Madam, - I find I am compelled to respond to the letter of a Mr Joe Foyle under the heading "Cura and Abortion Controversy" (June 24th).
As a young woman and an ardent supporter of the pro-choice campaign in this country, I am enraged, appalled and personally insulted by Mr Foyle's outrageous remarks, which posed the question of whether the actions of a woman who has an abortion are "more objectionable" than the actions of a paedophile or rapist.
How dare he portray a strong, brave and independent woman who makes the informed choice to terminate a pregnancy in the same light as a malevolent and ruthless sex offender!
I am continually astounded by the cruel, emotive and misogynistic protestations and allegations made by some pro-life supporters against women who have had or will have abortions, the most aggressive of which are almost always male.
I refuse to refer to Mr Foyle and others like him as men, as I do not wish to insult the vast majority of Irish men who support their girlfriends, wives, sisters and daughters when they make the choice to terminate their pregnancy.
There will be a day when Irish women have the ability to terminate their pregnancy in this country.
Like every other right our mothers and grandmothers fought for, it will just take time. - Yours, etc,
RUTH BYRNE, Orlynn Park, Lusk, Co Dublin.