I would like to comment on Brian Blase's column on abortion rights. In particular, I would like to concentrate on Mr. Blase's claim that "science is on the side of the pro-lifers" which forms the basis for some of his argument. Science, properly defined, can only answer questions of empirical fact. Chemistry can determine that a fetus consists of the organic compounds necessary for life. Genetics can determine a fetus's DNA makeup. Biology can tell that a fetus belongs to the species Homo Sapiens. No branch of science, no matter how sophisticated, can answer questions of value such as "Does this being have a right to live?" or "Does this being have a soul?"

Just as physics cannot answer the question "Is there a God?" biology must remain silent on the metaphysical status of a fetus and the rights of a woman to destroy her fetus. Both pro-lifers and pro-choicers can rest assured that 21st century science will not add to the weight of anyone's conscience .