Abortion Politics and RU-486

This is in response to Frances Janessco (letter, April 29) who asks, “How can we justify 4,400 deaths by abortion of unwanted babies against the possible cure of breast cancer in 480 women who have had a chance at life?” and would have the Bush Administration continue to thwart research of RU-486 for breast cancer in U.S. clinical trials.

Last year at age 46, I was diagnosed with Stage II progesterone receptor positive breast cancer, exactly the type of cancer for which RU-486 is believed to hold promise. I did not ask for this disease. In fact, I treasured my health and did everything to safeguard it.

I believe that I am an asset to society. With the help of a scholarship, I put myself through college in three years, promptly paid off my National Defense Act Loan and taught high school English in public schools for 21 years. Aside from traffic violations, I’ve broken no laws; I take citizenship seriously, voting in every election. I pay taxes and serve jury duty.

At a time in my life when a 55-year-old ex-boyfriend is starting his second family, a climbing contemporary is starting his first family and numerous friends are embarking on second careers, I worry 24 hours a day about dying a prolonged and agonizing death from cancer. Women in this country have a moral and legal right to abortion. I have a right to the development of a drug that may save my life. Many women younger than I get breast cancer. They, too, would like more of “a chance at life.”

MARY GYGAX MOTHERAL, Hacienda Heights