Sir, – I would suggest to Anthony Murphy (Rite and Reason, May 28th) that if he wishes to influence Catholic legislators then persuasion and dialogue – not silencing, excommunication and a refusal to be allowed to partake in the Eucharist and other remnants of the age of the Inquisition – are the ways forward for a Catholic. This is so not just in the 21st century, but should always have been the hallmark of a Communion based on the Gospel. – Yours, etc,
BRENDAN BUTLER,
The Moorings,
Malahide,
Co Dublin.
Sir, – It is interesting to note that 12 non-Irish medical personnel called for the inclusion of abortion for “fatal foetal abnormalities” in the Protection of Life during Pregnancy Bill, 2013 while referring to Dr Ruth Fletcher’s submission to the Joint Committee on Health and Children that “the unborn should be defined not to mean those foetuses which have lethal abnormalities and will not have a futute independent life” (May 29th).
A further irony is the later reference to “the return of their child’s remains to Ireland”. Despite the many heartfelt stories of those women who proceeded with their pregnancies and gave life, however short, to their babies, it seems that we are being urged, mainly by those outside Ireland, not to do so.
What a contrast with the over 50 Irish medical personnel with their life affirming views. At our peril we will ignore their warming of no second chance if this Bill is passed. We have only to look to Britain where efforts to reduce the limit from 24 weeks to 20 weeks last year were unsuccessful.
It is surprising that the World Health Organisation’s placing of Ireland among the top 25 countries for women’s safety in pregnancy is so little recognised and appreciated, and without abortion being legal here. – Yours, etc,
MARY STEWART,
Ardeskin,
Donegal.