ANTHONY REDMOND,
Sir, - Abortion, if defined in a very narrow way, may not be a psychiatric issue, as per your front- page headline of February 15th. However, an unwanted pregnancy is most definitely a significant mental health issue.
The joint statement issued by Profs Anthony Clare and Patricia Casey represents an attempt by two highly respected psychiatrists to distance the profession from the abortion debate and effectively to urge it to wash its hands of the matter. This it cannot do, however inconvenient that may be for the profession. If only one woman's life is ended either actively or passively because she cannot cope with or cannot reveal her unwanted, pregnancy it is one maternal death too many.
It is of interest to note that before the legalisation of abortion in the United Kingdom a high percentage of single women who died by their own hands were found to be pregnant at post mortem. In our society young single women in particular may feel that they have no choice but to carry covertly to term and through labour an unwanted pregnancy with all its attendant risks.
In the not too distant past this led to an appalling tragedy in Granard, Co Longford. The scenario was that of an exsanguinated dead teenage mother lying with her dead, new-born baby beside her, ironically at the foot of a statue of the Virgin Mary.
Irish psychiatrists, like all doctors, have a duty to protect life and promote health. If, however, it is a matter of choosing between the life of the mother and that of the foetus, the mother's life must be preferred irrespective of the aetiology of the threat to her life, whether it results from her mental state or otherwise. - Yours, etc.
Dr PETER KIRWAN,
M.B., M.R.C Psych, FRCPC,
Clinical Director,
Department of Psychiatry,
Mid-western Regional Hospital,
Limerick.
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Sir, - On March 6th, the Irish people will have what is likely to be the last chance to roll back the notorious X Case decision on abortion. It is imperative that we seize this opportunity to improve the terrible situation which opened up before us in the wake of the Supreme Court's decision. If the Government's proposal is rejected in this referendum the consequences will be to horrible to contemplate.
All of the so-called "pro-choice" groups are calling for a No vote and this must tell us something. As a supporter of Youth Defence, I have to say that its opposition to the Government's proposal saddens me deeply. Quite frankly, were are not going to get anything better than what is proposed by the Government and the alternative could well be legislation to allow what amounts to abortion on demand. To claim otherwise is to be utterly naïve and unrealistic. The bishops of the Catholic Church, Cardinal Desmond Connell and the Pro-Life Movement have called for a Yes vote. Professor William Binchy, whose prolife credentials are beyond reproach, calls for a Yes vote.
If this proposal is defeated as a result of the stupidity and intervention of certain people in the anti-abortion camp it will be interpreted by the Government and by the pro-abortion lobby as a clear signal that the Irish people want abortion in this country. I find it simply beyond belief that this nightmarish situation could be brought about by a few of the very people who have worked so hard in the past to ensure that the X Case decision could be reversed!
How will these people be able to live with themselves if, as a direct result of their behaviour, we end up with one of the most liberal abortion laws in Europe? For God's sake vote Yes! - Yours, etc.,
ANTHONY REDMOND,
North Great George's Street,
Dublin 1.
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Sir, - Page 8 of your edition of February 14th lists the Progressive Democrats' position on abortion as urging a Yes vote. This is a misrepresentation of the party's position. Party members in the Dáil voted in support of holding a referendum to allow the people decide on the issue. The party holds the view that this is a matter of individual conscience and as such does not feel it appropriate to dictate a party line. This is on the public record.
Our party, along with most others, contains members who hold different opinions on abortion. Mary Harney has stated that she is voting Yes. The leader's opinion on a matter of individual conscience should not be interpreted as "the party line". There are many within the Progressive Democrats who are opposed to this referendum, and who will be voting No. You misrepresent us entirely when you place the party in the Yes camp. As a party member who will be voting No, I would be grateful if you would clarify this misapprehension. - Yours, etc.,
Cllr FIONA O'MALLEY,
Banna Ville,
Dublin 6.
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A chara, - The most important thing in these days before the referendum is to pray for light and guidance in voting.
The assurance now given by the Cardinal that the Vatican is supportive of the Irish bishops' statement should lay to rest the fears of a section of our people and aid them to feel secure in voting Yes.
- Yours, etc.,
Fr TOM INGOLDSBY, SDB,
Salesian House,
Ballinakill,
Portlaoise.
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Sir, - Does the Taoiseach take us all for village idiots? He refuses a television debate on the grounds that the issue should not be politicised, so perhaps he could explain the following:
1. Why has his party, Fianna Fáil, got posters decorating the country?
2. Why did he take advantage of Dáil privilege to declare his party was "pro-life", and chide the Opposition parties as "pro-abortion"?
3. Why has he been happy to avail of support over the years from independent TDs whose shopping-list included such a referendum? - Yours, etc.,
CIARAN WALSH,
Kincora Drive,
Clontarf,
Dublin 3.