Dear Editor,

Dr. Leslie Ramsammy's [ please note: link provided by LOSP web site ] invitation to me (6/12/01) to join the Advisory Board to access the impact of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy act, 1995, seems to be a genuine attempt on his part as the present minister of health to implement the M.T.P. act.

As a Catholic, I firmly believe that life is sacred from the moment of conception.

The Medical Termination of Pregnancy act completely ignores the rights of the second life, whom the abortion terminates; that life is the life of the tiny baby in the womb of a mother. It follows from this fact that all persons sitting on the Advisory Board accessing the M.T.P. act, must in principle accept that there is need for an abortion industry. For in being on the board they not only go along with the denial of the right to life of the tiny baby, but they are also involved with the when, the how, and the why of the abortion industry.

It is quite clear by now to all that abortion is forbidden by the Catholic Church. It is against the teachings of the Catholic Church and all the principles of the pro-life movement to participate in any type of activity which disqualifies or denies the right to life of the second life involved in the abortion process - the life of the tiny baby in the womb of the mother. Of course I cannot join the Advisory Board. Nor can any true Catholic for that matter. No pro-life activist would be involved with monitoring the when, how, who and why of the abortion industry in Guyana.

But you, Mr. Editor, can be of service to Dr. Ramsammy, the Stabroek News could come to his rescue. A quick glance through the letter columns of your 1993, 94 and 95 issues should provide sufficient names of ladies and gents who were completely convinced that the M.T.P. Act would create a new co-operation between all the medical forces; that abortion would not only be safe but freely available for any mother who didn't want her baby.

For our part, we pro-life activists shall continue to work and pray for that day when our political leaders will truly listen to and serve the needs and aspiration of all the people. Leaders who will see children not as a burden, but as a true blessing from God and a valuable resource for the future.

I must believe that time will come.