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Salient. Official Newspaper of the Victoria University Students' Association. Vol 42 No. 22. September 10 1979

Massof's Missed the Point

Massof's Missed the Point

Dear Sir,

It is unfortunate that many people have been sufficiently pressurised by the media and pro-choice groups to assume recklessly that it is solely a woman's right to decide whether to have a child or not. This apparently is the trap that C. Massof has fallen into. Initially it is necessary to realise the gravity of the subject with which we are dealing. It is not merely a question of whether or not it would be convenient to carry through a pregnancy to term and the responsibilities which this brings. We must consider the sum total rights of a foetus to a life.

It disgusts me to see letters printed which undoubtedly show that the writer is no more aware of the subject than s/he is of the time of day.

For C. Massof assumes too much. She states:"Women should be allowed to make this decision themselves", but docs not say why Nowhere does she produce any measure of fact unless conjecture and fact have become confused.

Her brand of feminism means that to be a feminist one must agree with abortion — but the writer of Abortion Attacked has adequately shown that feminism can be tempered with a pro-life stance. This shows that abortion need not be a 'necessary condition' to allow women equal opportunities in 'this' society.

C. Massof would do well to study her subject more closely. I refer her to Abortion-by Baruck Brody. She may well be surprised at what he has to say on 'The Women's Right to her Body' (P.26) and his final stand on the subejct.

In conclusion, C. Massof has not said anything that is not at least sensible — it is just that she argues on the assumption and once more we question the necessity of abortion.

J. Sheehan,

(President, Liferight).