Heard a discussion on the radio last week saying that if NASA finds a single living organism on a planet they would jump up and down and claim they found life on another planet yet a living organism inside a woman is not life.
I think the discussion is great and I love playing the devil's advocate to see where folks get their justification for "life".
I have very close friends on both sides of the argument and have seen unwanted children be a blessing and a curse (to both the parents and resultant kids).
To be honest there is no clear cut answer for me. When I think I know, I read or hear another story that challenges my beliefs.
I love my nieces and nephews with all my heart and would do just about anything for them, even though they ruined my sisters life and she proceeded to ruin theirs, both with help (or lack thereof) from the people that convinced her not to get an abortion at 13. Now we are all (at least anyone that pays taxes) supporting them and their kids and their kids... Nasty cycle.
No need to stop playing. We're all playing nice, aren't we?
If you are grounded in solid principles, the choice is easy. Give the unborn child the same respect we give to an unborn turtle, or Bald Eagle. At that point, the choice is clear.
I've seen unwanted children be an incredible blessing. I've seen wanted children be incredibly problematic. Nothing between those extremes changes what is right to do with an innocent living human being. I'd love to hear a sciency explanation of how it's not either living or human.
Sifo: I've seen the same thing in children. My siblings and I are all products of a mother with no intention of loving or taking care of her kids and we were only a mechanism for her to get money from the government. I could tell you stories that would break your heart and crush your soul to dust. But I survived and thrived. One out of four is crappy odds though. Few of us would be here if she had access to abortion when she was growing up. There are now programs and organizations to help children avoid the perils of what we went through. That is good for those that can get the help.
Blake: I made no justifications for eliminating any burdens. I am pointing out how decisions made by a child influenced by religious zealots, ruined the lives of dozens of people. Something most of them have acknowledged but failed to remedy by stepping up their game. That is on them.
Just for the record though, I am against abortion except in extreme cases. It should not be a form of birth control.
BTW: One thing I do like about the folks on this board, is the ability to have a rational discussion with opposite minded people. Most here are not rude about it and will listen to a point of view even though it won't change their mind.
There is no rule that states that if you decide to have the baby you have to keep the baby. There are TONs of good people out there that cannot have children for whatever reason that are hoping and praying to adopt a baby.
I've seen unwanted children be an incredible blessing. I've seen wanted children be incredibly problematic. Nothing between those extremes changes what is right to do with an innocent living human being. I'd love to hear a sciency explanation of how it's not either living or human.
This is why we should allow post-partum abortion. In some cases, should be mandatory with sterilization of BOTH parties in the breeding pair.
Airbozo, I find it hard to reconcile your claim that you don't think it should be a form of birth control, yet you seem to imply that you and your siblings should probably have been aborted. Moving past that however, I just don't see abortion as the answer. I will concede, putting religious convictions aside, society would likely never say no to abortions for situations such as rape, physical health of the mother, etc. The reality of the present however, is that abortion is considered just another form of birth control. You contribute to that convention when you make the case that it's not a viable form of life. Few forms of life are viable when torn to pieces and removed from their natural environment. That is what an abortion is in most cases. Other cases have the unborn poisoned with chemicals. Again, few life forms are viable when being poisoned. Yet, you make the "not viable" argument. Don't concern yourself, it's just a mass of cells that isn't a viable life form. That's simply brain washing people into seeing it as less than human. Less than bird. Less than reptile. The simple reality is that it's a human life. Given half a chance, many will overcome adversity and achieve greatness. How many great minds have been extinguished in this country since Roe v. Wade? I shudder thin think about that.