Abortion

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31255, 30 December 1966, Page 8

Abortion

Sir, —The abortion problem is merely a reflection of our modem ethical dilemma. If we accept that religion has little or no significance for most young people and that society has as yet failed to produce a persuasive ethical substitute for it, then we must also accept that there is no real reason for moral behaviour other than the fear of punishment or an idealistic humanism or altruism which can mean little to most people. Abortion and “the pill” are the natural corollaries to a modem philosophy of pleasure without responsibility, which is as logical as it is unpalatable. We may regret that people act irresponsibly, but it seems even more regrettable to compound that irresponsibility by insisting on producing future generations of unwanted children, whose only parents are likely to be the pathetic substitutes of the psyciatric department.—Yours, BRIAN F. M. EDWARDS. December 29, 1966.

Sir,—Of course clinical abortion is decidedly more healthy than the back-street variety; my only quarrel with either is that it is not quite so healthy for the baby. But never mind; “M,” with elaborate arguments on this particular point, assures us that to even consider human rights is “ridiculous,” while Mr Davidson does not seem to find the concept of a mother wishing “to do away with her child” particularly distressing. So press on the gentle steamroller of progress over humanity, fair play, and the maternal instinct. I can see now that the keenest legal and moral brains will have to be employed in the battle ahead to protect the defenceless against those who, delicately, must be protected from themselves. For, tragically, the child is not given the benefit of the slightest shadow of a doubt. The sacredness of life is indeed a failing concept.— Yours, etc., A.W.M. December 29, 1966.

Sir, —Illegitimacy is rising annually. This should prove that family planning and contraceptives are not halting this great problem. Fifty per cent of all marriages have children before seven months. This could be the cause of many broken homes later on. In every illegitimate birth there are the parents on both sides, not to mention the other members of the family. This would mean that, with 6000-odd illegitimate births this year, 36,000 people are directly involved at least. Also, 12,000 homes are upset,

many broken. One does not know when it is going to

knock on his or her back door. I feel that until there is a more positive answer, abortion is the only way, providing it is carried out not later than 10 weeks from conception.—Yours, etc.,

HUMANE. December 29, 1966.

Sir,—Modern action is now required to counteract the continuance of quackery, such as practised by abortionists and, as I recently noted from an old advertisement in the “Lyttelton Times,” one claiming to heal all bodily ills “by the mental method.” In Britain girls with undesired embryos have available the staff of doctors employed by the National Council-for the Unmarried Mother and her child. In Denmark recent legislation provides for justifiable removal at “Mother Centres.” In New Zealand quacks continue to rush in where angels fear to tread.— Yours, etc., A. B. CEDARIAN. December 29, 1966.

Sir,—l was disgusted by “Mother’s” statement that “girls should have access to fully guaranteed preventives.” Her letter made me thank God that I have an understanding Christian mother who is loved and respected by her husband and children. The decline in sexual morality is obviously the fault of adults who appear to be taking a morbid interest in the young. All girls who lose their virginity must surely have some feelings of guilt, and for this reason they cannot possibly enjoy marriage as much as a pure bride. As for abortion, I would approve of it only in the case of a filthy rape or in the extremely rare case of a pregnancy which could cause the woman to die. I would prefer to advocate permanent sterilisation of those women who spare no thought for their precious unborn children and refuse to accept their own responsibilities.—Yours, etc.,

SIXTEEN-YEAR-OLD. December 29, 1966.