Sir, - I notice that none of the leaks from the Green Paper on Abortion has mentioned any proposals which might seek to reduce the numbers of abortions. I myself favour a referendum which would restore the ban on abortion, but only if it was a part of a larger package of measures to address the issue. This would, hopefully, include greater workplace flexibility; decent child benefit; education on adoption; and the promotion of realistic, as opposed to fairy-tale, versions of motherhood.
All of this would demand effort and resources, but, more importantly, the will on the part of politicians, the media and all of us to make it happen. None of this is impossible but it will require someone to show a bit of courage, leadership and vision. The goal is worth the risk. - Yours, etc.,
Maria Byrne, SRN, Naas, Co Kildare.