I REFER to Brenda Donald's letter on abortion (South China Morning Post, August 27). She fails to realise that it is a woman's right to have or not have a child.
How can one be so concerned about a foetus, but neglect the right of the woman who is carrying the foetus? It is not an easy choice for any woman to make, but it is the quality of life one has to think about. What is life? It is not just a heart beat. It is almost impossible for a single woman (who is not rich) to support a baby. Our society does not give a woman who becomes unintentionally pregnant and who is not rich, a choice. There simply isn't enough financial aid to a woman in this situation. And many of those who condemn a woman who chooses to have an abortion, will also sneer at the teenager with a child, or unwed mother.
It is a painful enough decision for those who go through an abortion.
They need our support and understanding. As a society, we should provide more education and easily available contraception to prevent unwanted pregnancy, and provide safe abortions for those who really need them.
At present, safe abortion is only available to those who can afford it.
MEDELEINE MOK Causeway Bay ABORTION. A matter of choice? If termination is carried out one month before a baby would normally have been born or one month after it has been born what is the difference? How can the former be a matter of choice if the latter is infanticide? J. L. RICHARDS Kowloon
