One of the most leading arguments among conservative and progressive activists is the abolition vs. the right to abortion. 95% of conservatives believe that abortion should be illegal, and 80% of progressives believe that abortion should be legal and an option given to a woman. What really is the issue that formulates the views of both parties? It’s known that conservative “rights” tend to be pretty traditional and narrow-minded in certain issues, whereas progressive “lefts” tend to focus on the welfare and open-mindedness of society. But is this an issue about religious morale, or just the human right to chose through their free will options?
I tend to believe that the issue is pulled more towards religious morale – with a twist of human freedom. Even though a person has the right to chose what they may – it gets a little complicated when one tends to fidget with the choice to end a life. Being one that does not totally agree with capital punishment, abortion can be a pretty ‘itchy’ topic for me. I feel that if a life is given – than a purpose must be fulfilled. Everyone has a purpose for being brought into this world. In these post modern days – life is sometimes brought about through un-married couples, rape, or even incest. I don’t focus too much on the means of how a human got here, but I try to look beyond to the beauty of the procreation of God that was made through two of his created beings.
I recently had someone who was close to me to ask me whether or not they should get an abortion. They went through all of the ramifications of what they thought would happen if the child was allowed to be born. I felt they were a bit selfish, because what is more detrimental; someone being mad at you for a few months…or you taking a life? I think I’d take the scolding over ceasing a life. I told them that I did not believe in killing an unborn child, but their choice was their choice. They decided to go ahead with the abortion – and I found myself irate. When I sat and pondered on why I was upset…even though I gave the confusing atmosphere of both a pro life/pro choice individual – I found that my views lent more towards pro-life.
It’s true that free will can be exercised, but when your free will in life stops another life from flourishing – it’s a bit problematic for me. I hope that I do not offend anyone who may have had an abortion, but all I’m trying to do is to express to the world that life was created and given by God. As Christians we believe that we are made ‘imago dei’ – made in the image of God. If that life is formed – than the image that of that child rests in the essence of God. It’s not our choice to end that which He created. Especially a child that was never given the right to play their first note on their clarinet, or score that touchdown in the homecoming football game, or the one that would become a successful doctor or lawyer, or the one that could very well take care of you when life has taken its toll on your body.
So let me end this way. God does not make mistakes. If God has given us a blessing – lets choose to love, care, and nurture that life, because we all have a right to make choices. If one’s choice is to not care for that being – than make the choice to submit that life to another life…and not the grave.
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After I miscarried a very much wanted child, and held the fetus- only 6 weeks along- in my hands, everything changed for me. I was no longer strictly "pro-choice".
ReplyDeleteThe doctor who performed the D&C later made a statement about the "aborted fetus", using doctor-language. I heard "aborted" and nearly went through the ceiling.
A friend called to tell me that she "knew how I felt". This particular friend had chosent to have an abortion several years before. She was married at the time, and is still married to the father of the child. It was "inconvenient" because they were both working on Master's Degrees and this child would have been bi-racial and they weren't sure the "timing was right'. I was shocked when she said she "knew how I felt." I was angry.
Still, I know that while I could not have chosen abortion, I do not feel I can make that choice for someone else. Nor do I want the government making that choice.
Thanks for your courage in broaching this difficult topic with honesty and integrity!