Published: January 22, 2008 05:37 pm            

Letter to the editor - Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2008

What does it mean to you?

Is it really a financial decision? Is it really a way to reach career goals? Is it, in some minds, a way to protect a family? What, exactly, does the decision to have an abortion mean?

A recent report from Guttmacher Institute illustrating the demographics of women who have chosen abortions, and the reasons given behind their choices, reported that half of the women who have abortions are 25 or older, and most already have a child. If this data is to be considered credible, then one is struck by the very disturbing theme evident in many of the reasons cited: The value of life actually has a price tag.

It’s a different price for everyone, but there can be no doubt that these days an actual value is being assigned to life itself. In some situations where the family is already struggling to make ends meet with many mouths to feed, the choice to abort is justified by the claim that it is the more responsible action. In other situations, individuals are working toward the American dream and the timing is just all wrong.

If one hasn’t reached their goals in life, a baby is considered a hindrance to that progress and to the possibility of success and well-being. Yet, in situations such as this, the concepts of success and well-being are grossly ill-defined by material means. There is little or no consideration for what truly defines success in life and for what truly gives us joy.

Through Roe v. Wade, our nation allows abortion on demand. How is it possible that a nation as great as ours allows such a thing? There is no right to murder. No one should be granted the choice to commit such an atrocity. With every day that passes under Roe v. Wade, we are allowing the killing of the most precious and the most innocent among us. Who are we?

I don’t wonder what God must think, I shudder at the thought. A profound sadness fills the hearts of all who understand the magnitude of the sin of abortion. Indeed, many of the strongest pro-life activists are those who have had an abortion in the past or have counseled someone else to do so. By the grace of God, these individuals have received the insight necessary for redemption and they work tirelessly to touch the hearts of many. We are all sinners. Yet, we should never lose our trust in God and in his ability to see us through the trials of life. God is always ready to forgive, we just have to ask.

Whether or not we are able to overturn Roe v. Wade in our lifetime, we must stop the practice of putting a price tag on God’s gift now. Let us never forget, God always makes room for one more and we are called to follow his example.

In the words of Blessed Mother Teresa, “It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live how you wish.”

Lisa Sipes

Russiaville

        

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