From Mr B. B. Speight, MRPharmS
SIR,-I refer to Gerry Diamond's letter (PJ, June 17, p913) in which he advocates free supply of emergency contraception.
At first glance, his arguments seem to hold water but, on closer inspection, this policy is short-term gain for long-term problems. Ending pregnancy at any point is taking life - that is a huge moral issue on its own, but the more pernicious effect of a liberal lifestyle is broken marriages and homes, single parent families and social instability. Compare the divorce rates, suicide rates and incidence of depression with those of 30 or 40 years ago.
Mr Diamond is quite right in his assertion that "if they choose promiscuity, then let them take whatever consequences for it". The problem is that society is an intricate, interrelated warp and weave of human relationships - no one is an island - and the destructive effect of a "convenient action" based policy affects the whole body of people indirectly. I started out a "pro-abortionist" but, 40 years down the line, I have done a 180 degree turn. The Bible offers guidelines for a successful, fulfilled life - you will reap what you sow and no exceptions.
Interestingly, the June 17 edition of the PJ lists the most often used medications worldwide. Anti-ulcerants, lipid-lowering drugs and antidepressants take the first three places. Is this indicative of a happy, well-balanced society? You be the judge.
Bryan Speight
Botha's Hill, South Africa