My opinion was published!

This letter was in our local paper in the readers opinion section. The author is a retired Gynocologist.

Abortion law needs to go 14/06/2008

THE Law Reform Commission has finally delivered its recommendations to Parliament for politicians to decide to remove abortion from the Crimes Act.It is time to bring Victorian laws up to date, to reflect community attitudes; not those of a vocal and determined minority.All studies of Australia's attitudes to termination of an unwanted pregnancy show that only 10 per cent of the population are opposed to abortion, 80 per cent agree with a woman's right to choose for herself and 10 per cent are undecided (ANU Survey 2004), so politicians should honestly reflect their electorate's opinion, not their own personal view.As 95 per cent of all terminations are performed in early pregnancy, the arguments against late abortions are less relevant and each case is decided on its own merit.It is pathetic to hear the emotional opinions of some politicians who state "life begins at conception", when this is a matter of opinion not fact, nor a legal definition.The anti-abortion lobby should accept the majority of Australians do not agree with their opposition to abortion and that the law must change to reflect the majority view.Women should be allowed to choose for themselves what is best for them.
DR PIETER MOURIK,Wodonga

I wouldn't normally write to the paper, but this one needed a reply. So I straight away drafted a letter, sought feedback from a few friends, then edited it and sent it. In the course of the last week there has been a couple of published replies to that letter, none agreeing with the good doctor. Then yesterday, mine was published. it felt good to see my name in print. here's what I wrote...

Own Integrity Biggest Loss 23/06/08
To suggest that one should accept the majority's opinion, and to reduce their opinion to being pathetic [Abortion Law needs to Go, Pieter Mourik,June 14th], is a dangerous proposal in todays society.
We live in a society where rights are taught without the responsibility.
Is there such a thing as a moral reference point anymore, other than personal preference?
I believe we should actually commend people, especially teenagers, who stand for what they believe, and not succumb to popular opinion.
The law may need to be updated, but that does not mean a complete turnaround.
This dispute is too deep and complex to address in a news opinion, but I plead with the individual not to succumb to a majority's opinion at the cost of your own integrity.