The Harm Of Abortion Overlooked In Editorial

Dear Editor:

The editorial by Donna Shade and Claudia Reynolds-LeBlanc [The New Rights War On Women, published March 7] was certainly passionate, but I never understood what their point was.

Most people recognize the legal necessity of abortion. (Citing a poll by Planned Parenthood on abortion is like a poll by Walmart on unions.) The increasing concern with abortion is its abuses.

First, the physical, emotional and psychological damage done to women by abortion procedures is not just under-reported, it is suppressed. Second, less than 3 percent* of American abortions are because of rape or incest — most are about birth control**. Often, it is girls aborted by a family wanting a boy. That’s the “War on Women”!

Third, many have a problem with the fact that a young teenage girl can be taken from school to an abortion clinic, have the procedure with no notification or involvement by her family, yet then they have to deal with the following emotional and psychological trauma — as well as any physical complications. This is a dangerous and unnecessary attack on the family.

Also, Biblical references are misquoted. The “bitter waters” reference is holy water mixed with dirt from the floor and concerns a test for adultery. Numbers 5:11-31. The Exodus 21:22-25 says if a pregnant woman gives birth prematurely, due to a blow from men fighting, but no harm results, then the man will be fired. But if harm — death — then the man answers life for life.

The one glaring contradiction in the editorial is — why is protecting a helpless, unborn child a “war” on women? Life begets life, from sperm and egg (both alive) until birth, there is the miracle of life — a living, growing human child. Protecting life should be the goal of everyone — especially women who are the very gateways of life!

Sincerely:
Bill Corbin
Fayetteville

* The Guttmacher Institute reported in 2005 that less than 2 percent of women questioned said rape or incest was the cause of their unwanted pregnancy)

** Guttmacher also reported that women cited the following reasons for having an abortion: 74 percent say having a baby would interfere with work, school or other responsibilities, 73  percent say they cannot afford to have a child, 48 percent say they do not want to be a single parent, or have relationship problems with husband or partner.

Categories: Commentary