Ireland and the Reality of Abortion

In response to the letter by James Finnegan that appeared in the Daily Herald on Wednesday, Jan. 11, and that was entitled “Ireland a model for preserving life,” I, too, abhor abortion and praise Ireland for its efforts to preserve life.

But, I also understand that an estimated 7,000 Irish women travel to Britain every year for abortions where abortions are readily available to them. Because of Ireland’s much smaller population, on a per-capita basis, this estimate would translate into the equivalent of about 500,000 abortions in the U.S.

So, this estimate of 7,000 abortions is not insignificant. It also begs that the following question be asked: Could Ireland maintain its absolute ban on all abortions if Irish women could not go to Britain for readily available abortions? The answer is by no means clear.

Also, in light of her considerable knowledge of and experience with Irish affairs and the Irish people, I find it inconceivable that Hillary Clinton would be so insensitive as to meddle in the handling of the abortion issue by Ireland’s people. I’m also sure that she would steer President Obama away from such meddling, as well.

Dave Schulz

Hawthorn Woods