Angela Waite thinks the abortion controversy is over ("Perhaps 'controversy' has had its day," Oct. 30). I think not. Consider:
- There have been 150-200 articles and letters to the editor on abortion in our province's dailies the last six months. Both pro-life and pro-choice sides have been, and continue to make, lots of noise.
- Just ask any politician whether abortion is controversial and see what they say. It was a leading issue in the 2005 federal election.
- Tension between public opinion and public policy continues. Polls show most Canadians want legal protection for the unborn yet our law affords none.
- Abortion is becoming more controversial in medical circles, as research pointing to the harm to women's health accumulates. On Oct. 27 15 senior psychiatrists and doctors wrote to the London Times saying that women who have abortions risk depression and other mental illness and should be told the risk. The American Psychology Association has withdrawn an official statement denying a link between abortion and psychological harm.
- The demographic impact is getting harder to ignore. Demographers are talking more and more about Canada's "fertility deficit." New Brunswick has 20,000 fewer children because of abortion; any wonder our population is declining?
- Any issue that involves the taking of a human life - which abortion indisputably does - is bound to remain controversial.
The abortion issue is far from over. Nor should it be.
Peter Ryan
NB Right to Life
Fredericton NB
Tel. 459-8990
