The report on the inadequate NHS provision of abortions (The Argus, September 5) quoted Sandra Gidley saying how important it is that abortion is provided early once a decision has been made to abort the baby.

However, abortion is often not the positive solution it appears. In a significant proportion of cases, it can lead to lasting negative effects.

In mental health, abortion leaves 10 per cent of women suffering marked, severe or persistent psychiatric illness and the suicide rate after abortion is three times higher than in the general population, as opposed to a suicide rate half that in the general population in new mothers.

Physically, abortion carries a very significant risk of causing infertility and there is compelling evidence of a link between abortion and breast cancer.

I suspect the reason why there is urgency to have an abortion done quickly is because it is too painful to acknowledge the implications of abortion.

This is understandable but, after an abortion, the process of coming to terms with the decision can last a lifetime and regret can be heartbreaking.

-Paul Langford, Linchmere Avenue, Saltdean