Abortion clinic protests

Press, 27 January 1986, Page 20

Abortion clinic protests

Sir,—Last Thursday (January 23), while driving through town in peak-hour evening traffic, I was required to stop at the lights on the comer of Montreal Street and Bealey Avenue in the far right hand lane. Close to my car on the footpath were several protesters outside Lyndhurst Clinic holding banners asking motorists to toot their horns in support. I was asked, and replied, “No, I do not support your action.” I was then subjected to a barrage of comments as I waited for a green light. Must we, the public, be subjected to this kind of harassment? My understanding w the traffic regulations is that a horn be used as a "warn-

ing device,” not an instrument of protest. I suggest that the Ministry of Transport look closely at the actions of the protesters as, in my opinion, their behaviour is not only contemptible, but also a danger to motorists.—Yours, etc.,

ELLEN LOGIE. January 25, 1986.

Sir, —In your editorial (Wednesday, January 22), you comment that recent anti-abor-tion protesters "showed a low sensitivity towards the feelings of women” who have found abortion acceptable and necessary. While agreeing that such pregnant women need sensitive understanding, as does anyone in conflict, I am amazed and saddened that your comments offer no sensitivity whatsoever to the pain and violent death of the unborn babies concerned. When building their home, husband and wife plan carefully all the factors involved and, having put down foundations, do not usually abandon the project and bulldoze it down. Surely they should take infinitely more care of the foundations of the new life growing within the woman’s womb,

already a person and destined to be the temple of God forever. The demonstrators are not "out of order,” as you suggest, but courageously objecting to the destruction of human life.— Yours, etc.,

MARY SCANLON. January 24, 1986.