What About Abortion?

Democracy is built upon the premise that issues will be openly and freely

discussed. There are several issues which are dividing our country at this

time. Abortion is one of these issues. It is imperative that the citizen be

given both sides of every issue. This issue is no exception.

There are a number of arguments to support the premise that abortion on

demand is morally right. All of these arguments are merely "smoke screens"

(intended to divert the issue). The only relevant question is: "Is the

fetus a living human being?"

The following series of questions are offered for consideration of the

reader: (1) Is the fetus human or non-human? (2) If the fetus is non-

human, what is it? (3) If the fetus is human, is it alive? (4) If the fetus

is living and is human, is it a part of the mother or a separate human being?

The genetic makeup of the fetus proves it is human - the DNA, etc., is human.

Any medical expert qualified to testify in any court of law would testify the

tissue is human. All medical evidence proves the fetus is human. In

addition, the genetic makeup of the fetus proves it is not part of the mother

- it frequently has a different blood type and certainly has a different DNA

pattern.

This whole issue revolves on the question of the definition of life itself.

How is life defined? The following characteristics are given as a definition

of life: (1) reproduction, (2) growth, (3) metabolism, (4) movement, (5)

responsiveness, and (6) adaptation. The fetus has all of these

characteristics prior to birth. Some life forms are unable to move or at

least appear to be unable to move, but many life forms can move. These six

characteristics are cumulative characteristics of life. It is generally

accepted as "undisputed evidence of life" if all six characteristics are

present.

If some "thing", having these six characteristics, was observed by astronauts

who landed on Mars, it would be said to be alive by scientists. The

advocates of abortion on demand will not define life precisely. If they ever

define life, they will be forced to admit their actions constituted the

killing of a living human being.

What about the cases of rape, incest, or deformity of the child? These

questions merely "beg the question" because they assume the fetus is not a

living human being. Do those who use these cases to prove abortion on demand to prove (begging the question). It is not realistic to claim there are no

living humans conceived as a result of rape or incest. This would prove that

their argument is a smoke screen. This line of argumentation on cases of

rape, incest, or deformity is based upon the premise that an exceptional case

establishes a general rule. The fetus is a living human being who is separate

and distinct from his/her mother. It is murder to kill the fetus and those

who do so are just as guilty as the person who murders a two year old child.

How will the atheist or agnostic answer these arguments? Usually they do not

respond at all, but when they do it has always been to change the subject to

the question of the existence of God? That does not answer these arguments!

- - Marion R. Fox

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