Editor,

RE: "Unwanted pregnancies: Give women more choices” (The New Times, November 18).

Historically, women around the world have tried to end their unintended pregnancies, whether abortion is legal or not.

There is very little relationship between abortion legality and abortion incidence. However, studies have demonstrated that as preventive methods use continues to increase, levels of unintended pregnancies and abortions are declining.

The focus should be put on preventive methods (e.g. sex education in schools, in families, youth centres; using key persons in the community like role models; sports events; mass media…).

Making abortion legal doesn’t eliminate psychological problems after abortion.

All studies report high rates of psychological problems after abortion compared to other women. Just one example: a 4-year study of post abortion patients demonstrated that after eight weeks of abortion, 36 per cent experienced sleep disturbances, 44 per cent nervous disorders, and 31 per cent regretted about their decision.

Prevention is better, far greater than cure.

Bella