Weighing the life of the unborn

THE BIPARTISAN agreement among decent folks is that Bristol Palin's pregnancy ought not to become a political football. So only with reluctance do I note that Jeff Jacoby has chosen to pick up this ball ("A stark choice on abortion," Op-ed, Sept. 3).

He adopts the pretense that Barack Obama is somehow wrong to suggest that parents might well be dismayed should their daughter face an unplanned pregnancy. Then he lauds the supposed contrast that the Palins represent. "We're proud of Bristol's decision," they say. Here's a question: Given that pro-life folks deny that a pregnancy ought to be a situation that calls for a decision, of what precisely are you all so proud?

I believe that Bristol has in fact made a courageous decision worthy of the support of her parents and of all decent Americans, who I hope will henceforth respect her privacy. The reason I admire her decision is that I believe it's a difficult and painful one better left in the hands of individuals than in those of the state or federal government.

BRIAN KEEGAN
Attleboro

JEFF JACOBY ("A stark choice on abortion") has a way of putting into meaningful words the thoughts, hopes, and desires of so many who respect unborn human life. After reading his Sept. 3 column, there should be no doubt in anyone's mind that life is the most wonderful gift.

MARY C. GINNETTY
Medford