Re: Women’s rights are not up for debate, Huntsville Forester opinion column, May 9.
No woman sets out to pursue an abortion. It is always a response to a situation in which they feel their options are too few or non-existent.
We have not done a very good job of helping women cope with the difficult and complicated reality of dealing with an unplanned pregnancy. Dialogue has become non-existent and many women deal with the overwhelming burden of their situation alone and uninformed. If one is truly pro-choice then factual accuracy in all aspects of this issue should be central to allow for a truly informed decision (including Motion M-312 to review the definition of human being). Regardless of the subsequent impact on the laws in our country, women are entitled to have a fair and accurate understanding of fetal development.
In Canada we have been given the legal right to determine if a child is born based on our personal choice. I.e. Do I want this baby?
This freedom, to be the judge of such an outcome, has resulted in great sorrow and regret for many women. No woman is unaffected by the choice she makes regarding an unplanned pregnancy. This I have witnessed time and time again in my 18 years of medical practice.
Dr. Laura Lewis
Christine’s Place pregnancy support centre, vice-chair
Huntsville