One of the points in my controversial abortion opus that’s generated the most discussion is the quesiton of whether birth control leads to fewer abortions. If it does, pro-life forces would need to re-assess their resistence to birth control.
A new data point to consider. Nicholas Kristof of the New York Times reports that the Bush Administraiton’s efforts to de-fund certain African family planning organizaitons would lead to more abortions. The Agency for International Development wants to cut funding to Marie Stopes International, a family-planning group the administraiton says is helping China’s forced abortion policy, a charge Kristoff says is false. Since Marie Stopes helps prevent unintended pregnancy, its director estimates that one consequence of the funding cut will be more abortions. Kristoff writes:
“The organization estimates that the result will be at least 157,000 additional unwanted pregnancies per year, leading to 62,000 additional abortions and 600 women dying in childbirth.
Over the years, I’ve dropped in on a half-dozen Marie Stopes clinics, and in rural areas there’s typically nothing else for many miles around. Women in the villages simply have no other source of family planning.”
In opposing the cuts, liberal groups (not wanting to imply that abortions are bad) have focused on the greater threat to the mothers. But pro-life groups might re-consider the law of unintended consequences.
posted October 11, 2008 at 1:39 am
So this thread has been up almost a whole day, and not one pro-lifer has commented on it.
Like I’ve always said, these folks are pro-life until it costs them some money, then they could care less if the kid lived or not.
posted October 13, 2008 at 9:47 pm
Common sense dictates that sex education as well as easy access to birth control methods would reduce unwanted pregnancies thus reducing abortions. If a woman doesn’t get pregnant accidently, she won’t seek an abortion. The pro-life groups that oppose birth control because “life begins at conception” need to get their heads out of the sand. A one day old group of cells isn’t a “child.”
As for “W” wanting to cut funding to certain African family planning organizations? I guess he’d rather the children be born, then starve to death, or die at birth. Sounds like the soon to be X-president of this country. Maybe he’ll agree to feed all the unwanted children personally!!
posted October 14, 2008 at 9:53 pm
Many abortion opponents also oppose contraception other than NFP, and some even think it is wrong to use that except to increase chances of conception. Sadly, there is less and less room for constructive dialog on the subject.
posted October 15, 2008 at 12:08 am
My parents raised me to be a true and honorable Catholic. I went to the Seminary when I was 14 and learned even more Theology and teachings of the church. Although I did not continue on into the priesthood, I still feel that it is important for me to live my life to serve others. I believe that when I come across someone in need it is my duty to help ease there pain or give them hope or comfort. I have had recent discussions with my parents that have been life long democrat supporters. After asking them why would they support a party that constantly votes and leans toward pro choice their response floored me. They vote democratic because they feel the party helps poor people. I mentioned to them that life starts at conception and shouldn’t they place more weight on a life than an economic issue. They had no answer for me. Please talk to your congregations to place life and God before all. This is what I teach my kids.