I used to have an opinion on abortion. To me it was a very black and white issue. At twelve I didn’t understand that every situation has a shade of grey.
Now, I don’t know what I believe. I think a large part of the reason I don’t know what to believe is because I got distracted from what the debate is, and focused on how the battle is fought.
My friend posted a picture on facebook this week of a baby after an abortion, along with a little poem from the babies perspective, wondering why mommy doesn’t want me anymore. All I could say was WTF?
Who does that? On her friends list right now, she has three friends I know of personally who have recently suffered a miscarriage, and one friend who lost a child to SIDS in the last week. I now have a new policy on facebook. Anyone who posts a picture of dead or mangled animals or children to further their political agenda will be blocked. Is this really how people try to get their point across?
Based on the debate that’s been raging on this site, I’d say yes. I can’t believe the insensitive comments I’ve heard on both sides. I can’t believe the cavalier way in which victims of rape have been discussed. And I have to say, the most insensitive comments come from the pro-life camp.
For a minute, lets ignore the bombed abortion clinics, the violent protesters, and the extremist behavior from the pro-life camp. Facebook posts like that, and comments like the ones I’ve read on this site are the reason it’s the politically correct thing to be pro-choice. Think about it. While one side is screaming as loud as it can “close your legs sluts!” The other side is calmly maintaining that they are fighting for the rights of all women to choose. No one is saying abortion should be mandatory. If you’re against it, say no. But allow the people who are for it to say yes.
I realize if you are pro-life, you are fighting for the life of children everywhere. I get that when the stakes are life and death, it can be easy to lose your head. But no one is going to change their mind when they’re being attacked, insulted, or screamed at. No one is going to see that picture on facebook and in a deep moment of self reflection go, “I wonder why that picture makes me uncomfortable? Could it be that I feel guilty? My God, that’s a baby! By being pro-choice I’m sanctioning the murder of the babies!”
No. They’re going to get pissed, and they’re going to block you, even if they agree with you. Worse, if someone was on the fence, chances are you’ve pushed them to the other side.
If you believe in what you’re fighting for, you need to consider how you fight. If your mission is to change minds and policy, extremist behavior is the worst thing you could engage in.
Based on the pleas I’ve gotten from confessors on both sides of the fence to shut this horrific debate down, it’s being moved to the blog. I don’t know what I think about abortion anymore. I’m on the fence. I’m wavering. Post your position and your reasoning in the comments. But remember ladies, keep it civil.
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