A Sad Situation

"Is it licit to throw away a life to resolve a problem?" - Pope Francis

How would you feel if someone told you that you shouldn't exist? What would your reaction be if someone said that your life is expendable because of a circumstance which you had no control over? What would you say if someone said that another person should get to choose whether you live or die?

Due to recent legislation in Alabama, social media has been abuzz with opinions regarding abortion. I've seen views from both of the two main sides in the debate. I have taken notice of a hidden message in the views of the pro-choice side which has disturbed me.

Some may argue that women should not be forced to continue a pregnancy if they were raped. When one makes such statements, one is in effect telling those that were conceived in rape that they should be allowed to be killed if their mother elects to do so. One is essentially saying that the lives of those conceived in this horrible act are expendable because of the circumstances of their conception which they had no control over.

Rape is a grave evil that can never be excused, justified, or tolerated. A rapist should not be allowed to escape justice. The horrendous damage resulting from the act of rape can last for years. One act of rape is one too many.

On the other hand, killing an innocent person is also a grave evil. The damage done to the victim of an abortion lasts forever since the person who is aborted is deprived of life. One act of abortion is one too many.

Two wrongs don't make a right. Instead championing abortion, how about we strive for alternative options? What if we made it easier for women in these circumstances to be able to place their child for adoption instead of having to end their child's life? We should seek a solution which does not create another victim.

To those who propagate the idea that abortion should be allowed in the case of rape, I present the following series of questions: Do the circumstances of our conception determine the value of our life? Are those who were conceived in normal circumstances somehow superior to those who were conceived in tragic circumstances? Should others be allowed to chose whether we live or die based on the circumstances of our conception? How is snuffing out someone's life going to solve the problem of rape and bring healing to the victim? Do you believe your mothers should have killed you if you were conceived in rape?

To those reading this who may in fact have been conceived in rape, I am deeply sorry. I am sorry that people are essentially arguing that your life does not matter, or that you should not be allowed to live, or that your life is not worthy of protection. I am sorry that your value as a person is not being respected. I can only image how painful it is to hear arguments which belittle your humanity. I hope and pray that you are able to find healing and see your worth. I hope and pray that all those who are guilty of rape are brought to justice. I hope and pray that all victims of rape are able to find healing and freedom. Furthermore, I hope and pray that our society can work towards a solution which respects both the woman and the child involved in this challenging circumstance.

Geo

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