AS I see it, we would live in a far better world if the question of abortion did not arise. All abortions are a case of a life denied existence by the intervention of a medical procedure. I would hope to persuade any woman who I might influence to think hard before making such a decision.

But I feel there are some groups who want to make someone feel guilty of a heinous crime if they go forward with an abortion. I think that the approach of some branches of Christianity and Islam is intolerant and based on an attitude to women that they are just here to do as they are told by men with dogmatic opinions.

I do not think this is an issue that will go away. All of us have individual decisions to take on what we think is right. There are, in my book, no more objectionable people than those who have a holier than thou approach.

As I read the New Testament what strikes me most forcefully was that Jesus saw himself coming to the world to save sinners. Those who are honest with themselves will recognise themselves as sinners. I certainly do.

Geoffrey Bulmer, Billingham.