I know a lot of people are going to be uncomfortable with my opinions on this issue, but my hope is that if you don't agree with me, you can at least understand the reasoning behind my stance and see that my views arise from a sincere desire to protect the right to life of all.

If you haven't figured it out by now, I am opposed to the practice of abortion. Quite simply, I cannot approve of any practice that requires the unnecessary death of a human being. Abortion, though it may be perceived as beneficial to women in certain situations, is unjust because it is not absolutely necessary for survival, except in some rare instances where a woman's life is endangered by her pregnancy. This philosophy is based in the belief that the protection of life (regardless of stage of development) is an absolute priority. Compassion drives me to consider the possibility that others (even fetuses) are not only capable of suffering, but also have the will to live just as I do. It would be terribly presumptuous of me to assume that other humans lack either of these things.

While I think that abortion is wrong, I don't believe in shunning those who have had abortions performed. I understand that bearing a child is a difficult burden, especially in a society that stigmatizes single pregnant women and fails to support them morally and financially. I understand what forces draw women to make this decision. Nevertheless, it is the morally wrong decision. I also realize pointing a judgemental finger at women who have had abortions accomplishes nothing. In fact, women who have abortions often suffer from psychological and physical trauma. They are in need of support and love, and I have no desire to make matters worse for them by shunning them. However, I cannot support the decision to have an abortion itself. I believe there are plenty of alternatives, such as adoption, that are perfectly practical. Also, if we show more support and love to those who find themselves in the difficult position of having an unwanted pregnancy, I think we'll be living in a society where abortion is a rarity.