This whole topic is amazing to me. I remember protesting abortion on the side of a busy Atlanta street when I was a freshman in high school, but now that I’m much older, I’m amazed that there is anything to argue about. Of course, I’m a new father, so I’m a bit sensitive, but really, is the pro-choice/pro-life argument really about a woman’s right to choose? It seems more like a desperate attempt to maintain an illusion of freedom from responsibility. No, I think the “argument” lies with abortion’s constitutional status: is it unconstitutional to ban abortion? This is a more interesting question to me because if it is unconstitutional, it exposes a weakness in our constitution (from a Christian standpoint). The foundation of our government which so many regard as a sort of Bible, was drafted by men and therefor is prone to weakness. I suspect, as any good American, that it is the best men could do (arguably, yes). However, I find it interesting when the Church adapts the US Constitution more than it does its own Bible. In other words, where, in our everyday life, are the boundaries between man’s kingdom and God’s? The issue of abortion is one of those clear boundaries, especially if we say pro-life is unconstitutional.

I appreciate your effort to see things from the other side. As one who tends to land on the conservative side of such issues, I certainly want to be well informed of what I oppose. That isn’t always possibly, I admit, but efforts can be made. Great post, Nic.

Pro-choice would say “Anyone who deprives a woman of self-determination has committed oppression.”

The debate is always rigged by the person who frames the “central” question. Which is exactly Nic’s point.

Nic, are you hating on feminists and environmentalists with your little scare quotes? I’d better keep my Berkeley friends away from you.

valid points, all. i’m not trying to build a case for the acceptance of abortion; i’m trying to build a case for not regarding those who do support it as out-and-out murderers or wackos or whatever.