Sir, – If Patsy McGarry has accurately quoted Cardinal Raymond Burke, a senior member of the Vatican curia (Home News, June 21st), then the message to women is very clear. In the case of a woman facing potential loss of life because of serious complications of pregnancy, there are no circumstances in which the mother can be saved if it results in the loss of life of the unborn foetus. Do the Irish bishops share this view?
I would – and I venture to suggest many women would – like to hear a statement without equivocation from the Irish bishops saying if they also agree with this view. If that is the position they hold, then we all know that the life of the woman is indeed secondary to the life of the unborn foetus. We know categorically that this was the situation over 40 years when we were told that it was “God’s will” if the mother died in circumstances where the foetus had to be saved.
I am a member of the secular followers of the Catholic religion, but in no way influenced by what I may read in the newspapers as Cardinal Burke infers. I decide on my views by reference to my own judgment. The Taoiseach is the elected head of the Government chosen by the people in a democratic process. He has, together with his Government colleagues, chosen to propose legislation to clarify some of the areas of doubt in the case of difficulties of pregnancy. I hasten to add, in case it is presumed by others, that I am not a supporter of his party but in this case I fully agree with him because he is trying to do something to protect the lives of women in a situation where clarity does not exist legally.
If anybody is asked “do you agree with abortion” the vast majority will say no. If asked “do you agree with the termination of life of a foetus in certain circumstances”, the answer will be to ask in what circumstances. Cardinal Burke seems to be saying “there are no circumstances”, thereby denying the right of that minority of women, who are unfortunate enough to find themselves in the eye of the obstetrical storm, to have life-saving intervention. – Yours, etc,
PATRICK HOWARD,
Ballyroan Road,
Rathfarnham,
Dublin 16.
Sir, – Joseph Flanagan (June 25th) tries to demonise the Roman Catholic Church with allegations that it alone is against this legislation. He must be aware that people of faith (and none) are opposed. 1. Baptist church: opposed. 2. Jehovah’s Witness: opposed. 3. Islam: opposed to the suicide provision. 4. Others including non-believers: opposed.
I myself worship in the Church of Ireland, and I am definitely opposed. – Yours, etc,
BRIAN LEONARD,
Grange Park Grove,
Raheny,
Dublin 5.