Rape victims are made to relive the horror if abortion is denied
A “philosophical” reflection is all well and good, but all the research in the world means little if one neglects the well-being of the person who has been subjected to the horror of rape, which anyone who has spoken to a rape victim or anyone who works with victims is painfully aware of.
Ms Hayes does not appear to empathise with or have reflected deeply on the mental anguish and trauma that a rape victim would have to endure for nine months for the “adoption option”. That’s 274 days of reliving the horror every minute of every day.
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Abortion in these situations may not be a “second tragedy” for the rape victim but perhaps the only means by which the victim can survive. On what basis is the option of an abortion not an act of compassion?
Rape is more than simply a crime. It is a violation: a violation of a person’s body, mind and soul. An embryo does not “transcend” such a gross violation.
Ms Hayes would no doubt be aware of the statistics that approximately 15 to 25 per cent of women in developed countries have been victims of sexual violence. Many of them could provide first person insight beyond research and philosophical reflection.
Cindy Chen, Tsuen Wan
