Letter: Alarmed by pair's view on abortion
Re: Liz Simblet’s and Linda Webster’s letter (October 12). It is not Jeremy Hunt’s view on abortion that alarms me but theirs.
Sixteen EU countries have a limit of 12 weeks gestation or less. ‘Great’ Britain is one of only five member states with double that limit.
Since the 1967 Abortion Act over seven million pregnancies have been terminated here; 98 per cent on ‘mental health’ grounds, ie social reasons, not because of rape, disability or risk to the mother’s life.
This statistic may not concern people who deem the foetus to be sub-human, but for those of us who think otherwise it is utterly appalling. A total of 73 per cent of British women support a reduction to at least a 20-week limit (ComRes phone poll May 2-4, 2008).
The arguments for what is in effect abortion on demand are seriously flawed, e.g. the spectre of botched backstreet abortions.
What this whole debate boils down to is: Does a woman’s right to choose trump her child’s right to life? Incredibly, Simblet and Webster answer ‘Yes’. We should be thankful they don’t apply this same principle to newborns and infants, for really the only difference with an unborn child is ‘out of sight, out of mind’.
Increasingly our society absolves people from taking responsibility for their own actions. But if you have sex you must be prepared for the possibility that a human being will be created.
To end that new life in order to make yours easier is, frankly, wicked. MPs Hunt and Kawczynski are to be applauded for their moral clarity. I wish them every success in lessening this blot on our nation’s character.
Naomi Gross, Welshpool
Comments for: "Letter: Alarmed by pair's view on abortion"
Joanne
What about women who are pregnant as a result of a sexual attack? Are they wicked?
Colin U.
The "sexual attack" = rape issue was stated in the article.
Quote "98 per cent on ‘mental health’ grounds, ie social reasons, NOT because of rape, disability or risk to the mother’s life."
From that statement it is clear that only 2% of abortions are due to terminating pregnancies not only in cases of rape but also "disability or risk to the mother’s life".
It is shameful that abortion has become a lifestyle choice instead of being a procedure that is carried out in exceptional circumstances.
Mark Carolan
I am alarmed by the torys total meddling in our society and I support Liz and Linda's view because unlike hunt and co they live in the real world whilst hunt and co live in a moral bubble which has burst by their right wing mantra that is dripping through government.
eva land
[ But if you have sex you must be prepared for the possibility that a human being will be created.]
And then you must take the consequences and suffer, especially in the childbirth bit.
What a silly and backward statement, Naomi and shame on you not respecting other women's rights regarding their own and only body.
[What about women who are pregnant as a result of a sexual attack? Are they wicked?]
Of course they are Joanne, although fortunately they didn't enjoy the forced sex act which would have made it even more important that they endured pregnancy, birth and a lifetime commitment to a new person, apparently.
The joy and reward of parenthood stems from wanting a child and having seen the horrors of the Catholic Church's attitude to mere contraception in the 1960s is sufficient to see the faults in your comments Naomi.
Having worked in a premature baby unit the quibbles regarding 20 or 24 weeks are an irrelevance as only in rare and very specific circumstances would a pregnancy be terminated at the late stage.
You would be better doing something for the unfortunate and far greater number of unwanted babies than trying to disparage women who have made a hard choice regarding their own lives.
AC
Well said Eva.
Andy
Well said Eva!
PNG
73% ?
To emphasise how polling methodology, group & wording can dramatically skew results an Angus Reid online poll in July 2010 found that only 46% (i.e less than a majority) of those interviewed thought that the time limit on abortion should be reduced to less than 24 weeks.
...Lies, damned lies and statistics.
Katherine de Gama
I agree with Eva. Nobaby should be forced to have a child if the circumstances aren't right I've always found it interesting that anti abortionists generally support war and hanging.
Paula
Any fool can have a baby - and too many fools do.
It is far better to take precautions but no contraception is 100% proof.
The fact is abortion is legal and that's the way it is.
The other fact is is has nothing to do with anyone apart from the lady who decides to have the abortion.
The sooner irresponsible people stop having unwanted / unplanned babies the better. The sooner people stop assuming that ladies who have an abortion take the decision lightly, the better.
Instead of people passing comment on others for what they do they should look after their own concerns and keep what they have to themselves.
I support abortion.
Kat de Gama
Well said, Paula. If we can't control our bodies we are capable of nothing. Can I suggest a book - Shulasmith Firestone, 'The Dialectic of Sex'. Oh dear. I'm coming over as a mad feminist. I suppose I am!
Katherine de Gama
Re Eva's sensible comment on Naomi's letter. Silly and backward indeed. I recaled a recent outburst by US Republican Todd Akin - apparently 'legitimate' rape victims can't get pregnant. Thank goodness for the UK education system!!!
Lauren
People have a right to choose whether or not they want a baby. The silly thing to do would be to have a baby and then resent it all of its life due to having it at a time which wasnt right. Not everyone who has an abortion is 'evil' or 'takes it lightly' because to be honest you have to be brave and have thought it through to go through such a horrible experience! So to people who think aborotions are wrong maybe you should deal with all the abused children (whos mothers and fathers had them too soon!) !! Because im sure you'd soon enough change your mind after going through all of that!!!
H. St. John Peasbody
Your comment suggests to me that it's ok to get pregnant and then to decide whether to abort the foetus or not if you don't fancy actually having the baby and bringing up the child!
The silly thing is not to use contraception.
Abortion should not be used as a method of contraception.
Katherine de Gama
No method of contraception is completely reliable - not even slerilisation. I think it would be wise to leave this issue to women...
The Original Jake
Sorry Kat, but where there is a father involved then that is blatantly and selfishly ignorant of their needs, wishes, desires and feelings.
Contrary to popular belief, pregnancy and childbirth is NOT the sole domain of women. It takes two to make and raise a child.
Jesus H Corbet
"No method of contraception is completely reliable".
That's simply not true. The combination of my face and personality had proven to be a 100% effective contraceptive thus far.
alas
eva land
Ironically it was considered equivalent to abortion using contraception not so long ago and still by some fundamentalists today.
I can just imagine someone who had accidentally got pregnant thinking 'I fancy having an abortion today.' Nope, changed my mind, must pay the price of that night of passion and do my duty! BTW really looking forward to telling the irresponsible impregnator that he is going to be paying child support for the next 20 years.
Don't make comments about something of which you so obviously know nothing H. St. John Peasbody
H. St. John Peasbody
Unbelievable.
Kat de Gama
@ Lauren. I agree with your point but there is no legal light to choose in this country. It's a matter of medical discretion. That said, David Steele's compromise re the 1967 Act has served British women well.
eva land
Victor Meldrew by any chance?
Gary
Any termination should be judged (by the parent(s) and medics) on case by case basis with the females’ viewpoint paramount. Not a forum for religion or opinionated self-righteousness.