Abortion Controversy

* Re “Another Shift in the Abortion Winds,” by Shawn Hubler, June 3: I get so annoyed at people in the media who claim to speak “as a Catholic.” What churchgoing Catholic believes the church is imperialistic or shows disdain for women? This is not what the church teaches and I really resent such misinformation.

AB 525 is just another attempt at trying to make the church bend to secular society. Would you take your 90-year-old grandmother to Childrens Hospital and expect gerontologists in attendance? Would you consider brain surgery at Orthopedic Hospital? I think not.

Catholic institutions have no “hidden agenda.” On the contrary, there is no question where they stand. If the attorney general needs or wants the power to review hospital sales and mergers, give it to him, but don’t attach other conditions to the bill.

REGINA F. HAMILTON

Gardena

* It was disconcerting to read Hubler’s remarks about the “disdain for women” which supposedly pervades the anti-abortion movement. Contrary to her suggestion, it is the deep concern and high esteem for women that actually moves many individuals to join the cause. The anti-abortion movement hopes to spare women from the emotional and often physical trauma wrought by abortion.

These same activists also provide financial and medical resources to women who would otherwise be forced into an abortion by a boyfriend, spouse or family member. And it is the same movement, not abortion-rights advocates, that provides psychological counseling to women suffering from post-abortion syndrome.

ELIZABETH EBINER

San Dimas

* Hubler’s column concerned Catholic hospitals that do not offer medical services which are contrary to their religious beliefs.

Perhaps it’s time to remove all hospitals from religious ownership. A hospital is supposed to offer equal medical aid to every human being. It should not have the right to force its religious beliefs on patients of different faiths.

GEORGE WOOD

Malibu