Effort to Open Dialogue on Abortion Welcome

To the editors:

While we don't agree with all of the points made by Adam I. Arenson in "Building an Abortion Consensus" (Op-Ed, Sept. 15), Harvard Right to Life (HRL) welcomes the effort to open a constructive dialogue on this crucial issue. HRL is committed to finding common ground solutions that focus on the needs of women and address the root causes of abortion, namely the lack of emotional and financial support , according to studies by the Alan Guttmacher Institute, Planned Parenthood's research arm.

In line with Arenson's suggestion, HRL is happy to agree on the common goal of fewer abortions. We are convinced that abortion is a tragedy for both women and children, and that--when fully informed about the negative emotional and psychological effects of abortion, and offered genuine alternatives--very few women will choose abortion.

HRL invites Students for Choice and other groups concerned about women and children to join us in our efforts to ensure that women--especially on Harvard's campus--have real choices when faced with a crisis pregnancy. To this end, we have worked to inform women of crisis pregnancy resources and will host a Pregnancy Resources Forum this year.

Melissa R. Moschella '02

Brownen C. McShea '02

Sept. 15, 2000

The writers are executive board members of Harvard Right to Life.