Sir, - Even if the judgment that it is hypocritical is too harsh, the decision to hold another referendum on abortion may be considered irresponsible, particularly because it is not accompanied by any measures to address the major cause of the demand for abortion, unwanted pregnancies.
By being hard on abortion without also being hard on the causes of abortion, the Government is showing itself to be uncaring and reactionary.
The Pro-life Campaign has no solutions to offer to this problem. To the suggestion that part of the solution is the free and widespread availability of contraceptives, it responds by reminding us all that increased availability in Ireland has been accompanied by an increase in the numbers of Irish women going abroad for abortions.
Yet, in this as in other matters, its use of evidence is selective. The example of northern European countries such as Holland and Sweden shows that widespread availability of contraceptives can be effective in reducing the demand for abortion if it is accompanied by a comprehensive programme of sex education for young people which includes instruction in the various means of contraception.
Even if the pro-life movement's larger agenda precludes its adherents from considering such measures, the Government has no such excuse. Since it is now irrevocably committed to a referendum, it is up to those in the Dáil who oppose the referendum to press the Government to come forward with a set of accompanying measures to address the substantive problem of unwanted pregnancies.
While a measure was passed some years ago for a programme of sex education in schools which includes instruction in birth-control, it appears that this has been largely ignored by many schools - a fact which, in view of the control of most Irish schools, should not surprise us. The alternative is for the Government to set up well resourced family planning centres which would provide such a programme.
Any compassionate ground for the termination of pregnancy - and most particularly a threat to the health or life of the prospective mother, including the risk of suicide - is a strong reason for voters to reject the amendment. However, the irresponsible and ill-considered decision to hold the referendum without any accompanying measure to address the problem of unwanted pregnancies in a constructive and caring way is a further good reason for rejection. - Yours, etc.,
Baldham,
Bavaria,
Germany.