Medical perspective on abortion edifying

Kudos to the letter by Dr. Roland Nyegaard on banning abortion.

With respect to the beliefs of many Christians and others regarding the developmental stages of a fetus, why should those beliefs be imposed on the life-altering decision of a single female with few resources or options? Wouldn't that concern be better directed toward the children already alive and breathing who need food, education and a glimmer of hope so they might not join ranks with 85 percent of the violent, formerly unwanted children now occupying a jail cell?

Admittedly this is a highly emotional core issue with many of us, but at some point don't we need to think about self-preservation as a society? The least we could do as a wealthy and theoretically evolved country is to make sure everyone has access to an informed choice on one of the most important life issues young and not-so-young people face so far. This education should start in the schools in a straightforward comprehensive manner as early as children are able to grasp the information.

PETER FIRTH

Modesto