Pro-Choice is Common Sense

The right to an elective abortion is complicated by scientific, legal, political, ethical, moral, religious, emotional and intensely individual issues and beliefs. The medical procedure itself is one of the safest in the developed world. Thanks to federal court decisions, abortion is legal nationwide but may be restricted by the states to varying degrees. Some states have passed laws to restrict late-term abortions, require parental notification for minors, restrict or close clinics, limit public funding or mandate the disclosure of abortion risk information to patients prior to the procedure.

Surveys indicate American adults are evenly split on the question of permitting abortions. Even though the legality was supposedly decided by courts, the “pro-life” groups continually attempt to impose more restrictions, which are opposed by the “pro-choice” camp. The 2016 Republican Party platform is essentially anti-abortion. The Democratic Party platform strongly supports a woman’s right to make decisions regarding her pregnancy.

Whether to have an abortion is a highly personal, private, emotional and difficult decision for a woman. Only she can know her circumstances and the implications of her choice. It’s her body. Only she has to live with the decision. Bluntly put, everyone else (especially politicians) should abide by the woman’s decision and butt out. What dictator says you can’t be Christian and pro-choice? The Democratic Party has this one right. Common sense supports a woman’s right to an abortion (including access to reproductive health and contraception), without government interference.

After thought: Some religious leaders also oppose contraception. I’ll give a big “You’ve got to be kidding me” on that one. With universal contraception availability and use, the battle over terminating unplanned pregnancies would largely disappear. Both the pro-choice and pro-life supporters should agree that contraception is preferable to abortion.