As I was thinking about this topic earlier today, I began to wonder how I came to my own conclusions. However, since my opinions are inherently biased, I will do my best to keep from mixing them in this blog, but indeed I am human and can make no promises.
It occurred to me that people pick sides on controversial issues because they have a problem or don’t agree with one side, and thus choose the stance that best fits their beliefs. And though not all aspects and ideals of a side may fit any one individual’s values, the general and overarching motive of one side or the other must agree for the person to align themselves with that side. Abortion is one of many topics and issues that have divided people on a very strict line – in this case either Pro Choice or Pro Life.
I have to confess that I do not know a lot about the Pro Life argument, but from many of the websites below and from what I’ve heard from friends and acquaintances who are Pro Life I get the feeling that many Pro Life opinions are based on religion, specifically Christianity. Again, I must confess that I know very little about any religion, but looking at http://www.crusadeforlife.org/ and http://www.prolife.com/ I found various references to the Bible and God among testimonials from women who regret their abortions, celebrities, and abortion side effects.
So here are my thoughts and questions on the religious aspects of Pro Life opinions:
Both sides of the abortion argument are trying to get their respective beliefs made into law. Pro Choice advocates want Roe v. Wade upheld, while the Pro Life side wants this Supreme Court case overruled and for abortions to be declared illegal, except perhaps in various circumstances. So, if what Pro Lifers want is a possible Constitutional Amendment or at least a law banning abortions and they use religion in some way to back up their beliefs, what happens to the separation of church and state? What happens to those who do not believe in God, or believe in a different God(s)? Are they to be subjected to laws that are partially based on a religion they do not believe in?
Before I go upsetting too many people, I’d like to say that I do realize there are more arguments behind Pro Life positions than just religion, and I will do my best to cover more in later posts as well as the Pro Choice side. These are just some questions I have caught myself thinking about.
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In accordance with what you wrote, to legislate abortion in terms of or in response to religion would violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. However, prior to making this statement you comment of the biblical references condemning abortion. Though on a personal level these arguments make hold some weight or even precedence, in terms of the greater society, that is the United States, this point is moot.
Thus, the argument can no longer be view as one of religion. Instead it rests between the inherent rights of the mother and those of a degenerate human being not yet capable of exerting self control.
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