Sharnae Hope's article on abortion [Is it a women's choice?, November 23] raises some important points.

The social worker she quoted was correct that pre-abortion counselling should not be condensed into the same day as the abortion itself.

Having an abortion is a huge decision – something most women agonise over – and it's important there's enough time to fully think it through.

Women facing an unplanned pregnancy should be counselled independently, not at the abortion clinic, and given comprehensive information on all their options. That should be self-evident, yet women are usually directed down only the one pathway.

When I was at that crossroads, no one even mentioned adoption. I wish they had, so that perhaps today my daughter would still be alive and I would not live with so much pain and regret.

Abortion is different to any other medical procedure in that it involves two lives, two bodies. No matter what a woman chooses, the road ahead can be difficult - so she needs time, compassion, and to be equally well informed about all her options.

I'm pleased to see The Weekend Sun tackling such a controversial topic.

Linda, Mount Maunganui