What Do They Mean By “Choice”?

“If we accept that a mother can kill even her own child, how can we tell other people to not kill each other? Any country that accepts abortion is not teaching its people to love, but to use any violence to get what they want.”
~Mother Teresa

Last month, I posted the above quote from Mother Teresa on my Facebook. This led to a fairly lively discussion about what it means to be pro-life and pro-choice (pro-abortion). Some referred to a baby as an “embryo” or a “fetus.” Others believe life begins at conception. I believe a developing baby is always a baby, a life to be cherished.

I believe the choice should be made BEFORE getting pregnant and that if a woman is not ready to have a baby or does not want a baby, then she should prevent a pregnancy from happening in the first place.

This prompted discussion about what to do in cases of rape, incest or when the mother’s life is in jeopardy.  I do not think adding the killing of the unborn is a way to deal with a pregnancy resulting from rape or incest. As far as aborting when the life of the mother is in jeopardy, I also believe this is wrong (and I have been in that situation personally).

Some might say that pro-lifer’s are trying to legislate “morality” by making abortion illegal. I say if you really look at our laws, we already legislate morality:

• it is a crime to murder someone;
• it is a crime to steal another’s belongings;
• it is a crime (in some instances) to be dishonest;
• it is a crime to use and sell illegal drugs; and
• it is a crime to abuse your dog.

How is legislating abortion any different? Why do some view it as different? We, as a society, accept that murder and theft are wrong. We, as a society, accept that abusing a dog or cat, or peddling drugs for a few bucks is wrong. Why do we allow the most defenseless human beings to be snuffed out because of some misguided notion that it is a “choice” women should have over their bodies.

I maintain that pro-choice equals pro-abortion. The only one with the “choice” is the mother; the unborn has no choice, no voice. I do not think it is ever right to kill the unborn. I will not be one of those who say, “I won’t have an abortion, but I don’t want to tell anyone else what to do or to take that option from them.” Unequivocally, abortion is wrong. To be pro-choice is to be pro-abortion. The only acceptable “choice” is life.

If you want to accuse me of wanting to legislate morality, then feel free. I will always choose life.

Read more about the “Ask them what they mean by ‘Choice’?” campaign on Jill Stanek’s blog here: http://www.jillstanek.com/2012/01/sunday-ask-them-what-they-mean-by-choice-day/