Response to a Reader's Comment Regarding Abortion

On Tuesday, October 9, 2007, I published a post on this blog, entitled, Barack Obama Promotes Abortion, Slams Abstinence in Iowa Speech, one paragraph of which was excerpted from LifeNews.Com. This was followed by a series of facts about Barack Obama's voting record and my evaluation of his voting record.

Here is what the reader, who anonymously identifies himself/herself as Tea Tree has to say:

" I respect that you all have opinions, and the opinions in a population differ greatly. However, the United States are a democracy. Obama is promoting the right for people to CHOOSE for themselves, which is fitting for a democracy, no? There is nothing sinister or evil about allowing people this right.

The Bible can be interpreted in many different ways. If one Christian's views do not concur with yours, this does not mean they are not a true Christian.

I do, however, think it would be very unfortunate for the 'moderator' of this forum to delete this post because it disagrees with your views on the subject. If we were all the same this would be a very dull world. "

My Response: First of all, Tea Tree, aborting your own child is not a right -- it is murder. Parents in our society today are legally allowed to put an end to the life of their own child, while the baby is growing and living in the mother's womb; however, in doing so, the child's basic right -- the right to life -- which is guaranteed under the constitution is denied. Without that basic right, the child cannot exercise any of his/her subsequent rights -- for example, the right to free speech, the right to privacy, etc.

Second, the destruction of human life is something that is against the natural law. The natural law can be defined as the laws of nature which govern the activities of the universe. It is to man's advantage to live in accord with the natural law. For example, if I decide to jump out of an airplane without a parachute, because I deny the principle of gravity, I most likely will be seriously injured or killed. When humans fail to act in accordance with the natural law, they can cause harm to themselves as well as to others. Abortion or destruction of your own kind violates natural law. In nature, there is not a single species that permanently destroys their offspring. Abortion is contrary to the natural law. Abortion runs contrary to one of our most innate desires, survival.

How many people could have an abortion, if they saw what it looks like, and had to watch as their child was killed before their very eyes?

Women who have abortions experience post traumatic stress, known as post-abortion syndrome. Some of the psychological symptoms include : recurring nightmares following the abortion; sudden distressing, recurring "flashbacks" of the abortion episode, often occurring during situations that resemble some aspect of the abortion, such as a routine gynecological exam, or even the sound of a vacuum cleaner's suction. "Flashbacks" also occur in the form of recurring nightmares about babies in general or the aborted baby in particular. These "dreams" usually involve themes of lost, dismembered or crying babies. Other symptoms may include: self-punishing and self-denigrating behaviors -- such as eating disorders, becoming involved in abusive relationships; depression, anxiety, guilt, and suicide; alcohol and drug abuse; survival guilt; anniversary syndrome -- an increase of post-abortion syndrome symptoms around the time of the anniversary, and brief psychotic episodes.

In addition to the psychological problems that a woman experiences, there are also physical complications involved in abortion. Some of these may include:

1. DEATH: According to the best record based study of deaths following pregnancy and abortion, a 1997 government funded study in Finland, women who abort are approximately four times more likely to die in the following year than women who carry their pregnancies to term. In addition, women who carry to term are only half as likely to die as women who were not pregnant.

The Finland researchers found that compared to women who carried to term, women who aborted in the year prior to their deaths were 60 percent more likely to die of natural causes, seven times more likely to die of suicide, four times more likely to die of injuries related to accidents, and 14 times more likely to die from homicide. Researchers believe the higher rate of deaths related to accidents and homicide may be linked to higher rates of suicidal or risk-taking behavior.

The leading causes of abortion related maternal deaths within a week of the surgery are hemorrhage, infection, embolism, anesthesia, and undiagnosed ectopic pregnancies. Legal abortion is reported as the fifth leading cause of maternal death in the United States, though in fact it is recognized that most abortion related deaths are not officially reported as such.

BREAST CANCER: The risk of breast cancer almost doubles after one abortion, and rises even further with two or more abortions.

CERVICAL, OVARIAN, AND LIVER CANCER: Women with one abortion face a 2.3 relative risk of cervical cancer, compared to non-aborted women, and women with two or more abortions face a 4.92 relative risk. Similar elevated risks of ovarian and liver cancer have also been linked to single and multiple abortions. These increased cancer rates for post-aborted women are apparently linked to the unnatural disruption of the hormonal changes which accompany pregnancy and untreated cervical damage.

UTERINE PERFORATION: Between 2 and 3% of all abortion patients may suffer perforation of their uterus, yet most of these injuries will remain undiagnosed and untreated unless laparoscopic visualization is performed.(5) Such an examination may be useful when beginning an abortion malpractice suit. The risk of uterine perforation is increased for women who have previously given birth and for those who receive general anesthesia at the time of the abortion. Uterine damage may result in complications in later pregnancies and may eventually evolve into problems which require a hysterectomy, which itself may result in a number of additional complications and injuries including osteoporosis.

CERVICAL LACERATIONS: Significant cervical lacerations requiring sutures occur in at least one percent of first trimester abortions. Lesser lacerations, or micro fractures, which would normally not be treated may also result in long term reproductive damage. Latent post-abortion cervical damage may result in subsequent cervical incompetence, premature delivery, and complications of labor. The risk of cervical damage is greater for teenagers, for second trimester abortions, and when practitioners fail to use laminaria for dilation of the cervix.

PLACENTA PREVIA: Abortion increases the risk of placenta previa in later pregnancies (a life threatening condition for both the mother and her wanted pregnancy) by seven to fifteen fold. Abnormal development of the placenta due to uterine damage increases the risk of fetal malformation, perinatal death, and excessive bleeding during labor.

COMPLICATIONS OF LABOR: Women who had one, two, or more previous induced abortions are, respectively, 1.89, 2.66, or 2.03 times more likely to have a subsequent pre-term delivery, compared to women who carry to term. Prior induced abortion not only increased the risk of premature delivery, it also increased the risk of delayed delivery. Women who had one, two, or more induced abortions are, respectively, 1.89, 2.61, and 2.23 times more likely to have a post-term delivery (over 42 weeks). Pre-term delivery increases the risk of neo-natal death and handicaps.

HANDICAPPED NEWBORNS IN LATER PREGNANCIES: Abortion is associated with cervical and uterine damage which may increase the risk of premature delivery, complications of labor and abnormal development of the placenta in later pregnancies. These reproductive complications are the leading causes of handicaps among newborns.

ECTOPIC PREGNANCY: Abortion is significantly related to an increased risk of subsequent ectopic pregnancies. Ectopic pregnancies, in turn, are life threatening and may result in reduced fertility.

PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE (PID): PID is a potentially life threatening disease which can lead to an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy and reduced fertility. Of patients who have a chlamydia infection at the time of the abortion, 23% will develop PID within 4 weeks. Studies have found that 20 to 27% of patients seeking abortion have a chlamydia infection. Approximately 5% of patients who are not infected by chlamydia develop PID within 4 weeks after a first trimester abortion. It is therefore reasonable to expect that abortion providers should screen for and treat such infections prior to an abortion.

ENDOMETRITIS: Endometritis is a post-abortion risk for all women, but especially for teenagers, who are 2.5 times more likely than women 20-29 to acquire endometritis following abortion.

IMMEDIATE COMPLICATIONS: Approximately 10% of women undergoing elective abortion will suffer immediate complications, of which approximately one-fifth (2%) are considered life threatening. The nine most common major complications which can occur at the time of an abortion are: infection, excessive bleeding, embolism, ripping or perforation of the uterus, anesthesia complications, convulsions, hemorrhage, cervical injury, and endotoxic shock. The most common "minor" complications include: infection, bleeding, fever, second degree burns, chronic abdominal pain, vomiting, gastro-intestinal disturbances, and Rh sensitization.

INCREASED RISKS FOR WOMEN SEEKING MULTIPLE ABORTIONS: In general, most of the studies cited above reflect risk factors for women who undergo a single abortion. These same studies show that women who have multiple abortions face a much greater risk of experiencing these complications. This point is especially noteworthy since approximately 45% of all abortions are for repeat aborters.


LOWER GENERAL HEALTH: In a survey of 1428 women researchers found that pregnancy loss, and particularly losses due to induced abortion, was significantly associated with an overall lower health. Multiple abortions correlated to an even lower evaluation of "present health." While miscarriage was detrimental to health, abortion was found to have a greater correlation to poor health. These findings support previous research which reported that during the year following an abortion women visited their family doctors 80% more for all reasons and 180% more for psychosocial reasons. The authors also found that "if a partner is present and not supportive, the miscarriage rate is more than double and the abortion rate is four times greater than if he is present and supportive. If the partner is absent the abortion rate is six times greater."

This finding is supported by a 1984 study that examined the amount of health care sought by women during a year before and a year after their induced abortions. The researchers found that on average, there was an 80 percent increase in the number of doctor visits and a 180 percent increase in doctor visits for psychosocial reasons after abortion.

INCREASED RISK FOR CONTRIBUTING HEALTH RISK FACTORS: Abortion is significantly linked to behavioral changes such as promiscuity, smoking, drug abuse, and eating disorders which all contribute to increased risks of health problems. For example, promiscuity and abortion are each linked to increased rates of PID and ectopic pregnancies. Which contributes most is unclear, but apportionment may be irrelevant if the promiscuity is itself a reaction to post- abortion trauma or loss of self esteem.

INCREASED RISKS FOR TEENAGERS: Teenagers, who account for about 30 percent of all abortions, are also at much high risk of suffering many abortion related complications. This is true of both immediate complications, and of long-term reproductive damage.

For information and details of the studies involved, please see AfterAbortion.Org.

As for your second comment, "The Bible can be interpreted in many different ways. If one Christian's views do not concur with yours, this does not mean they are not a true Christian." the Merriam - Webster online dictionary defines Christian as: 1 a: one who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ b (1): disciple 2 (2): a member of one of the Churches of Christ separating from the Disciples of Christ in 1906 (3): a member of the Christian denomination having part in the union of the United Church of Christ concluded in 19612: the hero in Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress.

Yes, anyone can profess to be a Christian, but the truth is that only those who live in accord with Christ's teachings are authentic Christians. You can call yourself an abortionist, but unless you are killing babies, you are not an abortionist. Actions speak louder than words. While many passages in the Bible are open to interpretation, I think most people have the intelligence to understand the meaning of "Thou shalt not kill."

"I do, however, think it would be very unfortunate for the 'moderator' of this forum to delete this post because it disagrees with your views on the subject. If we were all the same this would be a very dull world. "

I am posting your comment because I believe that it provides me with an opportunity to educate others and to expose them to the truth. Whether you agree with me or not is not the issue. The most important issue at stake is exposing you and others like you to the truth. The most crucial aspect of this post is sharing the truth -- planting the seed -- so that you may live the truth. The Truth will set you free. Thanks for your comments. God bless you!

P.S. If you are Catholic, please read this: Teachings of the Magisterium on Abortion

Readers: Feel free to add your comments. :)

Comments

  1. God's laws have been handed down for our good, not God's. As you can see by the study above, when we stray from God's law, we are the ones harmed.

    Whether you believe in God or not is your "choice" also, but the fact is that you will meet God face to face the moment you die, if you choose not to believe in Him, this will be the worst day of your life.

    To be a cafeteria "Catholic" or Christian", just remember that Jesus said "either you are with Him or against Him". If you are not completely with Him, then you are against Him and He will "spit you from Him mouth".

    "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!"

    ReplyDelete
  2. Dear Tea Tree,

    Yes, people do have different opinions, but even in a democracy there are some choices that are immoral and wrong. I'm sure you agree that you don't have the “right” to “choose” to murder your neighbor, to rob the corner bank, or to beat up your obnoxious co-worker. The “right” that Obama promotes--to CHOOSE to abort a baby--is morally wrong, too. We don't have the right to take a human life, to deny one of God's babies the life He meant for that child to have. Allowing people the right to kill another human being is indeed evil.

    The good news is that God is merciful, and will forgive even our most sinful decisions and actions when we realize that we have done wrong and ask his forgiveness. God bless.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Beautifully done, Jean, I don't see how any argument could stand up to such a factual, faithful presentation of the compelling case against abortion.
    I was going to nominate you for the ALL's Pro-Life Blogger Awards,but I see you are already nominated.No wonder!

    ReplyDelete
  4. The cancer data you present as 'fact' is NOT factual. There is no medical evidence of an increase in breast, ovarian, cervical, etc. cancer as a result of having an abortion. Please correct your data (or if you have medical journal data to prove your 'facts' - please reference it).

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi NcKay,

    Please read the post. It says,"For information and details of the studies involved, please see AfterAbortion.Org."

    You will find references there.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Sounds like NaKay shoots from the hip without knowing the facts or even bothering to read them!

    Of course, if you stick your head in the sand, you can believe what you want.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Jean, what more can we add to your eloquent reply. Even though abortion is legal does not make it right. It is murder pure and simple.
    If one is not sure when life begins, why not err on the side of life?
    Why is it that women who have had abortions suffer emotionally? If they did nothing wrong why can't they have peace? Why? Because they went against Divine law.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Excellent post. I can't add much to it myself.

    Most of us have figured it out that when you have an abortion you are killing a child.

    There's lots of research coming out now about the negative effects upon women who have had abortions.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Excellent post Jean. I really cannot think of much else to add except years ago, slavery was legal. Imagine the hot topic was slavery instead of abortion and a future president saying something like I am pro people choosing for themselves if they have a slave or not. Would Tea Tree state that as a matter of holding up the democracy? I think not.

    Therese

    ReplyDelete
  10. LONG ago, in 8th grade Civics class, we were taught about rights, duties, and responsibilities as Citizens of the USA.

    We were taught that for every right, there is a corresponding duty.

    We were taught that our individual rights end where another individual's begin.

    We also learned that it is a right to not obey an unlawful Law. That is why those who ran the Underground Railroad in the days of Slavery did what they did.

    Bad Law is why Dred Scot was overturned. Just as the error was made at THAT time, Roe and Doe are Bad Law that was made by an activist Court.

    It is never 'my right' to take another's life, whether that 'other' is a pre-born infant or a disabled person, or an elderly individual in the twilight of his or her life.

    This is not a 'relisgious argument'. Dr Wilke has defended the right of pre-born using SOLELY medical reasoning (scientific), and atheists for life (Nat Hentoff, for example) certainly do not use anything other than Natural Law and Reason to defend all life, pre-born to natural death.

    Obama has even voted against saving the life of a child born alive after an attempted abortion, several times. This is something that WAS passed in DC, but he opposed in Illinois. People like Gianna Jessen would not be alive today if others believed as he did. Gianna survived a saline, late term abortion, with residual cerebral palsy.

    Obama is the most pro-abortion member of our nation's policy-makers. He is NOT pro-choice. This man has PROMISED Planned Parenthood to enact FOCA (Freedom of Choice Act) which will wipe out many previously passed laws that citizens of this great country have worked hard to be put into place, and would also endanger the livelihood of many who cannot in good conscience participate in abortions, in abortive contraception, and would cause parents to have NO VOICE in a surgical procedure on their minor child, as well as other long-lasting effects.

    Finally, the closing statement of Tea Tree is a veiled type of challenge/threat that is often made by those who espouse different views from pro-life views. THEY have the right to say what they want to say anyplace they want to say it, but the opposing side has 'no choice' but to be thought of as a bigot, censor, etc. if they 'choose' not to post the comment.

    Also, it is NOT difficult to know WHO 'the moderator' is on this blog, and therefore, have the courtesy of addressing the owner (not moderator) by her name, thereby recognizing HER personhood.

    God bless, Jean!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Jean, You have made the case for Pro-lifers as beautifully as I have heard.

    Tea Tree, There are times when there is only one right answer, one right side, one way to go, and one argument won. Jean just accomplished the task for the prolife cause.

    Start the New Year on a positive note and with an open mind and heart.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Dear Jean,

    Excellent post.

    I would like to share with you and your readers that a good friend of mine who has six children had an abortion when she was a teenager. It was for that reason that she turned to God for forgiveness and the very reason why she is now very passionate about raising six beautiful children with a good husband! Not only that, she is preparing to tell her story to the world by writing her story. She is determined to tell everyone that abortion is wrong and that if we live our lives according to God's will, we will live a meaningful life - exactly what she is experiencing now.

    I could have had abortion myself when both my husband and I lost our jobs. God willed for us to raise another child, our third one, and we chose to listen to and obey God. I decided to stay home and my husband didn't find a job for a year, but managed to find one a month before I gave birth to our child. Why would the Creator of Life not provide for his own creation?... I cannot tell you what a joy our third child is! Here was my post to show everyone that God meant for every child he created to live (my son is now 11 years old and discerning priesthood):

    http://prayerswritingsofacatholicmomdaughter.blogspot.com/2008/11/my-child-joseph.html

    Catholic Fire. Jean, thank you for giving us exactly that.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I have heard great things about this blog and now I know why. I came here through a link on Leticia Velasquez's blog. You have laid out almost every reason I can possibly think of why abortion is not a good idea. I would also add that there are many loving couples waiting to adopt unwanted babies. God bless you in your mission.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I want to thank all of you for sharing your opinions and your stories.

    Each of you had some very interesting and unique comments to make and I appreciate the time and efort you took in sharing them. God bless you!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I read this article and I thought it was really elaborate and was really interesting to me. I had to do something like this and I agree with you on that I am prolife and disagree with killing a baby that has the right to live. Some things you said in your article I did not know and it was very interesting to read. Though some things are a little more elaborate then they really need to be they still tell you a lot about the certain topic and it gave grate detail on what abortion could do for you if you ever did do it.
    I also disagree on the Medicare reform bill on that you can choose if you want to have a abortion or not and I think we should just ban abortion for good because everyone has the right to live and if you killed a baby that is starting to develop and you kill it you should go to jail for murder and child abuse because you killed a innocent life that had the right to live.
    When you said that woman who had an abortion is more likely to have night mares I have kind of don’t agree with it because there is not really and proof that they had nightmares because not all woman might have them maybe only some of them do.

    ReplyDelete

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