LETTERS: ABORTION BOAT LEAVES NOBODY ACCOUNTABLE

To the editor:

The world's first abortion boat, Sea Change, is the project of Women on Waves and Rebecca Gomperts, a Dutch abortion practitioner who wants to do abortions in international waters for women who cannot legally have them in their native countries.

An abortion facility in a freight container has been placed on the deck of the Sea Change. A crew of eight includes a gynecologist, a general practitioner and a nurse.

The first port of call is Ireland, a staunchly Roman Catholic country where abortions are severely restricted. While in port, the crew will invite the public to tour the boat and see feature films in which abortion plays a role. People will be invited to attend workshops about abortion methods. The boat then will leave port and sail to beyond the 12-mile limit to international waters.

Most women want to keep the fact that they are having an abortion secret. How convenient for the abortion practitioner in international waters. If the woman suffered complications, she could be dumped overboard, and her family and friends would never know what happened to her. Even if there were evidence of the woman's fate, what could the police do? After all, the boat will be in international waters. Nobody would be held accountable. How tragic for all women.

MARCUS R. SCHAEFER

Benton, Mo.