I am writing in response to Colleen Tumelty's letter (Collegian, Jan. 25) about her views on the pro-life vigil and her subsequent decision to speak out against abortion.

First, she writes that the pro-life vigil was "so peaceful." I'm glad they were on their best behavior last Sunday but anybody who hasn't lived under a rock for the last 10 years knows the pro-life movement is one of the most aggressive and dangerous protest groups.

Their inexcusable activities range from the bombing of abortion clinics (given the movement's name, I hope the irony of this is not lost on Miss Tumelty), to accosting scared teenagers and employing intimidation and degradation in their quest for persuasion.

Second, Colleen says the vigil didn't degrade women. Of course not! Not the vigil itself. It's the ideology behind the pro-life movement, that the government should legislate control over women's bodies, that is degrading.

She then proceeds to explain they were only trying to educate us on where God stands. Please! This country was founded on the tenet of the separation of the church and state.

It is an individual's choice as to whether or not they believe in a God, and we do not make laws according to "where God stands."

Finally, she expresses contempt for the pro-choice movement's use of pictures of hangers in protests. The truth isn't pretty, is it? Does Colleen not believe that women once used hangers (and other dangerous methods) to self-abort?

For that matter, does she not believe it will happen again, if abortion is made illegal?