tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14733404.post6925379803970853291..comments2024-01-08T05:50:04.098-05:00Comments on baxter sez: More abortion restrictions in SCAlison Piepmeierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17972854288403934814noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14733404.post-52227759652515547542009-01-30T22:28:00.000-05:002009-01-30T22:28:00.000-05:00This is a topic that will likely never be resolved...This is a topic that will likely never be resolved. Especially because the origin of perception is different for many people. I will not say all, but many who believe abortion is murder or immoral are looking at the situation through a religious perspective. Their religious beliefs have constructed their set of values, but can also limit the scope of perception. Many who are pro-choice consider a plethora of sociological, economical, and political variables. And it seems that people who are pro-choice are often interpreted as pro-abortion, which isn't true. Pro-choice is precisely that and all women have the right to know every option available and based on the variables in their life determine which choice is right for them. I firmly believe that no matter the decision, there will be a mixture of feelings and thoughts, good and bad. An issue that is not black-and-white is often treated as such, and it makes me question the extent of people's ability to be empathetical. <BR/><BR/>Some of the closest friends and relatives are women who have faced this decision. And all chose differently. But never did any of them take this decision lightly. For me to restrict someone's personal rights because I feel people should adhere to my value system alone is unfair, unrealistic, and in all honesty, a bit arrogant and egotistical. <BR/><BR/>But what I find most disturbing is the methodologies used to react to something people oppose. It boggles my mind when there are Christian protestors telling women they're going to hell; they're murderers; they're immoral. Yet, these are people of a tradition whose savior preached love and compassion. Never have I witnessed a protestor asking a woman to tell her story, to listen to her situation, to truly see life through her eyes, and approach her in a manner that is out of love and concern instead of judgement and damnation. <BR/><BR/>I've interviewed anti-abortion protestors, and I always like to ask them if they think there are other ways to reach out to the community, to find another way to decrease abortion rates. I give examples of community involvement with youth, helping the poor since abortion rates often correlate with poverty, and even safe sex education. But all have told me, "No." The best way to approach this complex issue is to stand in front of buildings with signs. I'm sorry, but I don't get that. <BR/><BR/>I think both sides can agree that lower abortion rates would be great, if under the right circumstances. For one side, that would hopefully mean people are consistently practicing safe sex and/or cases of rape and/or incest are decreasing as well. The other side would hope people are making a different decision, living a life similar to their value system. So, if people want change, legislation is not always the best or only method for creating change. I think if everyone was more "community" minded, being involved with others around them regardless of race, religion, beliefs, that nothing but positive change could occur that would make those of every affiliation happy.Chaotic Realizationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01806366768137423714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14733404.post-80152375094582679842009-01-29T17:03:00.000-05:002009-01-29T17:03:00.000-05:00Interesting topic. I had an abortion 17 years ago ...Interesting topic. I had an abortion 17 years ago and have lived to regret it. I have counseled many, many women who feel the same-they live with a lifetime of regret and guilt and shame over what they did. I also have a few friends who have had abortions who don't seem too have been affected by it. I remember reading your story about your abortion way back when-I appreciated your honesty and candidness in describing your's and Biffle's decision. I could tell it didn't seem to be something you entered into lightly...Unfortunately, I don't see that same thought being put into the decision for so many women. The pregnancy is a problem and the abortion solves the problem. But for so many of us, it only creates new problems. <BR/>I don't know what the answer is to get women to think long and hard before making this decision. I am not a person who likes the government getting involved in my personal life, but some women (and girls for that matter) don't put enough thought into it. <BR/>Will a 24 hour waiting period make a difference? No. You are right for all the reasons you stated. Does something need to be done (whether on a social level, family level, government level?) to help these women in crisis to think though the ramifications of their decision-absolutely. <BR/>Again, interesting topic....Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14733404.post-27439875883677988202009-01-29T09:51:00.000-05:002009-01-29T09:51:00.000-05:00If most women were "thinking things over," as you ...If most women were "thinking things over," as you so naively believe, abortions would truly be "rare."<BR/><BR/><STRONG>One Dove</STRONG><BR/><A HREF="http://abortionabout.com/" REL="nofollow">AbortionAbout.com</A>One Dovehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03209273884655138432noreply@blogger.com