Abortion

The issue of abortion is now front and center. Following are some data and four different perspectives on the matter.

Abortion data from U.S. Census Bureau:
Number of Abortion in the U.S. in 2008 (the last year for which data is complete): 1,212,350

Number of Life Births in the U.S. in 2008: 4,247,694

This data would suggest that for every 4 babies born, a fifth baby was aborted. In other words, conservatively speaking and without taking into consideration miscarriages or birth control medications/devices, at least 20% of babies conceived in this country are aborted.

INSIGHT FROM THE MEDICAL PROFESSION:
"If you could look at this from an advanced society somewhere in the future, abortion will be judged as just as barbaric in it's historical context as Mayan sacrifice of young girls, as killing infants for their female gender, as parents being within legal bounds to kill their children -- all of these things the norm in their time, in their context. Rationalized thought -- that a broad societal consensus that it is ok, and that given the time, will make it acceptable. We may truly believe, both sides of the issue, that we are making the most sensible, albeit difficult decision for the lives of those who are affected. I believe, to the bottom of my heart, we're getting this one wrong. God is at the heart of it for me. But even if you don't believe in God - history will judge this as low and base and barbaric. Particularly; particularly in a highly advanced society." Perspective of a registered nurse who is a friend of mine.

INSIGHT FROM TWO RELIGIOUS PERSPECTIVES
“The Salvation Army believes in the sanctity of all human life and considers each person to be of infinite value and each life a gift from God to be cherished, nurtured and redeemed. Human life is sacred because it is made in the image of God and has an eternal destiny. (Genesis 1:27) Sacredness is not conferred, nor can it be taken away by human agreement.”

The Salvation Army deplores society's ready acceptance of abortion, which reflects insufficient concern for vulnerable persons, including the unborn. (Psalms 82:3-4)

The Salvation Army holds to the Christian ideals of chastity before marriage and fidelity within the marriage relationship and, consistent with these ideals, supports measures to prevent crisis pregnancies. It is opposed to abortion as a means of birth control, family planning, sex selection or for any reason of mere convenience to avoid the responsibility for conception. Therefore, when an unwanted pregnancy occurs, The Salvation Army advises that the situation be accepted and that the pregnancy be carried to term, and offers supportive help and assistance with planning.

The Salvation Army recognizes tragic and perplexing circumstances that require difficult decisions regarding a pregnancy. Such decisions should be made only after prayerful and thoughtful consideration, with appropriate involvement of the woman's family and pastoral, medical and other counsel. A woman in these circumstances needs acceptance, love and compassion.

When an abortion has taken place, The Salvation Army will continue to show love and compassion and to offer its services and fellowship to those involved.”
From the Salvation Army Website

“A core text in rabbinic law crystallizes the status of the fetus. The Mishna explicitly indicates that one must abort a fetus if the continuation of pregnancy might imperil the life of the woman: “If a woman is in hard travail, one cuts up the offspring in her womb and brings it forth member by member, because her life comes before the life of her foetus. But if the greater part has proceeded forth, one may not set aside one person for the sake of saving another.

As a general rule, abortion in Judaism is permitted only if there is a direct threat to the life of the mother by carrying the fetus to term or through the act of childbirth. In such a circumstance, the baby is considered tantamount to a rodef, a pursuer after the mother with the intent to kill her. Nevertheless, as explained in the Mishna, if it would be possible to save the mother by maiming the fetus, such as by amputating a limb, abortion would be forbidden. Despite the classification of the fetus as a pursuer, once the baby's head or most of its body has been delivered, the baby's life is considered equal to the mother's, and we may not choose one life over another.” Daniel Eisenberg, M.D.

MY THOUGHTS
To me, a 20% abortion rate would suggest that abortions are definitely NOT being limited to situations where the mother's life is in danger. This would also suggest that the abortion procedure is being abused and misused. This would then in turn suggest that many women are seeking because of fear, misinformation and/or intimidation.

PEOPLE!!! What can we do to change this???? Lives are hanging in the balance!!!

And, by the way, if you want to know how Facebook feels about the abortion issue, this is a link to an article about Facebook apologizing to a reproductive rights doctor for removing her post on how to "Do It Yourself" Abortion.