Tragedy or a "right to choose"?
Abortion rights? What? What about the right to life which is clearly spelled out in the Constitution? Did anyone remember about that?WASHINGTON -- The Supreme Court's new conservative majority gave anti-abortion forces a landmark victory Wednesday in a 5-4 decision that bans a controversial abortion procedure nationwide and sets the stage for further restrictions.
It was a long-awaited and resounding win that abortion opponents had hoped to gain from a court pushed to the right by President Bush's appointees.
For the first time since the court established a woman's right to an abortion in 1973, the justices said the Constitution permits a nationwide prohibition on a specific abortion method. The court's liberal justices, in dissent, said the ruling chipped away at abortion rights.
Read the full article.
Honestly, though I'm of course very happy that the Supreme Court upheld the partial birth abortion ban, I think the fact that it was a 5-4 decision is pathetic. Four Supreme Court Justices think the "right" to the brutal killing of an innocent child's life should be upheld?
For those who read my blog and think abortion is not "brutal", the article goes on to say:
The procedure at issue involves partially removing the fetus intact from a woman's uterus, then crushing or cutting its skull to complete the abortion.
Abortion opponents say the law will not reduce the number of abortions performed because an alternate method - dismembering the fetus in the uterus - is available and, indeed, much more common.
As if the alternate method is any more humane. What is wrong with our society today that people cannot see such gruesome acts as heinous crime? We all mourn the loss of the 32 shot dead at VA Tech this past Monday. We call it a "tragedy" and it is a tragedy. Yet, why is it alright for millions of children to be killed and cut up in pieces. Why is this act considered a "mother's right to choose" and a man going in and shooting people at gunpoint considered a "tragedy"? I don't get the logic here.
I know this is a hot subject and I know that in even mentioning it, I will get raked over the coals. It's not a pretty subject and I don't broach it lightly. However, until Christians will stand up and speak the truth on this issue, until Pastors will have the courage to preach against it from their pulpits, until those who claim the Name of Christ will rise up and take a stand against this horrific violence against the unborn, we can't expect anything to change.
Don't stand idly by. "Evil prevails when good men [and women] do nothing."
posted by Crystal Paine at 10:30 AM
32 Comments:
My husband and I were thrilled when it was announced!
It's all about mentality.
I really think that people who support a "woman's right to choose" try their best to brainwash people into thinking that this decision is only about the woman. They try cover up and/or seperate ANY and Every aspect and effect of pregnancy.
"It's not human until it is born." Ok, try telling that to the thousands of woman out there who are pregnant; who feel their baby(yes, I said baby) kick, who see thier baby sucking it's thumb on the ultrasound, and who see their baby's heart beat at just 8 weeks.
No really, I would like to see/dare those people to walk into a OB/GYN's office and say to those women that what they have growing inside them is nothing special, that it isn't human. You can't just take choice language and erase thousands of years off an event so pinnacle to human existence. An event that not only affects a woman,but everyone around her.
Then these same people tell women who have had abortions that any feelings of regret is "stupid and silly." They try to cover-up or deny that having an abortion will have any long-term emotional and psychological effect on the woman.
It just makes me sick! :-(
I can't believe that there are people out there who really think that being anti-abortion really means being "anti-woman"; that we want to "control" women. It is so far from the truth that they get lost in their own "logic."
Sigh.. Like you said, we need to stand up to what's going on in this country. Right now, the best thing I can do is try to be an example. To show that despite being "young" (22), not having a house, not having a job, willingly NOT using birth control when this baby was concieved, but that I still love this baby with all my heart and soul; it might cause a few hearts to change.
Aisha
Amen!
"Why is this act considered a "mother's right to choose" and a man going in and shooting people at gunpoint considered a "tragedy"? I don't get the logic here."
You probably do get the logic... you just don't agree with it (which I think is ok)...
Many people see it this way: the creature in the womb has the potential to become a human being but is not one yet, this means that abortion doesn't equal murder... (quite logical right?)
The people who were shot were human beings in the eyes of most I guess... and therefore shooting them was murdering them... (quite logical too)
But I'm sure you understand these people's logic... you just don't agree with the presuppositons (e.g. the aborted fetus is not a child) their thinking is based on
Ok that was a useless comment...
:):)
I'm pro choice by the way... but I don't think I'd EVER get an abortion... I just couldn't...
Keep speaking the truth, Crystal! God will bless you! Ignore the negative comments. They are not the voice of God who is the giver of ALL life!
What I'd like to know is how can someone say they are a child of God and believe that it is alright to MURDER unborn babies?
Ruth, PA
Amen!
I read an article (maybe it was Anderson Cooper?) that said that this might mean that Roe v. Wade will be overthrown soon. That's just speculation, I'm sure--what do you think?
Be encouraged, Crystal, even if you do get raked over from the coals of others. You're a proclaimer of the truth and standing up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. You're living a life unconformed to the world! (Ro. 12:1-2)
Anonymous: How can one say that a child who can live outside the womb on its own (as happens in the case of many abortions in our state which are performed after 25 weeks) only has the "potential to become a human"? That's what I don't get.
Where do we draw the line? We could push this "logic" to come to all sorts of conclusions - such as, a child under one year old is not a "child" (by someone's standard because they can't communicate verbally much yet or some other silly reasoning) so therefore this child can be killed at any time and it not be "murder." Who makes the judgment calls?
And why do we value baby animals more than baby humans? The church we attend meets in an elementary school and all over the walls of that school right now are posters made by little children which have pleading messages "Save the Koalas" "Save the baby koalas" and so forth. I mentioned to my husband the other day that I wondered what would happen if a teacher decided the children were going to make posters stating "Save the baby humans."
How can abortion procedures which have been medically proven to inflict pain on a fetus (if you want to call it that) be considered okay and acceptable and even a woman's right?
We have so many ways of trying to negate the "consequences" of physical relations. First there's chemical birth control, then, if that fails, we have the morning after pill, then, if that fails, we have abortion. What if people didn't have so many backup plans so readily accessible and had to think about the "consequences" (i.e. pregnancy) which could result by engaging in immorality? I often wonder about that. If we had more people encouraging abstinence as opposed to "safe sex" (which, I'm sorry, unless you're married, there's no such thing), wouldn't we have less of a need for all these backup plans and procedures anyway which not only kill human life but are often very detrimental to a woman's body?
There's so much more I could say on this, but I need to get back to my morning chores...
I am so fortunate to live in a country (Northern Ireland) where abortion is not available! However, all that women need to do is get a plane or boat over to the mainland of the UK (ie England etc).
And, if you are still feeling tired from pregnancy - take some consolation from the article detailing the thoughts of a man who wore a "bump" for 24 hours! http://health.uk.msn.com/family/pregnancy/article.aspx?cp-documentid=2704641&wa=wsignin1.0
Rach
Very true, Crystal!
Until people stop seeing babies as non-entities or parasites their indifference will not end. And you right, we as Christians should be speaking out about the atrocity of abortion.
Yes, this is a very hot topic, but if you help even one person change their mind about having an abortion, you will have saved a precious life, so keep up the good work!!
Take care,
Leigh
Hi Crystal,
They told my Mom that I'm an inconvenience, that I will make her life difficult and she can never raise me on her own. They told her how easily she could get rid of me, and how it wasn't a big deal anyway, I wasn't human yet, right?
Well, what can I say? I'm so happy she didn't listen!
As someone who's been through two miscarriages and a heart-wrenching stillbirth, the whole subject of abortion, partial birth especially, can be downright enraging. I have to guard against that anger at times like these.
The lack of concern and care for the unborn in this country is, as I see it, God's judgement on us, and will result in our being judged as a nation, unless God in His mercy begins to turn hearts. "The heart of the king is in God's hand."
When will we begin to value life again-human life? When will animals cease to be more important than a tiny, thriving human soul! God endows each baby with that soul at conception. Who are we, mere humans, to decide that that soul can no longer live based on a woman's indecision, fear or just plain selfishness?? These are the questions that plague me when I begin to think through abortion.
But even surrounded by what seems like so much apathy on this issue, I can find my comfort and hope in the knowledge that my God does all things well. Yes, we have a responsibility to do what we can to help change these things, but God is ultimately in control and knows the ins and outs of why He is allowing all these abortions to take place.
The real fear for America ought to be is God continuing to allow this to go on because He is waiting, like nations of the old testament, until our sin is full and complete to bring His righteous judgement against America. How that thought ought to bring Christians to their knees in prayer for the revival of our nation as a whole and a return to what is good and righteous among our leadership!
"Pray for those who have the rule over you." This ought to be the commandment that keeps us focused and prayerful on behalf of America and her leaders at times like these.
Crystal, thank you for addressing this issue and not fearing the repercussions.
RW
Amen, Crystal!
Thank you for having the courage to stand up and speak the truth, even when you know you will receive many negative comments from others. You are doing a very admirable work here.
I completely agree with everything you said here, and couldn't have said it better myself.
I am a nurse, and I used to work in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. I took care of many babies born at 24-25 weeks. They were such precious little lives, and I was always heartbroken and grieved to think of babies just like them being brutally murdered while inside the sanctuary of their mothers' bodies. This is indeed a heinous act, perhaps one of the most heinous I can think of. As someone who would give just about anything to be a mother, I can't stand to think about how many precious little babies are ruthlessly slaughtered each day.
Anyway, I could go on all day, but keep up the good work, and thank you for boldly speaking the truth.
Hi Crystal,
AMEN!!!! I could not agree more.
It is really tough to get my mind around the fact that some (probably millions world wide) mothers actually CHOOSE to have their developing babies KILLED.
Why is a developing baby only called a "baby" when people want it to live and he or she is called a "fetus" by people that don't want it to live?
Trixie
I started to write a comment, but I soon realized it would be very lengthy. So I will try to post what I was going to write on my blog. (Not sure when that will be.)
I am pro life. I can't understand how anyone can think abortion is okay. I do feel bad for women who have gone through it though. I think the majority are scared and they just want someone to make everything better, and then they get brainwashed.
God is not blind to what these abortionists are doing. We need to pray that the Holy Spirit will work in their hearts so that they can see what they are doing is wrong.
I'm glad the ban was passed, although they left a "health of the mother" provision, and all the other forms of abortion available.
This gets me much worse when I'm carrying my own little ones in the womb. Long before they are "viable" outside the womb, I am getting to know them and recognizing their distinct personalities. And from conception on, they are biologically genetically unique, living human beings by the scientific definitions of those words. Certainly not merely "potential life". Ugh.
What I have never understood is how exactly such a procedure could even apply to a "life of the mother" situation. It is invasive, involves premature induction of labor (hard on the woman's body), delivery of the entire body and the introduction of sharp objects into the woman's body. Gee, that sounds soooo safe! How would letting the baby live kill the mother if she can tolerate the above procedure and be just fine?
Crystal,
Excellent post, and excellent comment as well! Abortion issues are always near and dear to my heart, as I go out to try and reach the women face-to-face.
In response to the anonymous who is "pro-choice":
I see the logic, and I certainly disagree (you probably could have figured). The problem with the logic is this...the product of two human beings can only be a human being. That's a basic scientific fact. Being included in a "species" is not based on your stage of development. Thus, an unborn human baby is not LESS a part of our 'species' (ie: less human) than a born human baby (and not really less dependent, either), just less developed. In the same way, a born human baby is far less developed than a teenager, and a teenager less developed than a 40 year old.
I'm also going to assume the reason you couldn't get an abortion is because you conscience tells you it's wrong. God promised in the Bible that He would write His laws on our hearts; our consciences bear witness to the laws of God. One of those is, "You shall not murder." When you do something that goes against your conscience, that means you do it with knowledge (if you break down the word conscience, that's what it means). God gives women a maternal instinct, as well. I'm only 17...I'm not married, and I don't have babies, so I'm not speaking from experience, per say, but that is just obvious. :o) Women have an instinct to protect their children, even when they are unborn.
ach it makes you want to just sit and cry....
Life is precious and awesome thing God has given us, how can people just take it without a thought...
good article crystal.
btw I'm going to change the address to my blog this coming week. its changing from www.nicholekamin.blogspot.com to www.nicholejordan.blogspot.com ( my newly married name!!!)
for anyone out there who notices it and reads it everyone in a great while... thanks!!!
Hi Crystal,
I'm thrilled for this decision, yet Christians can't just relax after this. We still need to speak out and fight Roe v. Wade, until abortion is completely erased.
I wrote a piece on my husband and my blog about this as well, containing a link for the actual ruling, in case anyone would like to read it.
~Jordan~
Dear Anonymous,
Your logic is not logical.
When does a baby become a human? Even a 6 month old baby cannot survive on his own. He still needs an adult to feed and care for him. What about a 2 year old who is lacking certain parts of his skeletal structure, teeth, knee caps; many hand and feet bones still missing. How about a 12 year old who has just begun to "sprout" still working on developing those adult organs? Are we not human until we are fully formed? That could be in the early 20's for many people!
So, who gets to decide? The truth is there is no decision to make here. A human is a human from conception. Period. Pro-lifers didn't decide this. It just is.
I have long told people on this subject...that I am pro-choice:
Every women should have the choice
TO get pregnant or NOT. Once that decision has been made.....her right has been exercised.
to those who say, "What about the cases of incest, rape, and forced pregnancy?" Statistics prove: the ratio is barely measurable. Still, I understand, if any of these happened to someone we know and love, statistics don't matter. If we love someone who has suffered such an offense, we must compassionately offer other means of relief for the women and for the babies.
Furthermore, as has been reinforced by my daughters job as an RN in a Neonatal Critical Care Unit.......I believe that a fetus IS ALIVE. She has cared for little ones born as early as 21 weeks gestation. Even the most logical of argument must address the fact that with the onset of medical advancements.....we must no longer allow the murder of unborn babies.
This is more than the right to choose. This is about convenience in a world where we drive through for our meals and order our books online with a click of a key. This is about our unwillingness to cherish life, all life....even when the circumstances surrounding it are less than orderly. While striving to make our own lives perfect, we destroy the most perfect gift one could ever receive: our children.
Would we ever consider killing a child, once born, now tragically in a vegatative state due to a physical injury or car crash? Do we redefine "life" when an individual can no longer walk due to paralysis or breathe on their own? I think not! They still have potential...they still have their purpose!
WTG with this truth telling. While these unborn children may not be allowed to ever speak....the least we can do is be their VOICE for them!
Diane
Crystal, I totally agree. Thank you for continuing to speak out about abortion. Abortion is a lucrative business and advocates don't usually want photos and information being made public.
A number of weeks ago, I was reading the Planned Parenthood website and was appalled at their "facts"... I kept saying, "Joshua, look at what they say here..." totally misleading and glosses over the physical and emotional consequences, not to mention the fact that it's a little baby!!!!
And sad to say, I was actually at the PP website because of some ad links from Christian womens' blogs.
Those of you who have blogs and utilize advertizing, please, PLEASE think about where you're linking.
Crystal,
Thanks for sharing this news.
I couldn't agree more about this issue in every way....except, I feel like I can't expect unsaved (unregenerated hearts) to understand why it's wrong and want to change so that there is no more abortion. Until God changes their whole heart, their thinking will be this way in every area of life. Before I rally against every sinful cause, I must focus on their heart; the root of the problem. My message is the gospel, before it's embracing a movement against something.
I hope to not be misunderstood. Again, I relate with every frustrated and sad emotion you expressed and my heart also wants babies to stop being murdered. I just want to point out that changing the world's thinking doesn't really solve anything eternally for them and it's probably impossible anyway. But, if God changes their hearts then we can make some progress.
What do you think?
I don't think we can rid the world of abortion through legal channels, although I support them. Making murder illegal doesn't prevent it from happening. The battle is for the hearts and minds of the women who feel that they have no other choice than to abort someone so precious to God. What would happen if each Christian, especially those of us who are mothers, prayed for women who are considering abortion, including prayers for their unborn children as we pray for our own? I am imagine we might have a profound effect.
Thank you, Crystal, for verbalizing so well what I feel and wish I could articulate! I get so angry when I hear people discussing abortion like it's just another "disease" or political issue. I fervently pray that God will open people's eyes to the truth of how horrific abortion truly is.
We all need to send a message loud and clear that we think aborting our children has to stop. April 24th is national pro-life t-shirt day. There are many online sites which you can order shirts from (christianshirts.net is one) or you can make them .....a great project to do with kids using a plain shirt and fabric paint. On April 24th let's SHOW the world that Jesus loves babies!!!
I absolutely agree that we can't expect anything less of those who do not believe in God - the Creator of Life itself - and that we should definitely be seeking to share the Love of Christ with them. Only God can change hearts. But, I don't think that means we stop proclaiming the evils of abortion or stop promoting life. I am appalled that so many Christians choose to stand idly by, do nothing, say nothing, hide their heads, turn their eyes, or pretend murder of children is not happening. In fact, some so-called Christians go so far as to endorse a woman's right to "choose" and many, many who call themselves Christians see children as an inconvenience, something to be avoided, or, if anything, something to only have a few of because we have "so many other things to do in life." If God calls children "blessings," why would we want to avoid His blessings?
It's time for Christians to DO SOMETHING. To take a stand for truth and righteousness. If each of us have the courage to speak the truth and live the truth, we can change the world - one family, one person, one baby, one heart at a time.
Sorry Crystal, this has nothing to do with the topic of this post. I am not sure if you have seen or not but Candy over at www.myblessedhome.blogspot.com has had her oldest son taken away by SS. I was wondering if you would be willing to put a post up for a prayer request for her as you have many readers. It is a very unfortunate and sad thing that is happening to her, it is something that could happen to any one of us.
I just have to shake my head in disbelief when I hear some of the pro-choice/death propaganda. I'm all for the government staying out of people's business and for basic freedom's and rights...as long as your choices don't negatively infringe on someone else's rights. When they are screaming about the mother's rights and it being her choice because it's her body, I have to ask the simple question, "what about the BABY'S right to life?". Just because a life is inside of your body doesn't mean you should have the option to murder that life. Have these women not heard about adoption? There are so many couple out there that would love to welcome a baby into their home.
Being pregnant myself and having seen that little heart beating inside of me, this issue is especially difficult to think about. This is a very heavy subject, and so often we miss the bigger issue.
First, let me say that no where in scripture does it say that this world is going to get better and better with each passing day. It's quite the opposite, until our Lord returns to us, humanity will continue to be depraved. Abortion is one of the consequences of a fallen world, and a consequence that I don't see changing until the day our Lord chooses to return to us.
God created us and loved us so much that He gave us complete freedom to choose as to whether or not we would love Him. Freewill. My assumption is that even if abortion were to become illegal, people would still find ways to do it, just like they did before it was legalized. It's sick that we have to debate this issue at all, but this is where humanity has gone. This is why the "us vs. them" mentality over abortion will never serve any good.
Christians and non-Christians have completely different hearts, and that is the real issue. Until people choose God, they will never understand why we as Christians choose life. The real change would come when we focus on witnessing to our unsaved neighbors, and then God can reveal to them why abortion is sin.
Ultrasound does cause a few hearts to change. Support your local pregnancy resource center and ministries like Option Ultrasound (http://www.heartlink.org/oupdirectors.cfm) and share pictures like these (scroll to bottom) http://www.thephonicspage.org/Other/aboutus.html
I also agree that we need to change more hearts, and the best way to do that is to share our love for Jesus Christ.
Here's a better link and a quote from the brochure:
"Abortion-minded clients who see their babies
on ultrasound are significantly more likely to
choose life than those who receive counseling
alone (79 percent vs. 57 percent)."
Full Option Ultrasound brochure here: http://www.heartlink.org/PDF/OUPBrochure.pdf
I'm so thankful for you speaking up about this, Crystal. Thank you for writing so eloquently about this and everything else you write about. You're so talented! God bless you!
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