No abortion, please

I was amazed to read Mei's letter titled Abortion or adoption (April 30). Though it is provocative, I appreciate the writer's courage to share her opinion.

I have also read The Sunday Post article titled Single mom juggles job and home to support son (April 20). Although the article was controversial and could induce reaction from conservative members of society, I appreciate Ade Juniarti's decision and courage and wish her good luck for her future and present endeavors.

But I wonder how Mei comprehends the facts of life. The title Abortion or adoption suggests that taking care of a child is a choice between life and death. Unaccustomed to accepting responsibility will always transpire with such understanding.

Mei's opinion does make sense. But with the fast changing moral values of society, premarital sex almost becomes synonymous with change. Albeit this can be altered, but it requires the dedication of the three important pillars of society: the family, religious groups and the government.

Regarding individual or societal acceptance of abortion, one question instantly arises. Is there a difference between killing an innocent adult and an innocent unborn child? Maybe on a larger scale of things, but the general action does not pose any difference at all. In fact, it all ensues murder and sin.

To question why Ade decided not to have an abortion only implies a superficial understanding of the real situation. Solving a problem by committing another mistake does not make any sense at all. Instead it only complicates the whole situation. Choosing alternatives in solving a problem should be limited to a choice between evil and the lesser evil. In reality, both are abhorred by society.

But a better understanding of the situation is called for and all the prevailing alternatives should be analyzed so the mores of society are not jeopardized. It may seem ambitious, but Ade's decision not to have an abortion is a reflection of this situation.

I'm a hypocrite because I don't accept abortion. But this is my personal opinion and I respect other people's point of view. I also believe juvenile delinquency is not always a result of an unwanted child or poverty, but also how the parents (or single parent) and society molds the destiny of the child.

DR. HERNANDO M. GOTINGA JR.

Jakarta