Ok, I know that I’ll probably get a lot of flack here, and that’s okay. We’re all entitled to our opinions and we all have them regardless. And besides, you asked. I didn’t come and post a thread regarding this subject so be nice…
Abortion does not affect me at all because it’s not an option for me. Yes, I know, millions of babies die every year at the hands of their mother. And yes it does bother me. But rather than trying to change the world in the form of beating a dead horse, I choose to change my part of the world. If everyone would change their part of the world, the world would be a better place. By not choosing abortion, but emotionally supporting women who are faced with the option of having an abortion, by providing resources for pregnant women, we may be able to reduce the number of abortions. But you’re not going to accomplish it with hellfire and brimstone. If someone would have an abortion, then they lack the teachings that dictate that it is wrong. Shaking your fist at them isn’t going to change their mind. If they don’t have a solid foundation, what we consider “right” and “morality” won’t hold them together in their crisis.
For example, a former acquaintance of mine and I argued about the right to choose. And she vehemently denied the fact that the “fetus” had a soul from the moment of conception. She wasn’t pregnant, we were just talking. But that’s her belief. And I finally realized that if you don’t believe that there’s a little life in there, and you can’t be convinced of that, then it’s unlikely you’re going to change your mind.
Folks, we can’t “make” people believe. We can try, we can counsel, and can coax, but in the end, every woman has the right to make that decision themselves. And (forgive me), they should have that right. Why? because I wouldn’t want to live by another religion’s rules. If you think the RCC is strict, try Eastern Orthodox , Jewish or Muslim. And while I respect their religions (and regard them brethren in our mutual love and worship of God), I wouldn’t want my laws based on their beliefs.
In addtion, I often find that pro-lifers are not able to put their money where their mouth is, unfortunately. Maybe it’s not always possible, we all have our burdens in life. But look, I’ve seen it a few times: a woman finds herself pregnant, and can’t find the help they need to support the pregnancy or the resulting child. They made a mistake, are scared, feel vunerable, and are in a panick. When asked for actual help, the person giving Catholic counsel pulls back, and says, “well, I wish I could help, but I’m not in the position. But abortion is a sin, so don’t do it. You’ll go to Hell”. Essentially, abandoning their charge. When backed against a wall, people do the unthinkable. Yes, they were responsible for being backed into the wall, and surely, they created the wall, but nontheless, they find themselves in despair and confusion. Making abortion illegal isn’t going to resolve it: they’ll just resort to back alley abortions, or home-made abortions, some of which so darned simple that I won’t mention it here - just to NOT give anyone any bad ideas.
Unfortunately, bringing “morality” back is one way to resolve the problem. And I say it’s unfortunate because I find in real life that there are many different “brands” of morality, and convincing people to give up what they like (living immorally) is an extremely difficult task, and I’m sorry, as long as people are having intercourse, there will be pregnancies. That’s a given.
However, as long as our government has made abortion legal, we really don’t have any recourse but to pray and educate people who potentially could have abortions. By bringing people towards the Church with compassion and understanding and support, you’re more likely to make a difference when what you want to stop is perfectly legal. And of course, you can (and should) lobby for the law to change. But considering the majority want a clear separation of church and state (including myself), I don’t see how that’s going to happen. Once rights are given, it’s difficult to take them away. Again, those who lack a solid foundation will do all kinds of unthinkable things, whether they’re legal or not.
And by making abortion legal, those unbelievers will burden society performing illegal abortions, either on themselves or others, by the resulting infections, injuries and/or death. It’s just going to create a bigger mess. It’s like saying guns are evil (they’re not, the person holding the gun is. The gun is a tool. We control the tool. That’s the same for abortion).
I don’t agree with blowing up abortion clinics, killing doctors who perform abortions, bullying women walking into an abortion clinics, or making women who have had abortions basically “untouchables”. All that is IMOHO unchristian and will drive people further away than shepherding them in.
Remember we are accountable for our actions (all of us, not just someone wanting to have an abortion). When you blow up an abortion clinic in the name of God and kill innocent and guilty people, you make the Church look bad, and you make offendors more defiant.
What do I suggest? Educate yourself. Brush up on your knowledge of the Church and Her teachings. When you find someone to be pregnant and who is considering an abortion, pray pray pray, both for you and her. Educate her as to the resources available to her, show her the scriptures, show her the dogma, and not in a belligerent accusatory way. Cuz you’re not going to accomlish anything by doing that.
In the end, the only way to make a difference is with thoughful action, not by stamping your feet and calling everyone sinners.
But that’s just my thought, I’m sure many will disagree with me…
