QuestionI am writing a final paper for my AP English class and I chose to write about my political views. My first topic is abortion and it has easily taken up about ten pages. I was having a discussion with a peer and the issue of life at conception came up. I personally believe in life at conception and therefore, any abortion would be murder. She asked me whether or not it would still be considered murder because the fetus is not conscious that it is being killed (at least in the case of early term abortions). I was wondering if you had any thoughts on the subject. If you believe in life at conception, would abortion still be murder even though the fetus is not conscious of it? I had a second question to follow. If you believe abortion to be murder, but many people don't recognize it to be murder (the definition of life being a personal belief rather than a scientific fact), how do you react to the world? Do you try to convince others that it's murder? Do you join an anti-abortion group? Do you tolerate others views and swallow the fact that so many children are being killed? What are your thoughts on the subject. You can't force your personal beliefs on others, but then how do you reconcile the "silent scream" of millions? Sorry for the long question. Thanks!
AnswerFirst, let me say thanks for some excellent questions.
In response to the first issue, consciousness is a state that varies so much from conception to death and in many ways up and down during life. Consciousness of an action does not permit nor deny the action necessarily. The reality is, and many as you stated would disagree, that life begins at conception. God gave man the means to populate the earth, and conception is the starting process for that.
On your second issue, my response is that we having morals, if we are truly anti-abortion, need to take some type of action, even if it is contacting our legislative representatives. They are there to represent us, whether or not we always agree with them or they with us. You accept peacefully that others have different views, and that they are not intentionally being evil for having those, but you understand that they are misguided by wrong information. My advice is to not let them speak of "pro-choice" with no reply from you or others who realize how dangerous that view is. Peacefully voice your opinion. Abortion is sometimes, nearly always, a selfish act, not the liberating act that they make it out to be. It is not a private decision because it does not just affect the pregnant mother. Just be peaceful. If you are religious, pray also.
Thank you. I hope this helps. Best wishes.
