A very well-thought article on a difficult subject to deal with. I have always been a 'pro-choice" advocate, and I know the tension that this subject generates all too well. As a Christian, I think a lot of people just assume I must be "pro-life", and I can certainly understand why. As he said, who among us thinks abortion is a "good thing"? When I became a Christian I found a lot of my liberal views being called into question, especially since the church I was in is fanatically conservative. I think this is a huge part of the reason I struggle with hostility towards what is commonly called the "religous right". I think abortion is a tragic thing, and I agree with Mr Danehy that there are loathsome characters on both sides of the issue, but I find the most "loathsomeness" on the "pro-life" side (big suprise). I look at abortion as a symptom of a greater problem, the lack of Christ in people's lives, and an urgent reminder of the mission of the Church. I cannot align myself with those who picket abortion clinics and torment those who are already tormented with their own shame. I see the scene from John 8 being played out again and again, with the crowd that was all too willing to stone the "sinful" woman waving placards and fetuses in the name of "godliness"....attacking a single symptom of a greater problem is foolishness at best and downright evil at worst. Where is the compassion of Christ in these so-called "Christians"? Oh, I know-they are passionate for the unborn, which is admirable, but the scorn and derision they heap on those who are already torn and hurting is nothing but self-righteous and Pharisaical (if that's a word).
I don't believe that this is an issue to be solved in the courts. I certainly cannot disagree with Mr Danehy's remarks about a greater sense of personal responsibility, and the example he gave of the woman pregnant with triplets turned my stomach too. So what is the solution? Well, I don't think it's as simple as just outlawing abortion-this will only lead to illegal, unsafe abortions and will do little to reduce the number of abortions (and I know this is characterized as a typical "liberal myth").
As usual, Christ is the answer to the question...
I have been personally involved in at least one abortion, I found out after the fact and was not involved in the decision. It was painful to find out, and I do find myself wondering at times what would have become of that child, who would be 18 years old now....it's difficult to think about. Abortion is a tragic thing, I can attest to this personally, but I remain steadfast in my beliefs. It's not easy, but I simply cannot get on board with the Terry Dolans ("Operation Rescue" founder) of this world, I see no compassion in them. |
