I have been feeling a need, lately, to share my feelings on a topic that is both controversial and extremely important to me. It is the topic of abortion. I didn't necessarily feel a quick facebook post, or "share" (though I have seen many videos that made an impact on me via fb*) were the best venues for me to adequately express my feelings such a sensitive topic, so I thought I would post here. This way, anyone who does not wish to read my views can choose not to.
Because of my fundamental beliefs, that human life should only be given and taken by God, I have always found abortion inherently wrong. The term "pro choice" has always bothered me. Typically it is used as the opposite of "pro life". That bothers me. I am a HUGE advocate of a women making their own choices. Yet I am "pro life". Let me explain.
To my way of thinking, the time for the woman to make her "choice" is when she is deciding wether or not to become intimately involved with someone.** THAT is the time for her to make her choice. What I do not support is a woman "choosing" to alter the consequences of her actions.
Think of it--is that the natural order of things? When we make choices, we are essentially choosing the consequences. For example, if I choose to stay up late, I am choosing to possibly be tired the next day. If I choose to not apply sunblock, I am choosing to possibly be sunburned. I cannot choose to stay up late, and expect that there will not be a consequence to that choice. That would be ridiculous.
Why, then, as humans with experience in making choices and receiving consequences, would we ever presume that we can make a decision and erase any natural consequences that may occur? ESPECIALLY when it's ramifications are as important as taking a human life? If a woman chooses to become intimate with someone, she is choosing the consequence to possibly become pregnant.
I realize this post might not align someone's way of thinking to my way of thinking, but this was an instance where I felt a need to put my understanding and feelings out there and let everyone know where I stand on this. I feel like this is not just a political issue, but a human issue. One that affects many, not just one.
*this is one of the videos I watched that affected me greatly:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bYeLo0fASU
**Obviously if intercourse is not consensual on the part of the woman, that is a completely different situation--one that also requires increased sensitivity and care.