We were dismayed and deeply concerned to learn, from the Editor's note to Professor Cooper's letter, ^{Reference Tyrer1} that we had been characterised as holding a pro-choice position in our commentary on Fergusson et al's paper. ^{Reference Fergusson, Horwood and Boden2} This was not mentioned in the commissioning process and, if it had been, the invitation would have been declined. Our commentary acknowledged a range of opinions among ourselves. Our arguments were based on an analysis of Fergusson et al's paper, explicitly eschewing any partisan approach, and stating quite clearly that the debate on the rights and wrongs of abortion is primarily moral, legal and ethical rather than psychiatric or indeed scientific. We hoped we had been very clear in this approach, and most strongly reject any suggestion that our commentary was based in beliefs from either ‘side of the debate’.