On Abortion

If you think that all abortion for any reason is automatically evil, vile, and unacceptable you have already closed you mind so go away you are wasting both of our times.  If you think anyone who is not against all abortions is pro-abortion, go away you are wasting both of our times.  If you are still reading this maybe you can understand how I feel about abortion and understand the complexity of the issue without making a kneejerk reaction without paying attention to the actual issues.

I am a liberal but that does not mean I am in favor of abortions.  I personally think that abortions are morally reprehensible, especially late-term abortions, EXCEPT…

Now there is the rub.  For most sane, reasonable people, there are exceptions to the “no abortion” belief.  What falls into the exception category varies depending on one’s personal attitude and belief system.  Some examples:

• Health – usually not debatable
  1. Fetus dead but not miscarried
  2. Abortion required to save the life of the mother
  3. Both mother and fetus will die without an abortion
• Health – some debate here
  1. Fetus has birth defects that require major health costs without a positive outcome.
  2. Fetus will be born with birth defects that will result in immediate death.
  3. Fetus has incurable genetic disease that will result in pain, suffering, and early death (e.g., Tay-sachs)
• Moral – once again some debate here
  1. Mother victim of rape
  2. Mother victim of incest

I am sure both you and I can come up with other exceptions but the picture has been painted.  And, I believe that reasonable people will understand that there are valid reasons for abortions (see Point 1) with debatable reasons for abortions even for people, like myself, who do not agree with abortion.

We also cannot dismiss the fact that abortions will occur regardless of whether they are legal or not.  Generally speaking, abortions are safe if performed in a clinical environment by a physician.  This really begs the question of why do you put the mother’s life at risk because you disagree with her decision.

Religious Issue

Now I will agree that the Bible does support the value of life and the sanctity of life, there is nothing, and I repeat nothing that specifically prohibits abortion.  Do not believe me, find the Chapter and Verse.  It does not exist.   Do not give me a pro-life passages as I already have granted you that they exist

In fact, earlier Christian Church teachings did not condemn abortions until certain events, such as “quickening” (kicking in womb) and debated when the fetus had a soul.  Thus, there has been much discussion as to when the fetus should be considered a human for their purposes.

Funny thing, there seems to be no input from the expert on the issue, God.  And if the Church leaders were speaking for God over the centuries, is this an example of God changing his mind?  I doubt it, I am of the opinion it is Man once again trying to figure out what God wants and falling short.

I have heard that when a fetus is aborted that you have destroyed a soul.  Give me a break.  Do you think God does that?  I do not think so.  If he does, is he doing this for miscarried and stillborn fetuses as well?

If you religious beliefs, like mine, support you moral beliefs that abortion is wrong so be it.  But do not assume and try to speak for God.  You are not worthy any more than I am.

Conclusion

First and foremost, if you think you can legislate morality you are wrong.  History has shown you will fail and fail dramatically.

Secondly, the people who have embraced this as their sole issue of importance have narrowed their view of life to such a degree that they endorse and support really evil issues in order to support their anti-abortion issue.

Third, if someone says they are anti-abortion they may be just trying to attract the support of mindless followers.  While some of them might believe in the anti-abortion issue, I suspect that many are just wanting the support of the anti-abortionists.

Fourth, and this is most important, pro-choice is NOT pro-abortion.  It is just a recognition of the reality of not trying to regulate morality.  It is just a recognition that they cannot speak for God.  It is a recognition that there are choices that they cannot make for others.  It is a recognition that one can be anti-abortion and still understand that they are not in the shoes of the one who is making the most difficult of choices.