We describe ourselves as a "peace and justice" congregation, but the recent murder of Jenna Nielsen and her 8-month old fetus throws an uncomfortable spotlight on our hypocrisy. Jenna's family is correctly pointing out that it is folks like us who are responsible for the N.C. law that prohibits murder of the fetus being classified as anything other than assault. That law may or may not be useful as part of the political moat that the pro choice lobby has built to protect Roe v. Wade, but is it "justice"?
I've known many a pro choice mother who by the 5th month or so had bonded so strongly to her baby that nothing in the world would convince her that baby wasn't already part of the family. In one case the mother was wrestling with troublesome medical reports that the fetus may have some abnormalities, and I recall the mother concluding "handicaps can be dealt with" and letting nature take its course (and having a healthy baby).
When a mother has made this decision, bonded with the baby, and already considers it a member of the family, where is the "justice" in a law that says, "Sorry, society has decided otherwise because it doesn't fit in with the political strategies of the pro choice crowd?"
The lines in the abortion standoff were firmly drawn long ago. Those on both sides have persistently looked for ways to chip away at the armor of those on the other side. Here's one place where the pro choice side is caught trying to defend a position that is indefensible. Do we have the courage to cross the line and live up to our claim of being a "justice" congregation? If not, where does that leave us?
I've known many a pro choice mother who by the 5th month or so had bonded so strongly to her baby that nothing in the world would convince her that baby wasn't already part of the family. In one case the mother was wrestling with troublesome medical reports that the fetus may have some abnormalities, and I recall the mother concluding "handicaps can be dealt with" and letting nature take its course (and having a healthy baby).
When a mother has made this decision, bonded with the baby, and already considers it a member of the family, where is the "justice" in a law that says, "Sorry, society has decided otherwise because it doesn't fit in with the political strategies of the pro choice crowd?"
The lines in the abortion standoff were firmly drawn long ago. Those on both sides have persistently looked for ways to chip away at the armor of those on the other side. Here's one place where the pro choice side is caught trying to defend a position that is indefensible. Do we have the courage to cross the line and live up to our claim of being a "justice" congregation? If not, where does that leave us?