Sunday, March 28, 2010

Reproductive Freedom

Assertion: Abortion is an issue on which we are sharply divided. It is a difficult and trying ordeal that is also an extraordinarily private matter. We support a woman’s right to choose what to do with her body, but also hope that she gives the matter some very serious consideration long before having to make such a life-altering decision. Abstinence, contraceptives, non-vaginal sex, or delivering the baby and placing it for adoption are all preferrable to terminating a pregnancy. Abortion should remain legal but every effort should be made to reduce the number of abortions performed and partial-birth abortions should be outlawed altogether.

Why This Is Important: Abortion is a legal procedure available to terminate unwanted pregnancies up to 12 weeks in duration. While carrying a fetus to full term will always be the preferred outcome, it is understood that there are certain instances where doing so can have tremendous physical and psychological repercussions, at times jeopardizing the life of the mother. It is vitally important, therefore, that all parties understand that abortion is not a trivial matter nor is it a decision that should be made lightly or without counsel.

Constitutional Basis: There is no constitutional basis for abortion “rights,” although the SCOTUS essentially created one with Roe v. Wade. That being said, there also exists no constitutional right to exert control or authority over the day-to-day lives of American citizens, which includes decisions regarding reproduction.

Quote: “A private sin is not so prejudicial in this world as a public indecency.” – Cervantes

No comments:

Post a Comment