Pro-Life or Pro-Choice?

This morning I’ve waffled over whether or not to even attempt to produce a post for today’s random conversation.  My brain shouts, “You have LOTS to do! Don’t even go there or you’ll be sucked in for hours on end.” But, my free will spirit proclaims, “Life is too short. Don’t be stressed. Enjoy the day. Just go for it!”  Guess which mindset won out?

If you’re like me, then I know you’re right smack dab in the middle of the Thanksgiving preparations. The good news is I have nearly all my menu completed and in the freezer for the big event. I have yet to make the mashed potatoes, gravy, and biscuits. This will get done in short order as the day progresses.

Another thing I want very much so to tackle is setting up the Christmas tree. I am accustomed to doing this with my children.  That first Christmas after our daughters moved out the task was up to DS & myself. The workforce was reduced by 50%!  We took care of the most demanding part — assembling the tree and stringing the lights on the tree. The fun part of decorating was left so DH could join in.

Now, the job falls 90% on my shoulders with DS in college. There is no way I alone can get the lights on our 6′ faux Christmas tree. Thankfully, DH does not have to work tomorrow or the rest of the week for that matter and he will be able to assist with that tedious job. If we’re successful in getting the first two steps done, then Saturday we plan to place the ornaments on with DS. We have always maintained some sort of family participation in the festivities.

Last week, Les @ Time Out For Mom threw out an interesting question for this week’s Coffee Chat.  Today’s prompt is Pro…What? She stated: “Recently I left a blog comment that while I never would make the personal choice of Abortion (thus I would be Pro-Life I guess), however; I do not feel it is my place to take away another woman’s’ choice in this issue (thus making me Pro Choice). Which am I? If I defend a women’s right to choose, am I condoning abortions? Or am I defending Free Will?”

Abortion is a hot political and personal issue. In 2011, it was reported that nearly half of the unintended pregnancies were terminated. Personally, I find those statistics horribly alarming.

I have always considered myself pro-life. Mentally, emotionally, and spiritually I don’t think there ever would be a reason to end a pregnancy unless there is a legitimate threat to the mother.   

What about rape or incest? I think even under these horrific circumstances I could not end a pregnancy. However that being said, I could not pass judgment on a woman or young girl who decide this is the right thing for them. Do I think it’s murder? Yes, but I have great compassion and empathy for someone in such a situation. I understand not everyone can handle the ordeal and emotional trauma of producing an off-spring under these undesirable conditions.

In 1992, I had to make a similar decision to keep or terminate my pregnancy.  I was 8-weeks along when the doctor told me he could not find my baby’s heart beat. He explained this is nature’s way of eliminating a bad pregnancy. He went on to say the developing fetus would be absorbed by the placenta and eventually I would miscarry. He wanted to know, if I would like to schedule a DNC to speed up the inevitable without complications and discomfort.

My instinct told me the pregnancy was over. I knew in my heart what the doctor was saying was on the up and up. Although I knew this baby just wasn’t meant to be, I kept thinking, “What if the doctor is wrong? How can he be 100% for sure?” I was in no jeopardy in allowing nature to take its course that is and if this were to be the impending fate of my unborn child then I decided to wait it out. I could not with good conscience terminate my pregnancy.

The doctor was right, though. Two weeks after receiving the awful news my body doubled in wretched pain somewhere between nightmare menstrual cramps to labor itself. The process seemed to take hours but honestly, I did not watch the time. In fact, I tried doing normal stuff to take my mind off what was happening to me until finally, my body gave up the teeny life that once grew inside me. Heartbroken? Yes. Regretful? No. I was glad for my decision for having gone that route. I did what was right for me.

Here’s where I have a real problem when it comes to this topic of controversy. Our society uses this medical procedure as a form of contraception. Abortion is not preventing pregnancy. It is stopping the development of human life. It’s unfortunate to hear about a young girl or woman who finds herself with an unplanned pregnancy on her hands. Whatever the pressing conflict (teenager, money problems, single mom, etc) that is no excuse to throw away an unborn child like a piece of crumpled paper.

It’s safe to bet hardcore pro-choicers will differ from my belief. Thankfully, we have the luxury of voicing our opinions publicly. Politicians have turned the abortion card into their means of getting elected/re-elected. It seems most women who are facing this alternative would rather do so in private, as it should be without any upstaging by left or right wingers.

My mother always said there are consequences to everything we do. In this case, one consequence to having sex is pregnancy regardless of marital, financial, or race status. It makes do distinction.  Despite the conditions surrounding impending motherhood. The bottom line to decide to go down this alternative road is a matter of free-will to abort or not abort.

The sad truth is I read somewhere on the net that 94% of the women who had an abortion regret their decision. Would these women change their mind, if they had the foresight to sense their deep remorse? I do not have that answer, but even if a woman can move pass such anguish her pro-choice will remain with her forever.

Which are you, Pro-life, Pro-Choice, or do straddle the fence?

Take a few minutes to enjoy a cup of coffee with some of my cool blogger friends below:

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