State's response to abortion

Madam, – Daragh McDowell applauds Human Rights Watch for taking the Irish people to task because of their opposition to abortion…

Madam, – Daragh McDowell applauds Human Rights Watch for taking the Irish people to task because of their opposition to abortion (January 30th). I do not agree that any “kudos” is due. Leaving aside the extraordinary arrogance in assuming the right to scold a sovereign nation, it is ridiculous that any discussion of human rights would choose not only to exclude unborn children, but to deliberately target them for destruction.

As a young Irish women, I take grave exception to the claim by Human Rights Watch that I need abortion to “enjoy” my human rights. Abortion neither serves mother nor baby, and it is time ideology-addled abortion supporters were honest about the nature of this procedure.

The Human Rights Watch report made some extraordinary illiberal recommendations in order to promote abortion. It suggested that the right to conscientious objection should be diminished, compelling doctors and other medical practitioners to partake in arranging or providing an abortion.

Moreover, it urged the Government to increase public support for abortion by influencing public discourse. It should also be noted that no pro-life doctors, campaigners or citizens were approached for interview while compiling this short-sighted, partial and hectoring report. – Yours, etc,

KATIE ROBINSON,

Youth Defence,

Capel Street, Dublin 1.