Courtney McGrailDear Editor, I could not agree more with Michael Kelly’s editorial comment (IC 6/9/2016) that “what is hidden by badges proclaiming Repeal the Eighth is the horror of what the phrase actually means”.
Some political parties and even the Minister for Children, Katherine Zappone TD, seem to be oblivious to how provocative it can be to wear shirts with the word ‘Repeal’ blazoned across their chests. Elected representatives should show some sensitivity in how they express their opinions and appreciate that a clear majority do not favour an unrestricted abortion regime, something that repealing the Eighth Amendment could lead to. Neither is it helpful for a mature debate to call for the repeal of the Eighth Amendment without advising the electorate of what would replace it.
As Christians we should surely be proactive in asking our electoral representatives who support repeal of the Eighth Amendment to outline clearly when they think the life of a new human being can reasonably be said to have begun and what protection in terms of human rights they would be willing to afford this person.
Yours etc.,
Frank Browne,
Templeogue, Dublin 16.