Debate Over Abortion

* Re “We Should Trust Women to Do the Choosing,” Commentary, June 23: J.M. Lawson Jr. and Ignacio Castuera assert that God gave us free will, but never said we had to choose “his way.” What point are they making? That because it is possible to choose an abortion, it must be acceptable to God? It is possible to choose to do anything. They also assert that the Catholic Church is “anti-woman,” and support this with what they imagine to be Catholic teaching on the role of women. They are so misinformed that it is difficult to respond.

I hope the writers will study Catholic theology and social teaching before their next attempt to comment on it. Debate is good. Ignorance is not.

FRED APPLEGATE

Burbank

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A friendly suggestion for the two Methodist ministers who have apparently concluded that abortion represents some sort of moral and spiritual high ground: Perhaps you might consider choosing another line of work, or at least pick a different religious faith to deconstruct. The violence you inflict upon the scriptures is considerable, but it pales in comparison to the violence inflicted upon women and their pre-born sons and daughters during the procedure you so fervently defend.

PAUL C. REISSER MD

Thousand Oaks

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In your June 22 editorial, “No More FDA Waffling on Pill,” you declare “partisan politics continue to keep the French pill off-limits.” The culprit is not politics. It is religion! It has no place in our government’s scientific decisions. I am outraged.

JAMES N. JAMIESON

Sylmar

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Re your editorial: One of the “unwarranted restrictions” suggested is that names of doctors who prescribe the pill would be public. It is obvious with the history of anti-abortion activism how dangerous the consequences of this may be. Of course, could doctors be criticized for showing little interest in a matter fraught with politics? Pro-choice advocates should contact the FDA with their objections to the proposed restrictions.

MOLLY LYON

Newport Coast