Although I usually like Susan Campbell’s column, I must disagree with her Jan. 23 piece in the New Haven Register, urging progressive Christians to support and speak up for reproductive rights. She states that to be outspoken on this issue is OK because “Jesus will love you.” Of course He will love you - the gospels are full of examples of Christ showing unconditional love for sinners. His Great Law of Love only synthesizes, and does not replace, the Ten Commandments given to all men for all time; among them is “Thou shall not kill.”

The unborn child is not a clump of tissue, but a complete human being in process. Even animals are wired to protect their young, illustrating how unnatural the killing of innocent young life is - a violent violation of natural as well as moral law. After viewing their unborn child in an ultrasound, with many organs and tiny fingers and toes clearly visible, most women refuse the abortion they thought they wanted.

Rather than speaking out for reproductive rights, energy could be better spent teaching daughters to be assertive, saying “no” to sex outside the sanctity and security of marriage; saying “no” to having their worth tied to sexual attractiveness and buying into the compulsions to strive for Madison Avenue’s idea of beauty and style. Rather, women, and all people should concentrate on enhancing character, discovering and developing their unique gifts - but without love, it profits us nothing.

Claudia Sorrentino

Guilford