THE anti-abortion lobby had a field day on this emotive subject (HAS, June 7). Even the term "abortion" is not pleasant, but we must never lose sight of a woman's right to choose.

If abortion was made illegal, as it is in Eire, can you imagine the desperate plight of mothers, married and single, trying to cope with millions of unwanted babies, apart from the colossal burden on taxpayers to help look after them?

Would the Vatican give away its treasures and boundless wealth to help nurture these unwanted children? I very much doubt it and a bit less dogma and more humanity would not be amiss.

I understand many young woman come here from Eire to have abortions since it is illegal in their own country - how sad.

If the anti-abortionists wish to bury their heads in the sand instead of living in the real world that is their choice, as it is a fundamental right of every woman to choose what happens to her body - end of story.

Hugh Pender, Darlington.