Nothing illustrates the divergent views on abortion like the debate around Down syndrome. The great divide or chasm of values that divide us as a nation is palpable within this debate.
One principle is that no matter what, everyone, anyone, at any stage or condition of life, rich or poor, weak or strong, famous or forgotten – all life matters and is precious. Without this operating principle in a society, then we degrade our own dignity. Eventually we are all at risk: who is to say that just because one class is protected in one moment that this cannot change on a whim? Therefore, all life is sacred because it is a gift from God. This principle defines who we are, where we came from and where we are going.
The other principle, the opposing view, is that everyone is important, life matters, at any stage or condition of life, rich or poor, weak or strong, famous or forgotten – all life matters and is precious unless the burden is too great or the prospect of future difficulty causes a panic and future dreams seem to disappear. Without this operating principle in a society, then we degrade our hard-won rights and ourselves. Eventually we are all at risk: who is to say that just because a right to abortion is protected in one moment, that this cannot change on whim? Therefore, all life is sacred and that is why we have (need) the legal right to control our reproductive future. This principle defines who we are, where we came from and where we are going.
The more we try to dialogue and win over more people to view life as sacred and protected no matter what, the stronger our society will be for both the effort and hopefully the outcome – a culture of life.
In this article the choice was for life. Yet, the second viewpoint above is salient: article .