Goodman on the Semantics of the Abortion Controversy

In response to Ellen Goodman’s column (“A Loose Semantic Cannon Booms of Irresponsibility,” Commentary, June 5), some observations about abortion for birth control and semantics.

The Allen Guttenmacher Institute asked 1,900 women the main reason for having an abortion. Results: less than .5% for rape and incest, 3% for health reasons and none used abortion to protect the life of the mother. The rest, 96%, listed concern about the way having a baby could change their lives. It was just inconvenient for whatever reason to have the baby.

So far as semantics, pro-choice has spent millions to brainwash the public to accept abortions. But it is absurd to talk about “who decides” without confronting what is being decided: in the abortion context, the death of a pre-born baby. Abortion stops a beating heart.

Accurate semantics should define “pro-choice” as “pro-abortion,” “anti-life” or “pro-death.”

Yes, abortions are done primarily for birth control and for the convenience of the women. Birth control methods are readily available and very effective. A much better “free choice.”

DAVID J. DONOFRIO, M.D.

Irvine