Referendum on abortion

Press, 23 May 1977, Page 16

Referendum on abortion

Sir. — It really is a crazy world. If a clinic was destroying 100 kittens each week, people would be rising

up in protest. Yet unborn human life is being destroyed at thia rate and those who protest are denounced. But the report of the Royal Commission on contraception, sterilisation and abortion clearly states that it is human life we are talking about, with rights that must be considered. Women claiming equality must accept responsibility. Control of their bodies can prevent pregnancy, but once the body of a child has to be considered things are different. Abortion by request, or by the permission of over-worked doctors, will only lead to additional violence in our society. Is this what mothers want? — Yours, etc., (MRS) VERA CUMMINGS May 22, 1977.

Sir, — Mr Rowling’s win-dow-dressing at the Labour Party conference ("The Press” May 1.7) carries little weight with any who know the Bible which is God’s word. Mr Rowling misquotes his “authority”; Christ did not whip the moneychangers, though he made a scourge of small cords. He drove them out of the Temple, and the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers’ money and overthrew the tables (John, 2, 15). Mr Rowling said he would make New Zealand proud, while the same conference discussed a referendum on abortion. Apparently Mr Rowling’s Bible knowledge is limited. Proverbs, 6, 17, says “God hates a proud look, a lying tongue and hands that shed innocent blood.” The foetus is innocent and Mr Rowling’s statements have confused people who have read them. — Yours, etc., G. A. THOMAS. Blenheim. May 19, 1977.