In response to Adrienne’s letter on abortion, “Choosing Freely,” I do have some disagreement. I find certain things exaggerated. One would not die if one does not choose to abort. This is a free country. There are so many agencies and centers providing help. It is not true that the “unwanted” fetus, when born, would go astray. This is only illusion. There are ways to survive. It takes a lot of pain, but it is not impossible. Who says life is easy?

Each one of us has different opinions about abortion. Whether you belong to a certain race, religion, or country, it doesn’t matter. The law of survival is the same for everyone.

I am against abortion. There are so many birth control methods available in the market. If one can be that careless in taking precautions, then one should face the consequences of it. I am not saying that the individual be punished.

For the mistake one does, I don’t think it is ethical to penalize an innocent fetus. Aren’t we talking about life here? How can anyone just “flush” away a life that is born of your own flesh and blood? A death penalty for an innocent living being!

Abortion is not safe, either. Studies have shown that a number of things can go wrong with both the mother and the fetus.

This issue takes me to an old memory. Seven years ago, I had a neighbor who had conceived out of wedlock. In the country I lived in then, this is not accepted. My neighbor wanted to abort the fetus, and asked me to accompany her to the abortion clinic. I tried to persuade her to change her mind but it did not work. As we approached the clinic, I burst into tears and begged her to give me the baby. My friend was a little disturbed this time and decided to come back the next day. I finally succeeded in persuading her to change her mind. She lost her job, her friends and even left the town. She went through many hurdles alone, bravely, and managed to survive. Every year on her son’s birthday she sends pictures of her son and thanks me. In this country you need not go through all this alone. There is help everywhere.

Siraj Habib

Senior

Psychology