‘Birth Control as Penalty’

The article “Birth Control as Penalty for Child Abuse� by Alan Dershowitz (Op-Ed Page, June 4) brought to mind my days as a Catholic college student where the dean of students, a wise old nun, lectured, too frequently we thought, but her words were full of wisdom and they were, “People who have rights also have responsibilities.� Over the years her words have remained a part of my life.

I think the same advice applies to the young girl who abandoned her children. Think of the psychological damage to all the individuals involved in child abandonment--of the sadness, guilt, and frustration which the young mother must feel. I see the judge’s penalty under the circumstances as putting a latch on someone, who at this point in her life has no control over her reproductive capabilities. Certainly this is a revocable judgment if and when the girl can demonstrate adult responsibility.

Prof. Dershowitz may lecture eloquently at Harvard but I wonder if he has been faced with the nitty-gritty, day-to-day rearing of a child as a single parent? It’s tough. I’m doing it and I wholeheartedly support Judge Lindsay Budzyn’s decision. At the same time I empathize with the young mother and hope that the judge’s decision becomes a maturing experience for her.

SYDELL STOKES

Simi Valley