October 19, 2006

Dear Letters Editor:

Abortion has been a hot topic in our province the last few months. In our opinion this would be an ideal time for a formal public debate.

Is abortion good for women? Should the government provide for more abortions? Is taking life part of health care? Do the unborn have a right to life? Does choice take precedence over life? These are a few of the questions worth considering in a serious and rational way.

I think the general public would be more than interested in such a debate. But, regretfully and strangely, pro-choice leaders are not ready for it. During the past few weeks one after another has been unwilling or unable to accept a pro-life invitation to have a debate at UNB Fredericton.

Those contacted include Pro-Choice NB, the National Abortion Federation - Canada, the NB Advisory Council on the Status of Women, and two UNB professors who have publicly advocated pro-choice positions.

I wonder if the reticence by these advocates does not reflect some level of awareness that the taking of a child’s life before life is not easy to defend from rational argument.

Peter Ryan

Executive Director

New Brunswick Right to Life

Fredericton, NB