In an article in last Monday's Collegian, Joe Shenosky, the Newman Catholic Student Association president, accused abortion clinics of being mainly concerned with making an "easy $200" profit from each abortion performed. This is an extremely ridiculous statement. Mr. Shenosky, please rejoin us on earth, and let's examine your statement.

First, this "easy $200" is not a profit. To ensure the protection and safety of the patients and staff from the miltant and dangerous anti-choice protestors, who harass, deface, intrude, vandalize, shoot at and firebomb the clinics, clinic costs increase to pay for the needed security staffs, bulletproof glass, soundproof walls, and the elaborate security system and locks. Two hundred dollars pays for almost nothing of this bill.

Secondly, doctors who perform abortions would be easy to come by if "easy money" were the main factor. This is clearly not the case. There is one abortion clinic in the entire state of North Dakota with one doctor. She flies to her job from her home in another state accompanied by a security guard. She and her family receive death threats and are harassed. Their home has been illegally entered, their property regularly trespassed upon. The families of many of these courageous doctors share these experiences. Live like this for $200? I think not.

What is the main concern of abortion clinics, Mr. Shenosky? Healthy women.

This same article brought to light one point that I want to mention because it discussed the price of abortion. Legal abortion is a class issue. It is available only to those who are fortunate enough to be able to afford it. What woman who cannot afford $240 for an abortion can afford the doctor's appointments, hospitalization and services it takes to go through a pregnancy and birth, let alone the cost of living should she decide to keep the child? The scenario worsens if the woman is a minor and/or a woman of color.

As co-director of Penn State Pro-Choice, I urge all pro-choice activists to include the word "free" to their pleas for abortion rights. Safe, legal, and free abortion for all women!