In our great country, you can generally get two views on the abortion issue. On the one hand, a woman must have the unfettered right as an individual to make personal health choices relative to her body. I agree wholeheartedly, and without reservation. On the other hand, there is the view that any infant, born or unborn, is given the gift of life directly from God, and therefore, has an inviolable natural right to live. I also share this view with the deepest conviction. A seeming paradox that I will be glad to clear up, while at the same time presenting a third point of view for your consideration, which could resolve at least the problem of conscience that this issue presents.

Under the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, as corroborated by the writings of our founders, our government was instituted with the core purpose and function of protecting the rights of the individual. There can be no greater concern in the realm of individual decision than that related to one’s health, and ultimately life and death. In the words of Barbara Boxer, “I hope every woman in this country, whether they agree with Roe or they disagree with Roe, whether they themselves would make one decision or another, will come together and say: Pro-choice means that the Government respects the individual, and isn't that really what our country is all about?” Indeed, this is in fact what our country is all about - the rights of the individual. Ayn Rand also had some illuminating words in this area: “The smallest minority on earth is the individual. Those who deny individual rights cannot claim to be defenders of minorities.”

In this discussion, the very smallest of individuals is the minority in question.

Ronald Reagan said it well when he stated: "Simple morality dictates that unless and until someone can prove the unborn human is not alive, we must give it the benefit of the doubt and assume it is. And, thus, it should be entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." While he gives the benefit of the doubt, he also brought up that oft wrestled-with conundrum; when does an individual human life begin? There are so many answers to that question, it seems unanswerable. I propose the answer is outside the conventional viewpoints.

If you were killed today, you would not enjoy tomorrow. If you were killed a week ago, you would still not enjoy tomorrow. If you were killed just after conception, you would still not be able to exercise your individual right to enjoy tomorrow. Life is not defined by a moment, a snapshot, or a transient qualification - it is a whole, a continuum. Therefore, you are an individual from beginning to end. If your life is terminated anywhere along its path, you are deprived of the rightful use of the rest of it. One would obviously protect this natural entitlement for themselves. Could they in the same thought deny it to others and still consider themselves just? It is more than unjust - it is a crime against all individuals.

There have been repeated arguments for circumstances that justify this violation of individual rights. Ironically, these shibboleths are often framed in the guise of compassion. It is proposed that it is possible to relieve injury from one by harming another – or possible to rescue one from misfortune by murdering them. Preposterous!

In the instance where a child is created by a crime, does the commission of a second crime undo it, or in the balance, relieve any suffering? Could not the good be wrested from the evil by a voluntary act of selflessness and forgiveness? It is not without precedent. In the end we will all stand before the final eye of judgment, whether it be the Almighty’s or our own.

As individuals with sense and courage, I leave you with this final thought:

"America you are beautiful . . . and blessed . . . . The ultimate test of your greatness is the way you treat every human being, but especially the weakest and most defenseless. If you want equal justice for all and true freedom and lasting peace, then America, defend life." – Pope John Paul II


“The Free Ranger” – Free Range Patriots