Abortion guilt feelings are real
Contrary to "devaluing women" or "having a low opinion of them," abortion is very convenient for irresponsible men who have no respect for women.
At no stage did I suggest that choosing a career over parenting was selfish. But choosing a career over the life of one's child, born or unborn, is quite a different matter.
If referring to the 'unborn child' makes one responsible for the guilt felt by women who have endured the abortion procedure, I have never heard a pregnant woman refer to her baby or her child as anything else. But these guilt feelings are real, and pretending they don't exist is dishonest, and of no benefit to those who actually feel them.
As to whether or not we are talking about the destruction of a human life, most abortions take place between the ninth and 12th weeks, at which point the foetus is so developed that it not only has fingers but the fingerprints to go with them. By any definition, this is human.
I was also charged with "ignoring the complex factors" behind abortion demand. But these are separate issues, and beside the point I was making which was addressing the double-speak involved in the nonsensical notion that abortion can be 'safe.'
I note the double-speak in the usual cliches about a woman's choice, control over her body and her reproductive rights.
No one wishes to place any limits on these, except in so far as they impinge on another's right to life.
And as to "who has a right to a meaningful life?"
Everyone, obviously.
James McGrath
Birchgrove
Hollyford
Co Tipperary
