The abortion debate

Sir, – In an emotive letter in support of abortion, Dr David Murphy (May 23rd) seriously suggests that, in considering what is in the best interest of the foetus, abortion is a valid option. I worry about what we are about to unleash on this country if those providing abortions intellectually believe that termination of life is preferable to a bad start in life. While abortion may have distinct advantages for the mother, and her existing children, there is no upside in it for the baby in the womb. – Yours, etc,.

Dr TRIONA McGREAL,

Beechwood Court,

Stillorgan, Co Dublin.

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Sir, – Fr Richard O Connor (May 21st) dares compare abortion to the Holocaust. This comparison is in poor taste to say the least, but coming from a “professor”, it is unpardonable. He then goes on about “our democracy degenerating into a tyranny”.

I would like, in return, to point out about the tyranny of equating a woman who makes the difficult decision to have an abortion with a mass murderer. To compare such a woman (who may, in some cases, have been abused, raped, or who could be dangerously ill) to a Nazi exterminating Jews is simply obscene and does credit to no one. Fr O Connor concludes by making a call “in the name of those who have no voice, but only the silent scream”. I will do the same. I am writing this letter for the thousands of women who are not heard during this so-called debate. They have been silently screaming for far too long. – Yours, etc,

STÉPHANIE

NOUAILHETAS,

Farrenboley Park,

Dundrum,

Dublin 14.