TO THE EDITORS:

Linda Romanzi wrote, "...because a government makes a ruling, that does not cause a practice to become moral or ethical." Religious ideology is no foundation for law, either. We do not have laws against eating shellfish or wearing polyester, but religious text tells me it is an abomination.

I am pleased to hear that she understands abortion is acceptable in cases of rape or a life-threatening illness. However, her opinion that "... the majority of abortions involve inconvenience" is a bit provoking.

Is it an inconvenience when 42 percent of women obtaining abortions have incomes below the federal poverty level? Every year in the United States, 458,952 babies are born to mothers without adequate prenatal care and knowledge.

Currently, there are 132 million children in need of a family and shelter, which includes more than 1 million homeless youths in America, alone. Those 132 million children in America have a 2 percent chance of being adopted before their first birthday, a measly 44 percent chance between the ages of 1 and 5, and it sharply declines to 15 percent by the time they are 11 years old.

If they have no one willing to be their parent or guardian, how would another child have a better chance?

Linda also states, "If you are honest, you would admit that you don't know [when life begins]... and not end the life of a helpless human being." Was the Lord erring on the side of caution when he instructed the first born of every Egyptian to be put to death as proof of his superiority?

Linda may be surprised to know that 28 percent of women obtaining abortions are Catholic. Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones.

I would also like to point out that the last Bible passage she quoted as being Isaiah 40:22 is, in fact, Jeremiah 1:5.

As an atheist, I am dumbfounded by the lack of knowledge some Christians have regarding their own religion.

Abortion is, and should always be, a woman's choice.

Amy Soto
Lancaster