Sir, – It should be recognised that the United Nations Committee on Human Rights is an administrative and political and not a judicial body and that its opinions do not in any sense have the status of legal rulings. Its opinion is no more than that, its opinion. Given the background and record of the committee and of many of its members, it is not an opinion to which I would be disposed to have any regard. – Yours, etc,
CIARÁN CONNOLLY,
Raheny,
Dublin 5.
Sir, – You quote the Irish Council for Civil Liberties as saying that the UN "joins a chorus of expert voices reminding Ireland that its abortion regime is wildly out of kilter with abortion law and practice in the family of civilised nations"(June 9th). Some might say that countries whose respect for the unborn is so non-existent that their laws allow virtual "abortion on demand" are not entitled to call themselves "civilised". – Yours, etc,
Dr CONOR CARR,
Ballinasloe,
Co Galway.
Sir, – I am sad that few seem to care about the awful plight of women in this country, especially those faced with a fatal foetal abnormality. Are we so ignorant and inhumane that we think burying our heads in the sand yet again is preferable to allowing the people of this country to finally do the right thing and repeal the Eighth Amendment? We need to think beyond the fear and religious dogma that too often motivate us, and change our Constitution. One solution does not fit all. There are times when the termination of a pregnancy is necessary. We need options, not this barbaric treatment. – Yours, etc,
VALERIE O’GORMAN,
Newbridge,
Co Kildare.
Sir, – The Government is faced with a clear choice – either it acts promptly to introduce legislation to allow abortion in the cases of foetuses with fatal abnormalities, and, if necessary, a referendum to repeal the Eighth Amendment, or it withdraws Ireland’s signature from the optional protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Or am I missing something? – Yours, etc,
JOE McCARTHY,
Arbour Hill,
Dublin D7.