Belonging to a think tank has its advantages, among which are stimulating conversation. This morning some of my "junta" and I were discussing teen dating habits (all present are parents). The topic wandered to the matter of "Pro-Choice" or "Pro-Life." Particularly apropos this election season.
Before I continue, allow me to say that, because I am a man, I shouldn't even have a say in this matter. Let's let women decide what is best for women. I would be happy to abide by their decision.
Seriously. Men should butt out.
Sadly, many men choose to butt in. So, I'll share my views.
The problem is that, as is often the case, the two sides rarely even address the other's concern. To some of us, the issue is a woman's basic human right to control her own body. Rarely does the question of right-or-wrong in ending an embryo or fetus's life come into the conversation. The other side talks about the embryo or fetus's right to be born, and ignores the woman in whose body it is growing.
The thing is, women will get abortions regardless of the law. If McCain is elected and the Supreme Court overturns Roe vs Wade, those who can afford it will fly to Canada or Europe to have their abortions done safely; or if the law allows and the family doctor is also a friend, as in my grandmother's case in the late 1930's, her doctor will claim that the woman is mentally unfit to keep the baby; he will then provide a legal abortion close to home. Those woman who do not have the connections or the money will opt for a back-alley coat-hanger abortion, or perhaps carry the child to term and leave it in a dumpster. This is the Law of Unintended Consequences; as with all laws of nature, there is no legislating it away.
Since Bill Clinton took office, the proponents of choice have at least said, as Obama so masterfully put it last night, that we should all be able to agree that we should have fewer unwanted pregnancies in the first place. This places him in the center. Now McCain has to choose to join him there, thus making this a non-issue in the election, or stay on the far right.
As with many Americans, I would like to see an end to abortion - through prior birth control - rather than through legislating away a woman's right to privacy and choice.
There is indeed a way for us all to win in this divisive issue. If only we had the wisdom to listen to what our opponents have to say about the matter.
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