But are they murderers?

In reply to Pip Desmond's "fresh arguments" against abortion I wish to point out that the "exclusive concentration on women's rights" was central to the whole WONAAC case for legalised abortion. Believe it or not but there are thousands of women in NZ who put their interests before the continuing growth of the foetus. Do social and economic reasons alone determine the decision to abort? Is it not possible that some women simply do not want to remain pregnant?

In the near future the word abortion could become unknown as contraceptives to take after intercourse are more highly developed. However WONAAC is not prepared to wait years solely pressuring for safe, effective contraception and realistic sex education. The women who want to terminate unwanted pregnancies right now must have full access to safe abortion.

Would you be prepared to stand up publicly and call these women murderers? To insist the law was amended to deal out life sentences instead of seven years? You wouldn't because society wouldn't support you. Instead you commendably call for the removal of other restrictions and prejudices against women but offer only money, therapy and support to the women who want an immediate solution-abortion. This will only perpetuate the dangerous, illegal abortionist racket under whose care women die, are sterilised or seriously mentally affected by such unpleasant encounters. Is it better to protect the foetus and kill the woman or let every woman make up her own mind on the question.

Jacqueline McCluggage