Misleading questions in pro-choice poll

GIVEN how the questions were framed, there was nothing particularly surprising about the findings of the latest pro-choice commissioned poll on abortion (Irish Examiner, June 22).

The poll, which indicated majority support for abortion in certain circumstances, lacked credibility in a number of ways.

The questions made no distinction between ethical interventions in pregnancy to save the life of the mother and induced abortion where the life of the unborn child was directly targeted.

Ignoring these crucial distinctions rendered the poll effectively meaningless.

When people are asked a straight question whether or not they wish to see abortion legal in Ireland, the answer is consistently at odds with the latest pro-choice survey.

For example, in the most recent Millward Brown/IMS poll, commissioned by the Pro-Life Campaign (March 2007), 66% of those who expressed an opinion were opposed to the Dáil legislating for abortion.

It is vital that all groups, whether pro-choice or pro-life, avoid the use of leading or misleading questions when commissioning polls. The right-to-life debate is too important for that.

Dr Audrey Dillon

Pro-Life Campaign

Gardiner Street Upper

Dublin 1