LETTERS IN VIEW : Story of ‘One Teen’s Abortion’ Elicits Plea to ‘Value Life’

I read with interest Robin Abcarian’s column on Feb. 3, “One Teen’s Abortion--a Marathon of Waiting.”

Like her, I am often distressed by the red tape and waiting periods involved in many bureaucratic processes. I agree it is even worse for those who are poor. I am more concerned about another kind of poverty, however, the poverty of the spirit that allows her to write with, to use her own word, ambivalence about the termination of a life.

Abcarian revealed to your readers that by the 23rd week of her own pregnancy, she knew that her fetus was a baby, a real life, a person. “When I was 23 weeks pregnant, my baby was a palpable presence; her kicks filled me with joy and awe.”

Now let me see if I understand this--at 23 weeks in her pregnancy, Abcarian was calling her fetus a baby, a she, a palpable presence, kicking and bringing her great joy. But this other young woman at 23 weeks in her pregnancy had nothing but something worth terminating?

If she is so worried about the way her friend was treated, let’s work together to help people value each other. Let’s teach her baby and the next pregnant teen’s baby that they were created equal whether they were wanted or not. Let’s value life, that “palpable presence,” that many of us find joy in. I think there would eventually be fewer lines, less red tape, fewer abortions--and I pray for all of us--less ambivalence.

BARBARA BONESTEELE

Rancho Palos Verdes