Life with potential differs from potential life

DAMIEN COOKE uses the phrase ‘potential life’ to describe the unborn (Irish Examiner, July 31). This is entirely incorrect. The correct phrase is ‘life with potential’.

People who are killed in wars or road accidents are all people whose lives had the potential to survive to old age and find fulfilment.

In fact, all of us, like the unborn, have life with potential, provided we receive adequate nourishment and that nobody does us harm.

Mr Cooke’s arguments seemed to lack an understanding of what is meant by conception and embryo.

He might consider that if we cannot protect life at its earliest unborn and vulnerable state then how can we hope to stem the flow of atrocities in the world of today.

There is no gorging on any feast by those who wish to protect human life, as he suggests. The issue is far too important and profound.

Patrick C Reidy

Firgrove Drive

Bishopstown

Cork