Opinion

‘Help,’ ‘alternatives’ abortion key words

Posted July 17, 2013 4:40 am

The most important words in Michael Gerson’s column on abortion are, “persuasion and the provision of alternatives.” Recriminalizing abortions will not keep them from happening. Desperate women will seek out illegal providers, just as they did before Roe v. Wade.

Some of these providers will sincerely want to help the women. Some will believe in a woman’s natural right to self-defense against a threat of death or serious bodily harm, even if the threatener is not doing it on purpose. Other providers will be working for organized crime, only too glad to exploit desperation. Do you think that crime bosses are not scouting out “safe houses” even now in those states that are shutting down legal clinics?

Persuasion, and above all, the offer of help and alternatives to abortion, will be more effective in preserving the lives of the unborn. Even some victims of rape might be persuaded by an appeal to their compassion and courage, by offers of medical help and counseling, and by legal protection from any parental claims made by the rapist.

Norma Hass

Sleepy Hollow

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