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Salient. Official Newspaper of Victoria University of Wellington Students Association. Vol 40 No. 15. July 4 1977

The Abortion Debate Continues

The Abortion Debate Continues

Dear David

A contentious subject is Abortion if the SRC of 25.5.77 is any indication.

The subject of Abortion is a moral issue and as such I see no reason why the views on this issue held by a minority should be allowed to constitute legislation for the rest of society. In a moral issue such as this the decision should be left to the individual woman to make up her own mind according to the dictates of her own conscience.

Quite apart from this however, because of the prevailing social and economic conditions in New Zealand Women need abortions. They need abortions because contraception is expensive and not readily available. Economically there is a need and demand. Because of the present high cost of living, people cannot afford financially to support yet another child. Maternity leave is denied to women and child care is an expense the majority of people are unable to budget for. also people are human! they make mistake.

Accidental pregnancys are a very real problem at any socioeconomic lever and in any age group.

While there are women who feel that they are emotionally incapable or economically unable to continue their pregnancys there will be a demand to terminate them. No amount of legislation will present women from seeking mums to allieviate their conditions

The number of abortions will not be reduced in this country, those who can afford it will fly to Australia. As for the rest, for them the only alternative will to be to return to self-abortions or back-street abortionists.

No one is denying the beauty of creating children but every child should be a wanted child and as for those pregnancies that are accidental, safe legal abortion is the only answer if the mental strains and physical horrors of back-street abortions are to be averted.

Supporter Pro-Abortion Lobby.