Letter: Consider impact of unwanted childbirth

I read Mark Bodett's letter of June 10 ("Reality and abortion") with nothing less than wonder. I wonder what he thinks happens to a woman or girl during the nine months of an unwanted pregnancy. I wonder if he even considered the other elements of a woman's reality or just assumes it's a magically smooth ride from conception to delivery.

Doesn't he recognize that there can be dire economic, educational and psychological impacts? A woman may be forced into adverse circumstances that impact the rest of her life, even to the extent of making her dependent upon public and charitable support.

Doesn't he realize what can happen to a teenage girl when her parents find out about her pregnancy? There are numerous well-documented cases of girls being beaten and/or tossed out of their homes and put on the streets as minor children. They, too, will be dependent on public and charitable support, experiencing even more lifelong damage than an adult might.

Does he think so little of women as whole human beings that he relegates them to mere brood stock? He is basically denying that women have other contributions to make.

There must be a better way. When women have full control over our bodies, our minds and hands are freed and we can be dynamic members of the society, the economy, our communities and families.

Jamie Smith

Wheaton