539 Beyond Roe-v-Wade ...PLEASE!
Toxic quotes from both the pro-choice and pro-life camps abound this week in the aftermath of the murder of Dr. George Tiller and President Obama’s nomination of Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court. Yes, the political and social 500 pound gorilla that is abortion is again negative front page news. In the 35 years since Roe-v-Wade we have gone from venomous word fights and violent actions to venomous word fights and violent actions.
Scott Roeder’s fervent, legalistic “Christian” passion to save lives somehow and tragically led him to take the life of Dr Tiller in, of all places, a Christian church. Of course it is senseless, such is the path we have travel for three and a half decades.
Many in the pro-choice movement are issuing sweeping, caustic condemnations of all pro-lifers despite the fact that the overwhelming majority of all pro-life advocates have objected in the strongest of terms to Roeder’s actions. On the other hand one can’t argue that the pro-life movement is reaping what it has sowed – anger begets anger, violence begets violence.
That said, the violent act of a one crazed man does not a movement make. Listen, if pro-choicers had been on the defensive side of Roe-v-Wade for the past three and a half decades we would have just as many violent acts committed by crazed, impassioned, pro-choice folks. There always seems to be at least one bad apple in every barrel. Still, few pro-choicers have been willing to offer any sympathy toward pro-lifers who are horrified by Dr. Tiller’s murder.
Let me attempt to bring some calm to this storm. I can see where both movements have helped society by decreasing abortions and aiding those with unintended pregnancies through common sense, hands-on solutions to the problem at hand.
One of the greatest deterrents to abortion has ironically been the explosion of Sexually Transmitted Diseases that began during the sexual revolution of the 60’s and 70’s and continues to be fanned into flame by the promiscuity promoted in television and movies as well as the hip-hop and pornography industries. Thanks in large part to the educational efforts of the pro-life movement, many youth are beginning to develop a new sense of modesty and common sense when it comes to sexual activity. Abstinence and protected sex (both of which reduce and/or eliminate abortion) are now seen as smart choices and no longer just for “nerds” and “losers.”
The pro-choice movement has led the way in supporting women when they are facing indescribably difficult choices involving life-threatening pregnancies. Moral absolutes don’t seem so absolute in moments like these. Furthermore, pro-choicers have been extremely proactive in supporting women and children (especially single and low-income mothers) who chose to continue their pregnancies.
Both pro-lifers and pro-choicers have helped pregnant women make more informed choices by providing low cost pregnancy screenings and state-of-the-art ultra-sounds. Philosophical and theological debates as to when life begins whiz right over the heads of most youth; however, images of a baby growing and moving in the womb are profound, as is the knowledge of the day-by-day fetal development. Finally, advocates from both sides have fueled efforts to make adoption an easier option.
Instead of more name calling and violent acts let’s unite around practical, mutually agreed upon solutions such as these that reduce both unintended pregnancies and abortions. No one expects the battle over Roe-v-Wade to cease; however, isn’t it time that people and needs get more attention than court decisions? We don’t have to agree on everything in order to do something.
|
|
