So who’s right about abortions, and who decides the unanswerable question of when life begins:
politicians, religion, or doctors?
Politicians in some states totally ban abortions from conception, some at 6, 15, 20, 22, 24, or 25 weeks.
Some states allow abortions for rape, incest, or lethal fetal anomaly. Why is one state right and the others
all wrong?
Catholics, Southern Baptists, and Assemblies of God oppose abortion for any or most any reason;
Episcopal and United Methodists are supportive with some limits; Conservative and Reformed Jews and
Presbyterians (U.S.A.) support abortions with few or no limits. So, whose theological assessment is right,
and when does it become a violation of freedom of religion?
The medical profession is also divided. The American Medical Association and the America College of
Obstetricians and Gynecologists say that abortion is health care, but some practicing doctors think
abortions are unethical.
So, maybe what we need is a compromise that respects the rights of the pregnant person who may have
health and/or societal risks associated with her pregnancy, or simply doesn’t want to be pregnant. One
long-running survey by Gallup suggests that most Americans now think abortion should be an option,
contraception should be an option, and sex education should be available.
John H. Fisher
Hendersonville
It seems like, if we are truly honest with ourselves, we must admit that abortion is a true form of compassion, either
for the pregnant woman, or for the fetus, if not for both of them. And we strongly believe that conciliation between
abortion and theology may occur if theology accepts that, sometimes, tolerance on abortion can be considered a form
of compassion.