Abortion is a conflict of rights issue. There is an inherent conflict between the woman’s right to bodily autonomy and the pre-born child’s right to life. Through the biological sciences, we know that life begins at conception and that the pre-born are alive because they’re growing. We know they are fully human because they have two human parents. We can’t think of a consistent way to protect human rights that excludes the rights of the pre-born humans. We think the only logical way to affirm equal rights is to say that ALL humans have an equal right to life.
What about the bodily autonomy of the woman?
While the bodily autonomy of a pregnant woman complicates the issue, we can’t think of a consistent reason to allow someone’s right to do what they want with their own body to justify ending an innocent human life. Innocent humans being subjected to violence, which is what elective abortion is, is the kind of thing the government should have laws against. We oppose abortion because it is a violent act against an innocent, living human being who deserves protection.
How can we advance the abortion debate respectfully?
Dubuque County Right To Life (DCRTL) is an organization dedicated to educating the public on issues related to abortion. Part of this effort includes conversational dialogue with those who disagree with our position. In today’s culture, we see a lot of polarization that inhibits real, productive dialogue. We want to help change the conversation about abortion. So let’s chat! Please submit your thoughts about the issue in the form below, or give us a call at 563-556-5960. We would love to hear from you.
Thanks to our friends at the THE MINIMISE PROJECT and Equal Rights Institute for sharing their insights that we have used to craft the message above.