The Irish Family Planning Association has disputed the Royal College of Psychiatrists' assertion that abortion can cause trauma in women. Mr Niall Behan, chief executive, was concerned that it played into pro-life campaigners' hands. Professor Mary Boyle, emeritus professor of psychology at East London University, England, is quoted as also objecting to the college's findings, though she apparently concedes that a few women do suffer mentally. [Sunday Business Post, 25 May] John Smeaton said: "As far as we know, no-one is saying that all women who have abortions are traumatised. To admit that some women are badly affected is to acknowledge that there can be problems. Abortion supporters' enthusiasm for promoting the practice can lead to their being in denial about the dangers. This is a disservice to women."