Letter: Abortion: time to speak out for a right women thought they had won

Sir: So the "pro-life" brigade is on the march again. They have an inbuilt campaigning advantage because the most fervent supporter of free choice can only say, at best, that abortion is the lesser of two evils. They are also at an advantage since those of us who have had abortions do not wish to advertise the fact: we have friends and relations who might be distressed, or we simply prefer not to acknowledge and discuss a negative experience.

I think the time has come for us to speak out. I have had an abortion, and I am grateful that the law and the British Pregnancy Advisory Service made the experience as un-traumatic as it could be. Yes, I have since wondered whether I made the right decision - but I have wondered that about every major decision of my adult life. No, I have never suffered agonies guilt or remorse, and for me it was no worse than an early miscarriage (which I've also experienced).

I supported the right to choose abortion before I was faced with the choice myself, and I continue to support it now; and I urge every reader who can say the same to speak out with me.

SARAH GILBERT

Oswestry, Shropshire