Madam, - Seán Dowling (July 7th) uses the familiar hard case argument to justify the direct intentional killing of unborn human life in the State, without averting to the long-term consequences of legalising such abortions.
He seems to be unaware that nations do not legalise abortion for rape, but rather for alleged threats to the mother's life (including threats of self-destruction).
The rape argument, in any case, is a badly thought-out emotional one which does not stand up to close scrutiny. The harm done by the sexual assault (which may include shame, anxiety, depression, reduced capacity for intimacy and impaired social adjustment), is an unfortunate reality which cannot be reversed; it can only be minimised by damage limitation.
The best damage limitation is derived from proper counselling, supported by the loving care of relatives, friends and the community generally, until the child is born. The question of keeping the baby or having it adopted can then be considered.
The alternative of a "quick-fix" abortion solution is disastrous by comparison. It is a further act of violence which adds grave post-abortion physical and psychological ailments to the existing rape trauma and, in most cases, leaves a lifelong burden of guilt, not only on the girl herself, but also on those who may have encouraged her to have the abortion.
"Rape" babies are no different from other babies in their essential humanity and are entitled to the same constitutional/legal protection as other unborn children. - Yours, etc,
PATRICK MOLLOY,
Brackenstown,
Co Dublin.