It came as no surprise to hear that Tauranga Hospital stopped offering abortions in part because surgical and medical staff were reluctant to perform the procedure [Is it a women's choice?, November 23].

While women considering abortion are routinely told ‘it's just a bunch of cells,' doctors and nurses know better than anyone that this is not the case.

Even at just eight weeks, a foetus has fingers and tiny lips; a beating heart; eyes and eyelids.

It is understandable that professionals who devote themselves to saving lives might find it distressing to be involved in a procedure which ends a life.

People on both sides of the debate should agree: freedom of conscience is vital in a free country. While women have a legal right to choose, doctors and nurses must retain the right to gently decline to perform the procedure.

Yours sincerely,

G Paterson, Omanu