The Problem of Unwanted Babies

* When I read the article about child abandonment (“No Charge Filed Against Mother in 1992 Incident,” Aug. 15), I was appalled at this woman whose newborn son was found dead in the trunk of her car, according to authorities. I am no less appalled by the equally cruel and insensitive slaughter of unborn babies every day in this nation. I think it is so ironic, so hypocritical of our society to place such importance on some forms of life and so little on others. A dying old man or woman’s life is more likely to be sustained against his or her will than is that of an unborn child.

That we, as a people, and as a governing body, choose to indict such a woman for her actions, yet condone the murderous actions of another is pure hypocrisy.

We should have integrity enough to take responsibility for our actions, not rationalize them for our convenience’s sake.

DEBBIE BENNER

Costa Mesa

* How ironic to have a story about a woman in Fullerton allegedly abandoning her newborn infant and leaving his body in the trunk of her car on the front of the Aug. 16 Orange County section, and then to have Susan Carpenter McMillan’s unbalanced diatribe about the evils of the pro-choice movement on the Op-Ed page that same day.

I find the contrast between the two pieces striking. Once again, a leader of the so-called “pro-life” movement has failed to articulate a comprehensive solution to the crisis of unwanted pregnancy in our local community. Ms. McMillan is clear about her opposition toward women having the right to self-determination, but has made no attempt to offer a positive alternative.

The tragedy of this situation should challenge us to seek common ground, and work for the day when all children are born into a family where they can be healthy, loved and wanted. Instead, Ms. McMillan continues to espouse divisive rhetoric while neglected and abused children languish in misery.

LAUREEN E. WOOD

Laguna Beach