Letter: Doctor who fought abortion
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: Mrs P L Cohen (letter, 12 December) does not tell the full story about Dr Aleck Bourne.
Yes, in 1938 the late Dr Bourne was charged under Section 58 of the 1861 Offences against the Person Act with performing an illegal abortion on a woman who had been raped by a group of soldiers. He did it to save the sanity of the young woman but in no way meant it to open the floodgates to the present abortion laws. He pleaded not guilty and was acquitted.
By 1967 Dr Bourne had become so appalled by the results of the case that he was one of the founding members of the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children and served on the executive committee until his death. He totally opposed the 1967 Abortion Act and predicted that the legalisation of abortion would lead to "the greatest holocaust in history". How prophetic his words have turned out to be after more than 4 million abortions, 98 per cent done on social grounds.
GORDON BUCHAN
Chairman, Society for the Protection of Unborn Children
Aberdeen Branch
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments