Paternal rights and decisions on abortion

Re “Alito and the rights of men,” Opinion, Nov. 1

When a man who has not bothered to use birth control (or develop the kind of relationship that would encourage his partner to discuss pregnancy options with him) storms into court demanding his paternal rights, this is a control issue, not a rights issue.

Despite the legions of wonderful, dedicated dads who are out there doing the work of parenthood day after day, we still have a culture that grins at men who father children, notch their belts and walk away. When the men of this country overwhelm the editorial pages with letters of outrage urging their brothers to embrace the other “R” word -- responsibility -- they will not need the courts to protect their rights. And the need for abortions will drop precipitously.

ANNE HORMANN

Pasadena

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Hey, Glenn Sacks and Judge Alito: Let me know the next time you guys ovulate. For it is only then that you will be qualified to make any type of decision regarding abortion. For yourselves only, of course.

DONNA TRIMINGHAM

Redondo Beach