Meeting in Dornan’s Office on Abortion

I read Carol Gentry’s letter to the editor (April 23) regarding her recent visit to Rep. Robert K. Dornan’s office and, as a participant in that meeting, felt compelled to respond.

Dornan’s leading role in the pro-life movement is well known. Nevertheless, it is his policy to always make time for those holding opposing views on any issue. That is why, in his absence that day, the congressman directed me to meet with representatives from the National Organization for Women, the National Abortion Rights League and Planned Parenthood during their recent trip to Washington. Dr. Jerry Gideon sat in as well, since we both handle this issue for Congressman Dornan.

Abortion is perhaps the most difficult issue for those with opposing views to find common ground on which to agree. For a brief period of time there were multiple discussions taking place. I think it is unfair to say that any individual was being “rude” or “loudly pontificated.” It was simply a spirited discussion between two opposing sides--something Gentry is very familiar with as a former Democratic candidate for Congress.

Gideon and I tried to make the point that the issue of abortion is not a matter of “choice” but of taking responsibility for conceiving a human being. Killing a child is not and can never be a matter of choice or convenience. Both sides know well that 99% of all abortions performed are for convenience and not to protect the life of the mother.

In response to a question concerning abortions, Jerry responded that he believes that many women become emotional and physical victims after having an abortion. However, he stated quite clearly that the congressman does not believe that the woman should be treated as a “criminal.” He added that when and if abortion becomes illegal there should be stiff criminal penalties for the physician only.

I am sorry that the representatives of Planned Parenthood, the Abortion Rights League and NOW left the office with such a negative opinion. That was not the case when Planned Parenthood representatives met with Dornan last year and sent him a follow up letter of appreciation for that meeting. I fear, however, that in this instance these representatives are attempting, with their complaints, to make our disagreement on this critical issues purely gender-based. Women across the country are the power behind the pro-life movement just as they were in successfully stopping passage of the Equal Rights Amendment.

Any attempt to dismiss the pro-life movement as rooted in chauvinism and Victorian male-centered thought is not only seriously misguided but an act of evasion from the real issue in this debate--protecting innocent life.

MARGARET A. FOGARTY

Washington

Fogarty manages Dornan’s office in Washington.