Abortion law adequate, but we lack compassion

Consequent to the recent controversy about a young asylum seeker whose pregnancy was induced early, there are whispers in the wind for a more liberal abortion law.

Restrictive divorce rules were signed into law in Ireland in June, 1996. By 2006, 59,000 divorces had been granted.

Legislation on abortion is adequate. What matters most is that top-class, unbiased counselling and sympathetic advice are available when needed. They were not available for the asylum seeker.

The decision of the obstetrician to deliver by Caesarean section, when the mother was unwilling to go full term, was a noble and humane gesture that saved not just one, but two lives. Nevertheless, ethical and health questions concerning mother and child were quickly highlighted. The girl was deemed suicidal by two psychiatrists. Whatever the circumstances, affectionate care is priority. Not all females are blessed in being able to conceive, and if a girl doesn’t want to keep her baby, there are hundreds waiting to adopt it. The woman who gives birth is usually healthier, mentally and physically, than the woman who aborts, and is more likely to have other children. Suicide ends two lives, while abortion takes the life of one innocent. Neither makes sense. Life is real, life is earnest and ‘abortion parlours’ are not its goal.

James Gleeson

The Grove

Turtullas

Thurles

Co Tipperary