When Does Life Begin?

[lady_birchwood]

This sounds like a hit song by Andy Williams, circa 1971.  However, few questions have caused more fervor and angst in this country since abortion was declared legal in 1973.

I’ve never talked about this issue even though I’ve thought about it a lot over the past 40 years.  I’ve always felt that I had to know my position on abortion and whose “side

Comments

[pomegranate56]

Beautifully said!

There was a time when I was ultra-religious, in a conservative church, and totally anti-abortion. But life and friends and just how things go, and thinking about things, have taught me that no one can make that decision for another. Yes, abortions have been in existence for just about forever, and they always will be. It's a tough enough decision for a woman to make without forcing her to risk her life either doing it herself or through illegal means. I do not know what I would have done in the case of an unwanted pregnancy. I never had one, or even a close call. Turned out I was infertile. But I wouldn't want someone else to decide for me. I won't attempt to decide for another woman.

[lady_birchwood]

You've said it very well! Thank you.

[kyra_ojosverdes]

So well-put. This is my stance as well. I wish we lived in a world where every pregnancy was wanted (and viable) and there were no need for abortion. We don't live in that world. A woman who feels strongly enough that she doesn't want to be pregnant will do whatever it takes to become no longer pregnant. It's in society's best interest that she comes through that physically and emotionally intact. Of course it'll be an upsetting decision to make and follow through on, but people who know nothing of her situation trying to limit her choices, substituting their own narrative for what she's going through, or telling her that their god (which may also be her god) is angry... that has to make it so much worse.

[lady_birchwood]

I agree that in a perfect world, every pregnancy would be a welcomed event. There is so much more we could be doing towards that goal in fostering self-esteem in our female children and young adults so that they feel empowered to make good decisions and feel worthy of those decisions. There is much more we could be doing towards education and resources. And if that unplanned and/or unwanted event happens, we owe it to our women to see that they are cared for and supported in whatever they decide to do. It just seems like the right thing to do.