You are 100% correct that the problem is that abortion is used as a wedge issue. Politicians definitely abuse the issue...well said.
I do think there are viable moral arguments against abortion. Anti-abortion activists, however, go a significant step further. They want abortion criminalized. To me, that makes about as much sense as criminalized marijuana. People will continue to smoke cheeba an women will continue to seek abortion criminalizing abortion is a significant public health problem. How many women will have to die from back-alley abortions for people to realize they cannot stop women from making that choice.
Finally, I know you addressed this, but I definitely reject the term "pro-life." To me, "pro-life" should mean a respect for life throughout the entire lifespan. War, healthcare, and many other issues also affect lifespan. They use this term, but they are really pro-fetus. We all know many pro-lifers support the death penalty. At least they were consistent with the Terri Schiavo debacle. Also, I find it very offensive that I would basically be labeled "anti-life" because I support a woman's ability to make the choice.

by LadyFriend on 06/08/2009 11:36:27 AM EST

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I like life.  I think it's a fine thing that should be encouraged whenever possible.  And I sure don't promote abortion.  Maybe if the health or life of the mother is at risk, I might suggest that it's a good idea to get an abortion, but I'm not a doctor and I can't really say.  And I don't want to forbid abortions in other circumstances.  Well, maybe if the fetus is viable and the woman's health is not at risk.  But, like I said, I'm not a doctor and I'm not qualified to decide if your health is at risk or not.  And even if I was a doctor, in the end it's not my body.  What do I know about being pregnant?  I'm a man.  All I can do is watch and hold your hand and hope that you don't get mad at me.

And I absolutely oppose the death penalty. I may have wanted to kill a couple of people, but I've never found it necessary, and I've gotten over whatever it was that made me want to.

We have to take the term "pro-life" back from the anti-abortionists.  They don't have an exclusive right to it.

Here's another one: I think that government is too big and intrusive when it starts trying to decide if a woman should be pregnant or not.

by AnEngineer on 06/08/2009 12:43:02 PM EST

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