Abortion is issue of freedom of religion

In your recent half-page article on the "abortion question" that the Supreme Court is reconsidering this year, you reviewed issues regarding abortion and the history of it. However, there was not one comment about the fact that the anti-abortion view is a Christian viewpoint and thus a violation of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Religious viewpoints on abortion are dependent on the definition of when life begins.

Roman Catholics teach that life begins at conception, (Thomas Aquinas' proclamation in the 13th century). Fundamentalist Christians define life beginning at different times. Repealing Roe v. Wade would "establish" Christianity as law in the U.S.

Within the Jewish religion, there is disagreement about when life begins and the place of abortion. Islamic thinkers have concluded that there are legitimate reasons for having an abortion, the sooner the better. Hindu scriptures prohibit abortion, but it is legal in India. Buddhists disagree on abortion, but the Dalai Lama from Tibet, emphasizes that it is a very personal, difficult decision that comes with a unique set of circumstances for each person.

It is apparent that different religions do have different beliefs and/or practices regarding abortion. Currently, their adherents are guaranteed, by the First Amendment, the freedom to practice their religious beliefs. Repealing Roe v. Wade, would force women of non-Christian faiths as well as women atheists, agnostics, pagans and those with no religious beliefs to be denied the "free exercise" of their beliefs, a violation of the First Amendment.

Thus, any law regulating abortion is unconstitutional. The Supreme Court with its six conservative justices who say they put the founders' beliefs ahead of any personal beliefs in deciding cases should have no problem upholding Roe v Wade, legalizing a woman's "right to choose" what is best for her.

Jean M. Alberti

Glen Ellyn