Youth And War (Press, 4 August 1978)

In a series of letters to the editor published on 4 August 1978, contributors expressed strong opinions regarding comments made by Mr G. Ferguson, the National Party candidate for the West Coast, about the implications of abortion on New Zealand's youth and national defence. Ferguson claimed that the 15,000 children born to the Aotea Clinic represented 15,000 fewer youths capable of defending the country in the event of war. In response, T. Kerr challenged Ferguson's assertions, highlighting that approximately 51 per cent of the population is female and would not be eligible for combat under current laws. Kerr further argued that a significant portion of the remaining boys were either unemployed or not suited for military service, suggesting that Ferguson's argument was misguided. Kerr proposed that the National Party should consider alternative sources for military personnel, such as boy scout alumni or Vietnamese refugees, while implying that current party members do not represent suitable leadership. Rosie Witty also contributed to the discussion, expressing her viewpoint that the opposition to abortion among some individuals may stem from a desire to possess a future pool of youth for wartime sacrifices, instead of a genuine concern for the sanctity of life. Together, these letters encapsulate a broader debate on abortion and its perceived impact on society, particularly regarding the implications for national security and youth welfare.

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