Roe v. Wade not whole issue

The doctor was in a discussion about abortion. After many strong opinions on abortion, the doctor was asked for her thoughts. She replied “If you oppose abortion, don’t have one.” Why isn’t that a good way to deal with the issue? Why should those who believe abortion is wrong successfully impose that belief on others against their will?

Some anti-abortion laws give legal personhood to the embryo. That means that this potential human who is totally dependent upon and resides in its mother is an independent human being with all associated rights. Accordingly, the mother could be charged with some form of murder if the embryo dies. Most human embryos do not survive to live birth. Estimates of embryo mortality are as high as 70%. Many embryo deaths occur before pregnancy is evident. Repealing Roe v. Wade will not cancel this birth lottery but could make criminals of most mothers.

Perhaps Roe v. Wade will be repealed. That would end one struggle and start another. This issue will be with us until there is an accommodation between strong and conflicting beliefs. We must do this hard work ourselves. No one will do it for us.

Allan deLaubenfels

Spokane Valley