The Politics of Abortion

I wrote a letter to the Editor of the Wheeling Sunday News- Register. They did not publish it. They might publish it next Sunday, but I wouldn't bet on it. So I will post it here. My position may seem controversial to some, so post your comments.

                                                                                                October 12, 2016

Editor:  Sunday New Register:

I recently received a flyer from West Virginians for Life that pointed to differences between the two presidential candidates on the subject of abortion. The flyer was careful to avoid telling the recipient which candidate to vote for, but it quoted Donald Trump as saying “I’m Pro-Life.”

 I think that we as voters need to look beyond the surface. If we value life at all stages, we should ask which candidate has worked the hardest for children. Also we need to ask which has worked the hardest to make sure that all women who are pregnant or may become pregnant are covered by medical insurance making the choice of child-birth more probable. Secretary Clinton would work with Congress to improve the Affordable Care Act.  Mr. Trump would sign its repeal, a move that would deprive millions of men, women, and children, of medical coverage. The loss of coverage would likely lead to a spike in the number of abortions.

            It is very easy for any politician to say “I’m Pro-Life,” but these are “just words.” Finding ways to actually promote life is very difficult and must go beyond attempts to legislate against abortion. For voters, making a decision based on a single statement can save us a lot of brain-work. However, we have the duty to try to discern how our vote can lead to the most good, or the least harm.

Richard P Mullin