I have watched the debate about abortion since long before Roe v. Wade. I, personally, am opposed to abortion. In my opinion it imbrues the spirit of all who are involved.
The woman who makes the choice to terminate an unwanted pregnancy must face the consequences of her actions. There is the risks (no matter how minimal) to her health and the indignity of the procedure. There is the doubt about the 'might have been' of the child that never was.
Then there are the doctors and nurses whose training and experience makes them more aware than most of the value of life. As well as the importance of preserving life.
As a man (this applies to women as well) I have no right to tell any woman (or man) what they must do with their body. The only thing that gives me any right to have any input at all in a womans decision is if I am the father of the fetus she bears AND if I am willing and able to take full responsibility for the physical, emotional and financial support of the mother and child.
In the real world we are often called upon to make choices. Choices that don't always conform to standards of right and wrong, or on the basis of good or bad. Too often we must choose between the lesser of two evils. We make such choices every time we enter a polling booth to cast our ballot. Every time we elect to buy a foreign-made product because it is cheaper even though we know it means taking jobs from our friends and neighbors. We make such unsatisfactory choices in many other aspects of our lives.
As a caring person I prefer to see a world where no woman is forced to choose abortion. But if the choice must be made it is preferable that the choice be available to all women not just those wealthy enough to travel to another country where the abortion can be performed safely and professionally. It is preferable to have the procedure done in the safety of a doctors office by trained professional than in some germ infested back room as was often the case before Roe v. Wade.
We will never stop abortion, whether it be legal or not. However, if we educate more young people on ways to prevent pregnancy and the emotional, financial and physical resposibilities and consequences of sexual activity there will be fewer unwanted pregnancies. If we find viable alternatives to the termination of pregnancy. Alternatives such as finding more people who are willing and qualified to adopt. Join with organizations that support people who are plagued with infertility and encourage those people to adopt. Adoptions that will allow the birth mother to be a part of the childs life after adoption. People and agencies that are willing to provide medical, emotional and financial support for expectant mothers, as well as intensive parenting and vocational training. In this way they can raise and provide for a happy and healthy child.
As a citizen I MUST support and defend the Constitution of the United States. I, like every other good citizen, must follow the laws of this land. We must obey the law and Roe v. Wade is the law. Currently, nationwide, all of the polls show that the majority agrees with the current laws. It is only a vociforous minority that opposes the law.
Women in the United States of America have the right to choose whether or not to bear a child. No one has the right to infringe that right not by law, not by force, not by coercian and not by intimidation. Not now, not ever.
However, as opposed as I am to abortion, in conscience and in principle, I would rather see 1,000,000 fetuses aborted, I would rather see 10,000,000 pregnancies terminated than to see even one(1) unwanted, unloved, neglected or abused child.
So I call on you all to be civil. When the people lead the leaders will follow. Lead the way. Lead us all be civil. Lead us to find the common ground without rancor, anger or hatred. Many of those who support a woman's Right to Choose would rather see fewer abortions. So if we lead the way to mediate with people of good will from the antiabortion camp and people of good will from the Right to Choose camp. Both sides can find common ground and productive solutions. Isn't that preferable to the anger, intimidation and, sometimes, even murder that currently accompanies the debate?
At this point I would like to call on you to look at the abortion problem and weigh it carefully against the points I have offered here for your consideration. Whatever choice you make, do it loudly! Talk about it with your family, your friends, your neighbors, your coworkers, the people you ride with to work. Write to your congressmen, your state assemblymen and your county and local political representatives. Let them know how you feel on the subject and remind them that you will be watching their actions and remembering come election time.
Thank you for your kind consideration.
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