Common Ground on Pro-life and Pro-choice

Again, I sent a letter to the wheeling Sunday News-Register and again they did not publish it.

I am posting it here

Editor: Sunday News Register,                                     February 6, 2017

What could we learn from the two large demonstrations that took place within a week of the Inauguration? One was a March for Women that included a demand to keep abortion legal; the other was a March for Life that demanded protection of the unborn. Both groups consisted of Americans exercising their First Amendment rights for causes they passionately believe in.  Both groups gathered some very good people looking beyond their narrow self-interest. A problem arises because neither group easily concedes the goodness of the other.

For several years there have been voices describing common ground. But these voices are most often drowned out in the clamor of confrontational politics. But let’s look at some of the pro-life beliefs that most pro-choice advocates might agree with.

First, women should be able to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Although there is some disagreement on contraception, nearly everyone would agree that it is preferable to abortion. Second, every woman should have health insurance and availability of pre-natal, natal, and pediatric care. Third, our concern for pregnant women and their off-spring should extend to all women including undocumented immigrants and Syrian refugees.

            The pro-life movement often embraces conservative politicians who promise to end legal abortion. The irony is that a large portion of pro-life advocates are Catholics, and the Papal teachings on social justice are more liberal than almost any American politician. How can we reconcile these two positions? My suggestion is to recognize that trying to make abortion illegal is not the only way nor the most effective way to end abortion. But working together to create a society that is more welcoming to all pregnant women and prepared to help them give birth and raise children would lead to a healthier and less antagonistic society.  Abortions have been declining without the heavy hand of government bans. Building bridges instead of walls, literally and figuratively, could speed this process.