(no subject)

[tree_and_leaf]

I don't want this to turn into a massive argument about abortion, but whether you're pro- or anti-choice, I think Slacktivist's post on the history of anti-abortion campaings in Evangelical America is an interesting read; it certainly surprised me quite a lot.

I suppose the best way to articulate my position on abortion is that it's a bit like Just War*: it's never a good thing, but there are circumstances where it's the least evil choice, and sometimes by a very clear margin, and it certainly isn't for the government to make that choice for women (and men) in what can be agonisingly difficult situations - as late-term abortions are, almost by definition. (This is probably a position that people on both sides of the argument will find wrong-headed, but there you go...)

I hope I don't need to say that murdering a doctor in cold blood in church is never, ever OK.

* And I might add that I tend to agree with the Anglo-Saxon penitentials, which required soldiers to perform some act of penance after battle, even in a good cause, because killing leaves its marks on you, even if you were, to pick the favourite military tribunal question, trying to stop a Viking from raping your sister.

Comments

[tree_and_leaf]

That's an appalling story, and it's because of stories like that that, if there was a referendum on abortion tomorrow, I would vote to keep the law as it is, however much I dislike the fact that situations arise where it's necessary. And, like you, I think the best way to reduce the abortion rate is sex ed, contraception and decent support for mothers (which includes a better attitude to working mothers).