In response to Father Ramkissoon's poll and the resulting article, I would say it is all good and well for some to suggest carrying a baby resulting from rape to full term. However, I would like to suggest that this decision should not be left to any pro-life group, individual or government. It should be the decision of the female who is the victim - the one who will face the next nine months and everything that comes with it.

In today's Jamaica, pregnancies like these could destroy someone's future. There are no safety nets and we must all remember that not all experiences are the same and no two people are alike. Give the women the information and let them decide for themselves. Should this happen to anyone's underage daughter, this decision would be between the mother and child and later the doctor and counsellor.

Sickened

Like many people, the thought of what happens to the foetus sickens me. However, I am equally sickened by the thought of what happens to these women and girls. I wholeheartedly sympathise with any female who refuse to carry such pregnancies to full term. And if they should contract HIV in the process, what then?

Of course, there are those who have weathered the storm, overcome and have done well for themselves. I respect you, my sisters. And I equally respect those who decide they can't. I would also like to suggest that there may be many others who have done as suggested, but have not managed to overcome the setbacks. It is foolhardy to think that the majority of women who choose that route will be able to move beyond the experience. And, what about those who did not say yes to the question? Should their opinions be overlooked?

To abort or not to abort fellow Jamaicans, should be the decision of the women who must spend the next nine months of her life carrying the foetus to full term, bearing the morning sickness, swollen feet and all the discomfort that goes with it.

Regardless of what our clergymen would have us believe, sin is sin and we will all have to answer to our God for our individual transgressions.

I am, etc.,

Z. NEUFVILLE

zadie@lineone.net