Sir, - As a student of history at UCD, I am currently compiling a detailed essay of the 1983 Pro-Life Amendment to the Constitution. Having read Father Kevin Hegarty's proposal to return to the pre-1983 restrictive abortion laws (Rite and Reason, March 13th), I find it difficult to believe that anyone could wish for this.
The Act that Fr Hegarty wishes to re-establish as our only barrier to abortion on demand states: "Every women, being with child, with intent to procure her own miscarriage...shall be guilty of felony, and...shall be liable at the discretion of the Court to be kept in penal servitude for life."
Does Fr Hegarty wish to punish women who feel driven to abortion by our uncaring and condemnatory society? Should we not be looking to establish laws that protect mothers with the care and understanding they need, while at the same time safeguarding the right to life of their unborn children?
The abortion debate that has overshadowed Irish politics since 1981 has been called unnecessary, counter-productive, costly and divisive. The fact, however, that it is such an emotive issue only demonstrates that it is worthy of the attention it receives. Surely it would not seem right if our full and undivided attention was not given to the issue, that is one of life or death.
Our responsibility is to find a wording for a referendum that states unequivocally that Ireland, in her own right, respects and recognises the right to life of the unborn child. At the same time, we have another responsibility to women in crisis pregnancies to provide the help they need with as much care as we as a society can provide. - Is mise,
Seana Davin, Raglan Lane, Dublin 4.