In my not so humble opinion, the reason abortion is still legal and considered simply a "choice" is because far too many people are afraid to stand up and call it murder.
Hypothetically speaking - how many of the same people who "disagree" with abortion (yet do nothing) would stand idly by if doctors decided that killing infants that have already traveled all the way through the birth canal and took their first breaths of air was a good way to control population issues in China?
Would we stand for it then?
Would we then finally stand up for the babies?
Crude example, I know, but is that what it would take to wake people up?
And while we are at it, how about an overlooked biggie; standing up for the mothers of the babies that may be aborted?
Most of them take such action due to lack of support and encouragement. They feel alone.
It can't all be just about the baby, you must love the mother too.
I believe everyone is closer to this issue than many know or maybe they don't even want to admit. The reason I am close to this issue is that I am soon to be a proud Grandma for the first time. My oldest son and his fiancé found themselves pregnant before their wedding date was cemented down. They had hopes of putting off parenthood until at least a year after they were married. My son is in the Army and is facing a trip to Iraq now that he's been trained to operate their Strikers. I cried violently when I was informed that abortion was not only discussed but was a viable option for the soon to be mother, who I love very much incidentally. The torrent of emotion I felt was overwhelming. The anger I had at first was staggering. But I took the time to reflect on my situation nearly 20 years earlier when I found myself pregnant with my son, at the tender age of 17. Alone. The father refusing his responsibilities. And sure, I feel it is a huge sin to have an abortion. I feel it is murder but society still offers up that "option" in such a sugar coated manner that for a flash moment, I ashamedly admit I saw it as a way out; an escape from my terrifying situation.
Why was I scared? I felt alone. Why didn't I do it? Was it because I knew it to be a sin or because I knew it to be murder? No. Quite honestly it was because I also knew in my heart that I was NOT alone. My parents would love me and support me regardless of how disappointed they would be. (and they did!)
After I spent time in painful reflection, I asked my future daughter in law to please come stay with us for awhile. I did not pressure her in any way. I didn't even bring up the pregnancy for the first couple days. She was under so much stress by those around her that were not immediately understanding of neither her pregnancy nor her temptation towards abortion.
The difference in the time I spent with her was not that I didn't talk, it was that I listened. And I didn't just listen; I saw her for who she was, a scared young woman with a huge responsibility. My son was off in Army training several states away. She needed someone to pause to reflect on HER and her needs so that she would then be able to focus on the needs of her unborn baby instead of that baby becoming the target of everyone's concerns, a possible womb full of resentment. In time, her family has all rallied around her and she is happily collecting baby items and picking out names. I attended her ultrasound with her. As we viewed this miracle within her for the first time and heard the rapid heartbeat of a precious life begging for nothing more than to be loved by us, I fell even deeper in love with both of them.
If you readers gain nothing else from my writing here today, please take this one thing away with you. Remember to first love the mother.
