In her letter, “Abortions, but not smoking,” (Apr. 8), Claudia Catani wondered why Connecticut allows minors to get abortions but doesn't allow minors to purchase cigarettes. 

I don't see any inconsistency. Connecticut has a duty to protect teens from terrible decisions they make without realizing the long-term consequences. 

Laws try to protect teens from buying cigarettes because their immature brains are more susceptible to addiction. 

In the same way, laws allowing abortions try to protect teens from the consequences of unplanned pregnancy. Teen pregnancy significantly decreases future prospects and results in poverty for most teen mothers and their children. 

Through these laws Connecticut is also trying to protect all its citizens from the financial burden of healthcare for smokers, or support of teen mothers on welfare. 

Makes a lot of sense to me. 

Rachel Pierson

Stonington