Veto of Bill on Abortions

Your April 12 editorial applauding Clinton for vetoing the partial-birth abortion bill was opposite the Commentary page, which included an article on the same subject by Helen Alvare. Alvare’s article completely demolished your uninformed--but biased--comments.

As to Congress’ agenda, I can’t think of a national problem more important than the killing of children by abortion.

GENE McCARTHY

Cambria

* There is no shame in President Clinton’s veto of the congressional attempt to ban late-term abortions. He should be commended. Late-term abortions are never an easy option, which is why the decision must be left to the woman and her physician.

Doctors are not attempting to pass legislation or give sermons. Congress and the National Conference of Catholic Bishops should leave women’s health issues to the true experts.

LISA HUMPHREY

Los Angeles

* I found your support of President Clinton’s veto of the late-term abortion ban disturbing, and your comment, “We have to wonder why Congress doesn’t turn its attention to more pressing national problems,” repugnant. Veto of this bill comes dangerously close to legalizing infanticide, and that is definitely a national problem!

Given the president’s veto of this legislation, the abortion lobby can plan on his future support regardless of how harmful the consequences are associated with the adoption of their positions.

TOM GHYSELS

Hacienda Heights

* It’s unfortunate that members of Congress and special interest groups are now exploiting the suffering of families who have faced the tragedy of catastrophic pregnancy. President Clinton courageously vetoed a bill that would have banned a rare medical procedure performed to save the health and life of a mother, or in cases of severe congenital defects of the fetus. His opponents are now using this veto for political gain in one of the worst displays of cynical election year politics.

The testimony from women and their families who have had to face catastrophic pregnancies should not be criticized. Only those who have had to endure their pain and suffering can understand how difficult this decision must be, and why it is best left to a woman and her doctor.

President Clinton had offered to sign the bill if Congress agreed to allow for an exception to save the health of the woman, but Congress rejected the amendment. If the politicians had been serious about addressing the issue, they would have considered this as an alternative.

JON DUNN

Executive Director

Planned Parenthood, Orange

and San Bernardino Counties