GETTING RID of a foetus, or even an embryo, is not the same as getting rid of the problems that attend rape or malforming tissues. The accompanying strings of guilt and overwhelming hurt are not always flushed with the unborn.

If a woman's pregnancy is the result of rape, isn't the resulting life detachable from the incident? It is not the rapist's life that you are destroying, but an independent life which also has the mother's contribution.

Not black and white

Stages of development should not gauge the importance of a life if life is what we are protecting. And it is discovered that the essential elements of a human being are laid down from its earliest stage. Abortion may not be as black and white as we may suppose. Nebulous distinctions should never put the unborn life at risk.

I think we should welcome and be open to unfolding information regarding the development of a child from its earliest stage. We certainly must attempt to clear up any uncertainties before throwing out the baby with the bath water.

I am, etc.,

HOMER SYLVESTER

homersylvester@hotmail.com

Miami

Florida