The topics of racism, drugs, crime, and abortion have been in editorials often this year. They have been and will continue to be major points of discussion since at least one if not all will affect our lives. If you haven't been personally affected by any of these, consider yourself fortunate.

This letter has to do with the abortion issue and one male's point of view. I am for keeping abortion legal.

I believe abortion is morally wrong (call it killing if you wish), but it is also a woman's choice. I also know it is not an easy choice.

Some people I've listened to think it is like going through an automatic car wash. You come in unclean and come out sparkling and smiling, ready to jump back out on the road. Wrong.

I have known several women who have had abortions. I've stayed up with them at night and listened to them after they have had it. Hearing the pain but not being able to feel it.

I can understand the feeling of guilt of the abortion and the loneliness of the lost opportunity for parenthood. I've seen them go on with life right after they've had the abortion, but I knew them well enough to see children playing on the street or see a Pampers commercial and I have seen the agony on their face. Abortions are not easy to have.

Medically, not that I am anywhere near an expert, I think a person can have one abortion and be fortunate to carry another baby to term. Two abortions start to move close to sterility (because of the damage done to the lining of the reproductive system during the operation).

Also, just look at the country before abortions were legal. Abortions in backrooms, trailers and out in the woods were all too common.

Face it, pregnancies and abortions won't stop by making abortions illegal. More people will get pregnant. Making abortion illegal will only make life for many people worse. And those who can afford abortions will still have them, no matter what any law would say.

Part of the solution is to teach kids sex education. Teaching them about their own bodies, and those of their opposite gender is important.

Teaching kids what sex is, the risks involved, and about contraception is vitally important to their health and well being. We teach kids to say no to drugs, but who teaches them to say no to sex?

For all the born-again Christian types, the possibility of sterility and the mental agony should be enough punishment. Don't you think?? Besides, all people will be judged, won't they?

For the right-wing types on this campus against abortion, it is cheaper to have an abortion than it is to support a mother and child on welfare.

There is not an easy solution to this issue. There probably never will be. I am Catholic (and a Republican) but find it hard to adhere to the absolute of the religion i.e. condemning the use of contraceptives, etc.

I've grown up a little along the school of hard knocks to know no one else chooses your life except you. Whether you worship the trinity, Yahweh, Allah, or whomever, you control what you do.

Major accidents and problems do occur in life. Character is how you overcome these difficulties. Women have the right to control their bodies, not any religion.

I thank the stars I was born a guy and do not have to worry about becoming pregnant. But the decision about abortion should be decided by those who have to be worried, and not anyone else.