Herbert Messina Ferrante, Attard
Sanctity of life values every person
In a recent interview on the TV programme Dissett, a Labour Party official said he had some reservations as to the illegality of "abortion" in special cases, though he did deny it later saying he had been misinterpreted.
Labour Party leader Joseph Muscat felt he had to stress the point at the general conference that the PL was against all forms of abortion, bringing the party in line with the general consensus of the Maltese.
My philosophy is that when a child is conceived it has a right to be born: it matters not whether the child has, for example, Down syndrome or some other disability.
Every parent wants their child to be normal but, surely, it is not a tragedy if they are not. Every life is of value and any thinking to the opposite is a reproof to a society not willing to enter in a relationship with a child who is handicapped.
No one has a right to kill. It's about time we started linking rights to responsibilities and speaking up for the sanctity of life, which values every per-son.
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adrian aquilina
Feb 18th 2010, 19:46
stop forcing your ignorant religious comments on people.if you dont like something dont do it..you have no right to tell anyone what to do with their own body
Rosalie Freestone-Bayes
Feb 18th 2010, 18:57
At Mr.Wenzu Vella...Sir, I am very sad to read your letter about your 26 yr old relative.His family must be very brave and committed to have looked after him so well--up to date.If ever he becomes too much to be looked after at home,which is a big possibility,they will have to ask for professional help. No doubt he is very much loved.But do you think they would have chosen abortion had they known about this before he was born? I doubt it really.Because you see, that is what I would call arrogance !!!! The arrogance of some people who choose to get rid, to kill a "child" because it is not perfect.Who gives them the right to say whether or not someone should live or not.....I recall a young neighbour of mine who opted for an abortion and forever after felt very guilty and miserable.Now she has been trying for a baby for many years and none has come.Coincidence? I wonder.Sir, don't feel sorry for him.He is an angel. I wish you well.
Rosalie Freestone-Bayes
Feb 18th 2010, 18:26
I meant "grateful".....sorry. And to Mr.Flynn----- Malta , thank God, is one of the countries that agrees with Dr.Messina. .
Gerry Cowie
Feb 18th 2010, 18:23
Ramon Casha, using his usual sarcastic one-liner once again has nothing to say. A constructive point we need not expect!
W Flynn from Australia wades in once again. Where on earth he gets the notion that abortion is a necessity I know not. The fact that women are the only sex able to bear children means that their so-called "right to choose" means the right to choose to end an innocent life. Since the most basic and fundemental human right is the right to life, how can anybody be given carte blanche to extinguish that right just because of their sex? Abortion is a tragedy which can in many cases be avoided.
The right to life indeed is not simply related to religious beliefs. It is the right of everybody regardless of race, colour or creed. Happily many who have no beliefs still respect human life.
All those clamouring for abortion in Malta - especially those from outside the EU - should remember that they are alive today because their mothers chose life.
Sadly there are too many who think that life itself is the tragedy. What is the tragedy is the cheapening and lack of respect for human life!
Rosalie Freestone-Bayes
Feb 18th 2010, 17:50
Countries who have legalised abortion have done so to avoid "back yard" abortions (and their frightening outcomes) and also to uphold so called women's rights over their bodies.The latter I don't necessarily agree to in this case, as when a lady is pregnant,she MUST also consider the rights of the unborn baby as well.Of course it's tragic for a child to be born handicapped.But aborting it for whatever reason would still be KILLING. I have heard numerous debates on BBC TV where very handicapped people had the strongest views about this. They were adamant about feeling greatful that their mother had not had an abortion. Life is precious.We can learn a great deal from people with less than perfect bodies,or minds for that matter, who put some of us to shame with what they achieve.A country's greatness is as good as its positive moral qualities--and the way it treats its old,infirm and handicapped citizens.
Mikiel Axiaq
Feb 18th 2010, 15:06
Naqbel perfettament ma' l-awtur ta' din l-ittra. Fil-familja ghandi persuna b'dizabbilita' izda fortunatament qatt ma kienet mitluqa jew mormija barra daqs li kieku ma kinitx hlejqa t'Alla. L-abort huwa QTIL.
Wenzu Vella
Feb 18th 2010, 13:18
Sir,
At this very moment I and my dear brother are talking about his badly handicapped grandson.
A 26 year old young man that he has never experienced any form of life at all. Require constant 24/7 care by his family, that are always int tears because of their misfortune that nature bestowed on them.
I ask sir what right have you or anyone that think like you, who have never experienced anything of this magnitude to say that"its not a tragedy if they are not" I call this pure ARROGANCE.
Sir, would you be prepared to help in a situation like this and look after somone with this type of handicap, I'm sure that after you assess the situation you will decline.
P. Vincenti
Feb 18th 2010, 12:49
To readers:
I have personally come close to many situations as described by Mr Ferrante, even hard cases and I still see no exception to abortion. When I see tragedy I see more need for help and compassion. Indeed, we (GOL) have helped and currently help many women in a crisis pregnancy during and when the bay is born until the mother can manage without our support. They are always so grateful. Talk is cheap, help is better.
Ramon Casha
Feb 18th 2010, 11:28
To quote Monty Python, "Every sperm is sacred!"
William P Flynn
Feb 18th 2010, 11:05
Why does just about every country in the world disagree with Herbert Messina Ferrante and have legalized abortion in certain circumstances? Why has the UN criticised the Philippines and its Catholic leaders for creating a scenario for over half a million back yard abortions every year?
Abortion, the tragedy that it is, is the last resort to avoid a greater one. That is is a necessity and a woman's right is shown by its continuing inspite of all the laws, religions and punishment.
James Grima.
Feb 18th 2010, 10:49
For this reason Herbert these sort of people (PL) have to be left out of government, otherwise...
Franco Farrugia
Feb 18th 2010, 10:12
While in essence and in theory, as well as in practice, I agree with what the writer says in his letter, I wish to ask him how close he is to such 'non-tragedies'!