If you've ever written to a pro-abortion politician about
the right to life, you've probably received a form letter that utilizes one of
several worn-out arguments. Let's review how we answer them.
1. "I respect your views, but I have to represent all the
people." Our response: That's what we're trying to say to you.
If you neglect the unborn, you are not representing all the people. Roe vs.
Wade excludes them from protection; we demand that they be included. A
public servant should not ignore an entire segment of the public that is being
destroyed.
2. "I'm personally opposed to abortion, but can't impose my views on
others." Our response: This is not a matter of views, but of violence. The
law is supposed to protect human life despite the views of those who
would destroy it.
3. "The government should not be involved in such a personal decision as
abortion." Our response: The government got "too involved" in abortion when
it decided that it had the authority to deprive some human beings of their right
to life. It is not up to government to grant this right. It's there already.
Government exists to secure it. Moreover, when somebody's "choice" destroys
somebody else's life, that choice is no longer merely a personal, private
matter.
4. "Let's just agree to disagree." Our response: When victims are
oppressed, we don't sit back and "agree to disagree" with the oppressor. Rather,
we intervene to save the victim. Abortion is not about beliefs, but about
bloodshed. It's not about concepts, it's about protecting real people.
5. "Abortion is the law of the land." Our response: The "law of the
land" can be changed, just as it was changed regarding slavery and segregation.
Leadership means seeing the injustices that others miss, and inspiring people to
utilize the methods the law permits to make necessary changes.
6. "I support women's rights and health." Our response: That is
precisely why you should examine the evidence, which is more plentiful than
ever, that abortion is destructive of women's health, and listen to the growing
voices of those who have been harmed by abortion. That is also why you should
examine how the abortion industry, through unregulated and dangerous clinics,
continues to deceive and exploit women.
7. "Abortion is just one of many issues; I embrace a consistent ethic of
life." Our response: The foundation of a house is only one of many parts of
the house, but it is essential in order to build the other parts. That is why
the Catholic bishops have repeatedly asserted that among the many interrelated
issues within a consistent ethic, abortion deserves "urgent attention and
priority " (Pastoral Plan, 2001).
8. "My office does not involve any decision-making about abortion."
Our response: Your position on abortion says a lot about your character and
worldview. If you cannot stand up for the smallest of children, how will you
stand up for the rest of us?
Finally, always use the best response to all the arguments: I vote!
