Gloucester Daily Times Debate on Abortion (70), November 1, 1986

“No” Will Prevent Child Abuse

On June 19, 1974, I gave birth to a healthy baby boy. Approximately a week later, I signed his adoption papers. On that day, I mad a statement on the quality of life a child deserves.

Twelve years later, when the right to choice is being threatened, I feel strong enough to make another statement.

I could have had an abortion, but chose not to. I could have kept my child, and I knew the child would suffer the consequences of that.

How many times have we read about atrocities that children endure, or how many of us personally know children whose physical needs are neglected, or worse, who are physically or mentally abused? And who would want to increase those statistics threefold — or even more?

If the right to abortion is taken away from us, how many more children will be born into the hands of an alcoholic mother, a drug abuser, or an emotionally or mentally unbalanced person?

Keep the quality of life, keep the right to choose. Vote no on Question No. 1.

Susan Price, 5 Jerden’s Lane, Rockport