Letter: Leave the abortion debate to biologists

Saturday, Jan. 14, 2006 | 7:51 a.m.

Charles Gould's Jan. 10 letter, replying to an earlier one concerning a woman's "right to choose," is laughable.

Mr. Gould writes, "Legislative bodies should publicly debate when a cell becomes a person and pass compromise laws ..." What makes him believe any individual legislator is knowledgeable enough about biology to debate the question? Actually, only biologists have the complete knowledge and understanding to determine this question -- or is Mr. Gould only looking for another manner in which to chip away at the right to an abortion?

He goes on to argue that "Certainly one's physical and mental health is compromised when there is an abusive spouse or neighbor, or when one's children are annoying, etc., but killing is not the only answer." I have news for Mr. Gould; it isn't even a single (moral) answer! What does killing a spouse, neighbor, one's child or whoever have to do with an entity which is only in the process of coming into being -- and within the host body of a living, breathing woman?

Helen Richman

Las Vegas

archive