Sir - As a Catholic, I find the abortion debate very disturbing - especially the arguments coming from the so-called pro-life lobby.
These people do not seem to care about the pain, hurt and despair that their outrageous posters and literature have on those women and girls who have for one reason or another had an abortion. God alone knows what damage they are causing. But I don't suppose they care, as is evident by the latest letter to your newspaper (Monica Ni Chearbhaill, June 26th).
Like most people, I wish there was no reason for anyone to have an abortion. But, like most people, I know that there are a myriad of reasons why a woman might have to make this decision. I respect these women. I acknowledge the worry, the trauma and the guilt they go through, and I never judge them. Why should I? How could I? I don't live their lives. I don't know their circumstances. I leave that up to God and get on with looking out for my own soul.
The "pro-life" groups are entitled to make their opinions known and heard. But I don't like their careless, hurtful and hateful campaigns which hurt those who are already hurting, and anger those of us who would prefer to let our conscience be a matter between our God and ourselves.
"Judge not lest you be judged" is a motto they might like to think about next time they are dreaming up another cruel campaign. - Yours, etc.,
Esther Steele, Dublin 12.