Letter to the Editor: Correcting the record on abortion, religion

Published 11:00 am Tuesday, April 21, 2026

Responding to Larry Benson’s letter (“An all-encompassing response to Page 4,” published March 25), I would like to point out some inaccuracies. Larry claimed that I “…would criminalize all abortions, no matter the reason or cause…”.

That is not true. In my letter (“How to be both pro-life and pro-choice,” March 19) I stated, “As much as I believe the life of the pre-born child should be protected, I concede that the mother’s life is of equal value, so in the sad case of a tubal pregnancy I acknowledge that drastic measures sometimes must be taken so that the life of the mother is protected.”

I think Benson should have realized that I was talking about terminating the pregnancy in such a case. Obviously Benson reads my letters. I would recommend a free memory class offered at the senior center here in town. It might help him forego making false claims about my views that I’ve already had printed in your paper.

Regarding his statement that I never mention the “male role in unwanted pregnancies and what their responsibilities might entail”, it is possible that I haven’t referred to the commonly known facts that there are laws against rape, and child support laws have been on the books for decades. I support both.

One other thing that I would like Mr. Benson to clarify is his attack on faith. I’m a Christian. Please inform us as to which teachings of Jesus support your claim that, as your letter stated, “I find faith and belief two of the worst words in the English language, basing your actions on faith has allowed for many of the worst atrocities visited on the human race.” You could site 9/11, I suppose. But that’s not the religion I adhere to.

Jesus commanded us to not only love God and love our neighbors as ourselves, but he also taught us to love our enemies.

St. Paul said that the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. He went on to say that against such things there is no law.

I’m not writing this to promote religion. Jesus had disputes with the religious leaders of his day.

But I do recommend anyone reading this to pursue a relationship with the Creator of the heavens and the earth through his son, Jesus Christ. The world would be a better place if we followed His example.

Mark Akers

Enumclaw