Life Matters

The popular media often describes American opinion as being in favor of abortion – as “pro choice”. The media also asserts that most Americans support Roe v. Wade. But a more studied examination of the facts reveals quite the opposite.  The word “choice” is intentionally used with two simultaneous meanings: Availability of abortion for just the hard cases, in case something goes “wrong”. The other, operant definition, and that which is asserted by abortion advocates, is “abortion at any time and for any reason - just because I choose it.” American opinion polls show that the average person does not support this latter definition. The average American would like to see some kinds of restrictions of unlimited abortion and a recognition and balancing act between the life of the child and the life of the mother. Because of the life or health exception specifically outlined in Doe v. Bolton, Roe v. Wade’s conjoined companion decision, none of the supposed limits suggested in Roe have any effect. The term “health”