Views on Abortion and Naomi Wolf

I am intrigued by Naomi Wolf and her ironic perceptiveness. The beautiful young feminist author of an expose on “The Beauty Myth” is now declaring that abortion is the killing of innocent victims (“A Decision Between a Woman and God,” May 24).

Abortion rights advocates, myself included, have taken up the cause of pregnant women, who we believe to have autonomy. Many have been victimized by rape, incest or more subtle forms of sexual colonization. To stand up for them and to decry the dangers of making abortion illegal is a dignified moral position. This has not been acknowledged by the opponents of abortion.

Wolf enters the standoff and courageously begins to unveil the violence of abortion. Her former colleagues drum her from their ranks, another scapegoat, for challenging their sacred myth. Why does it have to be sacred? Why do rational people retreat from dialogue?

For women throughout history, biology has been destiny. In our age, through scientific and philosophical advancements, we have begun to move beyond that often dehumanizing fate. We could never go back.

Wolf is announcing to us in the middle of this dynamic cultural shift toward autonomy for women that when a woman becomes pregnant, she ought to realize that she is standing before the throne of God.

KATHLEEN WEST

Glendale