A chara, – Ivana Bacik (July 30th) characterises Breda O’Brien’s article (Opinion, July 27th) as a “tirade” against “militant pro-choicers”. She then launches her own tirade, describing all who disagree with her as fundamentalist anti-choicers, lacking in compassion, opponents of sensible reform, and hypocrites.
Why the trading in “tirades”? Why, because phase one of the abortion debate is over and the time has come for phase two: the campaign to relax the “restrictions” that our new regime places on “choice” even before the ink is dry on the new law. – Is mise,
Revd Fr PATRICK G
BURKE,
Castlecomer, Co Kilkenny.
Sir, – I have no objection to members of the Seanad giving detailed descriptions of abortion procedures performed by surgeons no matter how vulgar and upsetting they may be. However, in the interest of balance, perhaps they could also provide us with descriptions of illegal back-street abortions as well.
Abortion exists; and it is a very unpleasant but sometimes necessary procedure. Right now we need to decide whether it should be performed by a trained surgeon with proper medical equipment and experience or by an amateur with a wire coat-hanger and a bottle of whisky. – Yours, etc,
GARVAN O’KEEFFE,
Putland Road,
Bray,
Co Wicklow.
Sir, – Breda O’Brien (Opinion, July 27th) asks: “Is there nothing that will cause ardent pro-choice people to question abortion, or abortion providers, not even the unnecessary and cruel death this young woman suffered?”
That death was certainly tragic, as are the many deaths worldwide from the complications of pregnancy and childbirth. However, Ms O’Brien misunderstands the pro-choice position – at least insofar as I agree with it. Ms O’Brien and others assume the right to dictate to women by the law of the land. To be pro-choice, however, is to allow women to decide – with whatever advice they wish, from husband or lover, from doctor or family members. We know, of course, that most women carry to term and deliver healthy babies. Great! However, that “pro-choice” means “pro-abortion” has been an unassailable position of the pro-life lobby, either through ignorance or by tactical decision. This is wrong. It is also a position that makes real debate impossible.
For the information of Ms O’Brien, many pro-choice people continually question the safety of abortion and of providers. But some of us refuse to dictate by law how a woman shall choose. – Yours, etc,
DESMOND B JOHNSON,
PhD,
Forest Hills,
New York, US.
Sir, – No matter what side one takes on this issue, quoting the “travelling to England” statistics as a pro-choice argument makes no sense. Since the pro-life people sincerely believe abortion to be the murder of the innocent, are they supposed to say, “Sure we should spare them the trouble and let them do it at home”? – Yours, etc,
SHEILA GRIFFIN,
Blennerville,
Tralee, Co Kerry.