Further to your article on the ‘Abortion Debate’ (December 2020), I was pleased to see that several amendments were moved to that Bill in the Upper House, but I was staggered that they were lost (13 to 9).

One amendment was to penalise gender-based abortions. Its defeat leaves the door open to ‘gender-balancing’ by abortion.  That prospect is abominable.

What kind of society do we live in?

It is anomalous that in SA gender selection by IVF is illegal, but gender-selective abortions are allowed.

I am amazed that not one person to whom I have spoken on this topic is aware of it, but all now share my concern. This prospect needs broad discussion by an informed community before our Parliament decides whether or not to protect the lives of unborn babies of an unwanted gender.

I therefore urge your readers to seek a written statement from their local MPs on their attitude to the legislation – prior to the next election.

Garry McDonald, Glenunga