Janet McCallum is to be commended for her perceptive article "Welcome to the age of loneliness" (The Age, 9/2/02). 

While referring to the smaller size of families, she has not mentioned the impact of induced abortion, which at the rate of 100,000 per year in Australia, has contributed not only to smaller families but also to many cases of childlessness. 

Women who resort to abortion to solve immediate problems will in 20 years time (or less) realize they have deprived themselves of, in the words of Bob Ellis, "someone who would have loved you". 

In 20 years time that unwanted pregnancy would be a charming, much loved friend and companion. Joining a garden club or environmental group is a poor substitute.

 

Babette Francis,
National & Overseas Co-ordinator,
Endeavour Forum Inc.
12 Denham Place,
Toorak, Vic. 3142

Ph: 9822 5218