REASON
I am all for the right of women to make the choice for their reproductive freedom and choose life over death. Even Teresa Heinz Kerry says she's pro-choice but believes abortion is "stopping the process of life". That sounds a lot like murder. Not only does Heinz Kerry have issues with abortion (something her husband has trouble defining his own opinion of), but so does Jane Roe, who is seeking to overturn the “the worst abomination of constitutional law in our history.” I’m not sure I necessarily agree with that statement, I just like using Clinton’s words against her.
It is interesting to me that the heart of the debate can be summed up in just the names of both sides, and I suppose that is the point of giving something a name.
Pro-Choice - Anti-Life - Pro-Abortion
Pro-Life - Anti-Murder - Pro-Morality
The basic difference to me is where you put more weight - your own sovereignty or God's sovereignty. However, it is very interesting that the National Abortion Rights Action League doesn't want to be called that anymore. Maybe there is more to a name then just words?
CONSEQUENCE
43,358,592 - children killed by abortion from 1973 - 1997
Silent No More Awareness
What is the National Silent No More Awareness Campaign?
The National Silent No More Awareness Campaign is an effort to make the public aware of the devastation abortion brings to women, men, and their families. The emotional and physical pain of abortion will no longer be shrouded in secrecy and silence, but rather exposed and healed. This effort is a key to make abortion unthinkable and persuade society that women deserve better than abortion.
ACTION
Saturday, May 1, 2004 - Walk for Life and Fun Day at Beachmont Christian Camp, Kingsville, MD, to benefit Greater Baltimore Crisis Pregnancy Center. Registration begins at 8 AM and costs $25 (children 10 & under free), and includes t-shirt, all activities and food. For more information or to register in advance, email Carol Clews or call her at 410-243-8680.
Note: I understand it's often an exercise in futility to argue such a hot topic with people who believe strongly one way or the other, but I wanted to bring up some points.
I think it's good that you're being activist about something you believe in. And I think most pro-choice people, myself included, will agree with you that abortion is not good. It's not birth control. And it can be hard on women and their families.
However, don't you think we need to make this medical procedure available nonetheless? What about medical emergencies, rape, or the health of the mother? What about giving women a choice about their own bodies, instead of telling them what to do?
Onanism and menstruation stop the process of life, too, as do miscarriages, but we don't legislate against that.
One thing you wrote sticks out: "women deserve better than abortion." I agree -- in a perfect world, women would not be raped, would have access to contraception and reproductive education, and would all live in a world where they're valued for their minds and not just their wombs. What did you mean when you wrote that statement?
Thanks for discussion.
P.S. not everyone in America believes in God, or your god, so making God's sovereignty the rule doesn't seem fair, Democratic or even necessarily American. Just a thought.
Posted by: MB at April 29, 2004 01:24 PMNote: While they may seem as exercises in futility, I believe that debate is good and necessary for people who believe strongly one way or another, so that they may see both sides of the issue presented passionately and rationally.
I completely agree that abortion should not be used as a form of birth control and it is a sad reflection on any society that would support that. Aside from the fact that abortions directly harm the life of an unborn child, it is evident that it does leave physical and emotional scars on the women and family’s involved. This being said and this being a health issue, our government imposes regulations on other forms of choices that pose health risks (tobacco/alcohol). These laws are in place so that we do not abuse those choices that we have.
Now I am not a proponent for a continual policed state, where every one of our decisions are scrutinized by the government and they watch everything we do. I understand that could be a logical conclusion of an argument that is based on government regulation protecting our health. However, when those decisions directly end the life of another human being, distinctions are made and must be looked at and thought through very carefully.
Those medical emergencies, rape and health of mother issues are important situations to look at and I agree those are seemingly gray areas for casting out the argument that abortions should be illegal. I am not aware of the numbers and do not have a source to quote, but it is my understanding that those instances account for a very small percentage of the total number of abortions performed. Just as partial-birth abortions are suppose to be a small percentage of the total performed.
As for the process of life stopping through menstruation and miscarriages, they are natural ends to that process and not conscious decisions to bring it to an end. As far as onanism and I do appreciate your use of that word rather than some of the more colorful definitions, there is no process of life begun, to end because there is no conception.
I did not actually write the statement “women deserve better than abortion.” It comes from the “Silent No More Awareness” campaign and their description of what they are all about. I believe that they are stating that the alternatives to abortion are not only better for the health and well-being of the unborn child, but also leaps and bounds above the health and well-being of the women who have had abortions. Women deserve to be shown the love that abounds from choosing the abortion alternatives, rather than be subjected to their own inner-turmoil and guilt. Women posses so much of the beauty that exists in the world, not only physically, but emotionally and intellectually and the abominations of abortion detract from that beauty. They deserve better than to be given a wilted flower, but should be given a vibrant bouquet daily.
PS. I understand that not everyone believes in my God and I would not force that belief on anyone, it is for the individual to come to their understanding. I was simply providing some of the reasons, thoughts and justifications for my stance as seen through my Christian lens. At the same time, I do pray that those that do not believe in my God would some day.