The Editor, Sir:

I believe that the Rev Donavan Cole has made a good suggestion in his letter to the editor dated February 12. Getting people's views on the topic abortion is a crucial decision the government must take before deciding on legalising it. Not only getting the people's point of view is essential, but also making a vote on it could be one step to the decision making of legalising abortion.

I am totally against abortion. I remember conducting a group in oral communications class at the Northern Caribbean University. My group was against the whole notion of abortion. We researched the topic and found useful information. The information gathered helped me in my decision to make a stand against it. I have learnt that one effect that abortion has on the individual is the psychological effect. Once that child has been aborted, it remains as a scar for life to the individual.

The Government need not focus on abortion to reduce birth rates if that's what they are concerned about; rather, they should promote the use of contraceptive methods and also assist in providing support and funding agencies who deal with children existing with unfortunate cases.

I am, etc.,

Damalie Beason

damalie_beason@yahoo.com, Via Go-Jamaica