Letter: Men should stay out of abortion battles

Wednesday, March 15, 2006 | 7:06 a.m.

In response to Saturday's letters regarding the ban on abortion in South Dakota, I noticed two things that come up consistently in this issue: First is that the outrage over this ban is expressed primarily by women, whose issue this really is, and secondly, that every time I hear about people applauding this invasive delving into of women's health decisions, it is written or spoken by a man. There were three letters written, one opposing this ban, by a woman, and two supporting it, both by men.

I am a Catholic, and the church's position on contraception is well known. So if I were a good Catholic I would refrain from any birth control, other than abstinence, and have baby after baby. The way I interpret this ridiculous rule is the day the Catholic Church wants to raise all these kids we are supposed to have, both financially and emotionally, I will listen to this. We know, of course, the chance of this happening is nonexistent, and so the majority of women like me ignore it.

I feel the same way about men telling me what is right and wrong to do with my body. The day a man conceives, carries and delivers a baby, I will listen to whatever input he has about abortion. Otherwise, I think that although they can and should have an opinion, it should remain there; an opinion. And to condemn women who have abortions is a rather unsympathetic way to be. Which brings me to question the honesty of a person who cannot be sympathetic toward a woman who is having to make a terrible decision. I wonder at the integrity of a person who can break down their sympathy to include one group, but ignore another.

In the end, I feel this is a woman's decision, and a woman's province. Men really need to be on the sidelines with this one, please.

Kerrie Segler, North Las Vegas