Roe v. Wade - for Those Who Don't Get It
Sat., February 23, 10:29 AM
The local newspaper printed my comments about the Roe v. Wade demonstrations, and it elicited a strange response. I was trying to be succinct, but this woman obviously doesn’t get it. So, just in case others didn’t get it either, let me explain.
I was in favor of the right to abortion long before it was legal. I am also grateful and proud to live in a country where I have the right to choose and the right to speak about it. You have the same rights. So I try not to begin by calling you a fool.
IF you don’t want an abortion, don’t have one. That’s your choice. But don’t stop me – or my daughters or granddaughters – from having one if we see the need to do so.
IF you believe you must teach your children that abortion is wrong, go ahead. But teach them how to avoid starting the pregnancy – boys and girls both – rather than just teaching them words. Tell them about the days when there were no birth control pills, about the days when a girl’s life was ruined forever if she had a baby before she got married. Tell them about the men who believed that a happy marriage consisted of keeping a wife “barefoot and pregnant.”
IF you want to have four or five children, have them. But don’t use them as “banners” to illustrate why abortion is bad. The fact that you can have a big family has absolutely no relation to someone else’s situation.
Having children can be a beautiful experience, but it is not for all women. (In case you ask, I have three.) The news is full of stories about women who, for whatever reason, decided against terminating a pregnancy, only to abuse or murder the children after they were born. (Andrea Yates is an extreme, but she’s not the only one.)
Regarding cells: you discard cells all the time. When you menstruate, you discard ova that are potential embryos; would you rather stay continually pregnant? Some of us use unneeded cells to help others. Do you give blood regularly? Are you an organ donor?
I am quite comfortable with my choices. But I am truly upset by your inability to understand what you read. The Almighty – whether you say God or Allah or Jehovah or Krishnah – gave you a brain; please use it.
