I've struggled with the abortion debate for as long as I understood what the term meant. I would like to hear some opinions from the community on why you stand where you do.
I tend to agree with the Catholic Church on this on a personal level. I believe life should be cherised in all its forms, meaning no abortion and no capital punishment. That said, I never consider a candidate's position on abortion enter into my decision of whether to vote for him or her. This is simply a matter of intellectual curiosity.
It is obvious to me that life starts at conception. Cells are splitting and mulitiplying, that is the definition of life as I understand it. The question becomes, when does human life begin? Is a human always a human, from the time of conception until death (or the hereafter)? Or are we humanized with the growth of our arms and legs? Or when we grow a brain? Or when we can survive outside of the womb?
In regards to the last question, if that is your criteria, as it was for me for a period of time, then life begins much earlier than birth, because premature babies can survive after less than the full nine months of gestation. And to bring the argument further, if we can justify ending life when that life is still dependant on the mother or other direct support then why not infaticide? Or involuntary euthenasia for the helplessly sick?
I do believe abortion is justified for rape, incest, and medical necessity.
In responding to this query I personally do not accept (though I'm sure some will say it anyway) the argument that this is a woman's body and her choice. The choice was made when you allowed the second half of the life formula into the equation (trying not to be too graphic). Once that decision was made it is up to both partners to accept the consequences. The fact that there are so many men out there who are not especially helpful in this situation is certainly a problem, one that should be taken into consideration before intercourse is initiated. I am looking for justifications for ending life.
Unfortunately, I have to post and run, I have a flight leaving in about an hour. Hopefully this sparks a lively debate. I've never diaried before, so if this was supposed to be more of a factual thing than opinion I'm sorry. BTW, I am not a troll, just like to stir the pot. Devil's advocacy is my game.