Tipping the Scales

In the wake of the salacious presidential scandal, an important anniversary was nearly forgotten by much of the press last week: the 25th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion in the United States. Although abortion should not be the only issue a citizen considers in the voting booth, it certainly must be considered an important one. The legalization of abortion was a watershed for the validity of individual rights, but a tragic miscalculation of who can enjoy those rights.

Consider for a moment a simple scientific fact: at the instant conception occurs, all that any microscope or documentary can show you is a single cell, dividing upon itself again and again, not taking recognizably human shape for many days. The reality of cellular infancy belies the genetic reality that exists fully at that same moment of conception. Painted to complex perfection on its landscape of DNA are the characteristics and flaws, talents and proclivities of an individual. These are facts that science has given us. This is a truth that the arbitrary nature of the Roe V. Wadetrimester system did not-expect.

This reality, in addition to religious beliefs of the simultaneous infusion of a soul, is what gives such force to so many who believe that abortion is morally unacceptable. At the same time, to others, the lack of recognizable form and voice of an individual seems enough to deny this mass of cells fundamental human rights.

Abortion politics in black and white are strenuously being toned down by the Republican Party, as well as by some individual Democrats. Unfortunately, although the rhetoric may not be as loud, the significance of the issue has not died out.

Even to the most ardent pro-lifers, it is apparent that Roe v. Wade will not be over-turned any time soon, if ever, and that abortion will most likely always remain legal in this country. However, this does not mean a defeat for one side of the issue, but an opportunity to re-address the unfortunate reality that still exists: the callous disposal of human life and the lessening of its importance to society as a whole.

The only way to continue to slow the abortion rate in this country is to make it a difficult and more unlikely decision to reach.

This is part of the reason why I am a Democrat, although I believe, to the core of my being, that abortion is not only morally wrong, but tantamount to murder. An oxymoronic reality? I voted to re-elect the President in 1996, not because I no longer felt abortion was a major issue or because my views had changed. Instead, I believed that a Democratic administration was the best hope to systematically reduce the number of abortions in this country. The goals of the party are to help strengthen and improve the social safety net this country so desperately needs.

A nation that cares for all of its unfortunates, that preserves welfare and creates job opportunity, also creates hope for those who turn to abortion as an economic solution. A nation which cares for its children and believes in their importance to its future, will be one that sees fewer abortions. Liberalization and streamlining of adoption laws helps reduce the number of abortions. Free prenatal care and later child care help reduce abortions.

Why not teach children not to risk pregnancy, and to protect themselves if they do? Why not help those who find themselves in desperate situations rather than judging them to be morally lacking?

As an ardent advocate for the rights of children, from genetic formation onwards, I long for the day when abortion is no longer the quick fix for some and seemingly the only outlet for others; I look forward to its being made illegal as well. At the same time, I have no wish to see poor women die or suffer future infertility from botched illegal abortions. Nor do I wish to see women of means help create a cottage industry of border abortion clinics in Canada and Mexico.

We live in a society rather inhospitable to women and children and their needs. Women who want to stay at home with their children are often objects of contempt or ridicule; women who want to work cannot find affordable, quality child care. Reported incidents of child abuse continue to rise, and many inner-city children continue to die young.

A few weeks ago, a couple won a wrongful birth suit against the Columbia/HCA Hospital Corporation that had gone to extraordinary lengths to save the life of their child born with severe birth defects. Although surely a desperate and tragic situation for these parents, how much more desperate and tragic is it that this nation is coming to value the quality of life over life itself?

I once had the opportunity to ask Clinton adviser and political strategist James Carville whether it would be possible for a pro-life Democrat to be elected to the Presidency. He felt that it would never happen; I hope that someday someone proves him wrong. Alternatively, I hope that the Republican party turns towards the poor rather than to those who vociferously trumpet the need for change in the party.

The position of the Catholic Church on abortion is clear, but it may surprise you. In his recent book, Crossing the Threshold of Hope,Pope John Paul II wrote that in firmly rejecting pro choice it is necessary to become courageously pro-woman, promoting a choice that is truly in favor of women. The Catholic Church believes that abortion is murder, but also recognizes that simply saying so will not end the devaluation of life. Words will not end abortion. Deeds of compassion and understanding will.

Christa M. Franklin '98-'99 is a resident of Currier House.