Differences of opinion

Hamish Macdonell writes of "the most extraordinary and intemperate terms" being used by James MacMillan in the abortion debate (Debate & Opinion, 15 July). The whole temper of his column seems frankly a bit "Orange": he seems to think that the anti-abortion position is an expression of either primitivism, perversity or enthralment to the clerics. He would do better to consider that there is a genuine disagreement about fact here.

We all agree that a life, once regarded as human, deserves special protection. The view generally taken by parliament and the media is that this begins when a foetus becomes viable. Catholic teaching is that it begins at conception. I do not happen to agree; but the fact that that view is Aristotelian does not make it quaint or contemptible. There is no accepted appeal to biological science in the matter, and each person is free to form his own judgement on the question. Democracy requires a degree of respect for those who have different opinions to our own – and this applies as much to Mr Macdonell as it does to Mr MacMillan.

MARK O'SULLIVAN

Shore Street

Drummore, Wigtownshire