MS HAYWOOD asks ('The Victorians and abortion', February 19) why do we hark back to those times. I ask who does? Pro-life people don't.

As far as the morning after pill is concerned, if Ms Haywood had a daughter, would she like her to be given that pill in school, without her knowledge at age 11? These pills are poisonous substances intending to end life.

When reading articles on abortion we always end up with the woman's right to choose. We have a right to do many things, but some things we have no right to do.

If abortion were affecting only the woman nobody would object. But every abortion kills someone. Unborn children are weak and dependant. This is no reason to consider them disposable.

We have the highest abortion rate in Europe. Who speaks for the rights of the unborn child?

It is sad that Ms Haywood compares today and 1861 as if things could go back to those conditions. Our unborn children need not be killed, but adopted.

Mrs C Webb,

Ashley Park Crescent, York.

Updated: 10:26 Wednesday, March 13, 2002