In the Weekend Advertiser (“Abortion row triggered by ‘safe zones’”, May 19), reporter Annie Lewis refers to: “Debate over whether an abortion clinic should be established in Wagga was reignited following calls for protesters to be outlawed within a 150-metre radius at the clinics.”
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While the proposed law on exclusion zones is public knowledge, the “debate” of a local abortion clinic appears to be floated on behalf of the Wagga Women’s Health Centre, which has for decades, since its founding, wanted an abortion clinic in Wagga.
That said, I commend the great work the centre’s staff do in genuine support of women in general. Still, the debate over pro-life, pro-choice, has surely moved on since the Women’s Health Centre began those decades ago, with scientific knowledge and ultra-sound establishing the humanity of the unborn from conception - as Fr Brendan Lee maintains.
And, the protesters outside abortion clinics pose no threat to the women presenting for abortion. They offer support; and do support a woman if she chooses to carry the baby to term. The offer is sometimes accepted, with grateful letters sent to the “Angels of Mercy” from a mother with a beautiful baby - who would otherwise be no more.
Darcy Maybon, Turvey Park
‘Fiction’ surrounds debate
The claim that abortion is contrary to God’s will is simply religious propaganda and pure fiction. There is no mention in the Bible of abortion or contraception. (One clause could be construed to preclude abortion but that would also preclude Caesarean section). Further, the Bible does not recognise human life as beginning before a child has taken its first breath.
The protesters outside abortion clinics are merely puppets trying to achieve the political objectives of the Catholic church.
The protesters claim that they simply counsel young women. Since when does counselling consist of calling a woman a “murderer” or abusing her on the basis that she is “murdering her baby”? You do not have to have any qualifications to realise that these are not the words of decent or Godly people.
Nobody objects to sincere protest. What the majority of people object to is the lies, harassment and intimidation imposed on vulnerable women by these interfering bullies. Women seeking an abortion are seeking a lawful medical service which neither affects nor is the business of any protester.
David Corbett, Albury
Time for a rethink, I think
People are upset concerning the outage of Telstra. Yes, it has been an inconvenience and yes, society increasingly relies on the service provided. However, no consumer product is 100 per cent reliable - motor vehicles, public transport, health services, electricity - are all subject to breakdowns.
When will society stop demanding the impossible? I think a rethink on modern lifestyles with Twitter, Facebook and Snapchat are in order.
Bruce Clydsdale, Bathurst
Set some Airbnb boundaries
The problems with Airbnb include the rapid weekly turnover of holidaymakers whose behaviour simply can't be regulated, and the reduced property pool for genuine renters.
Legislate a reasonable away-from-home period in which an owner can share their entire flat in their absence. Six months would be more than generous.