I think this bears posting on the main page and not just in the comments…

Amy said:
“Wait a minute…you actually think abortion leads to “mutilated babies,” but you still support women being able to cause this “mutilation” for any and every reason?

One of your two ideas has to go, here.”

My response:

Amy, I appreciate your comments. I can see your viewpoint 100%, and I realize that it might possibly come across as an oxymoron. However, I assure you that I can in fact hold the two ideas at once. Here’s why… In a logical and common sense, rational thought process, anyone has to realize that abortion isn’t pretty. Yes, I do admit that the “tissue” removed is a baby, and I do admit that these babies are mutilated as they are forcibly removed from the mother’s body. And yes, I do support the freedom of choice. I have known women (and girls) in my life who have gotten pregnant and it was an impossible situation for them – whether it was through rape, or an “accident” when they were too immature to be responsible, etc. etc. I fully acknowledge that abortion is an ugly practice, but I can also tell you from personal experience, that illegal abortions are just as ugly and cause a multitude of problems as well… And if abortion is made illegal, there will ALWAYS continue to be women who either try to give themselves abortions using scary crude instruments, or resort to potentially shady “professionals” who will always perform abortions, legal or not. I am not comfortable disclosing details, but I knew someone closely who wanted an abortion in the 1930s and tried to go about this herself. She failed, and her child had life-long medical problems, as well as life-long abuse as a result of being not only unwanted, but also imperfect as a result of the botched attempt.

I whole-heartedly feel that a woman has the right to choose what happens in her own body. I am also whole-heartedly supportive of any woman who chooses to adopt out or keep her baby (provided she can adequately care for the baby for the long haul). I wouldn’t ever get an abortion myself, but I can tell you, I’ve been in a situation with one of my pregnancies that I could totally relate to why a woman would choose to terminate. Even though I wouldn’t do it myself, I have empathy for women in situations that seem overwhelming, especially when they have no support system around them…

I’m glad that there ARE pro-life people out there fighting though, because in my opinion that keeps things in perspective. For instance, I am against late-term abortions and partial-birth abortion.

I appreciate your comments and as long as we can continue to discuss this in a mature, non-judgmental fashion, I would be happy to discuss this further in comments.