmly and respectfully", touching as it does on "complex legal issues needing sophisticated analysis rather than resort to rhetoric".
On the other hand, Prof Bacik refers to option three as "a bitter, divisive and unnecessary debate about a referendum already defeated in 1992", calling this option "utterly cynical". She then, quite cynically, goes on to claim that "the Government appears willing to sacrifice the lives of Irish women in order to placate four Independent TDs, in a pathetic attempt to hold on to power for a few extra months".
Who, might I ask, is now being "bitter and divisive"? Not to mention the fact that she is gratuitously insulting to politicians, doctors and an intelligent electorate into the bargain!
We surely need to discuss this subject of abortion in a calm and reasoned manner. Provocative and insulting rhetoric is most unhelpful. Although it might not be thought to be politically correct in these days of "post-Christian Ireland", I suggest we also need to pray for guidance in the matter. - Yours, etc.,
Pat Lemasney, Silver Manor, Ballinlough, Cork.