Dear Editor,
Last week a letter was published regarding the proposed human rights of the unborn fetus, in other words, a Pro-life position. The Pro-life movement is very vocal and present in our community, from editorials, billboards, and the occasional street side protest; but often the Pro-choice position is not heard. Perhaps it is due to the unaggressive nature of the Pro-choice stance, for the Pro-choice position is not concerned with forcing a view, but rather, allowing an individual to do what is best in their situation.
Stel’s letter poses the question of whether a pregnant woman’s rights should “trump those” of the fetus. I reply, ABSOLUTELY. Stel uses an argument that scientifically life begins at conception and then goes on to refer to the fetus as an unborn baby. Scientifically, the mass growing inside a pregnant woman is called a zygote, then an embryo, and finally a fetus. The term “unborn baby” is an inaccurate, emotional based portrayal that conjures up images of a plump, pink child, playing pat-a-cake in the womb. A zygote is no more a baby than a fertilized egg studied in a scientific Petri dish is a baby.
The biggest bone of contention in the pro-life argument is the tunnel vision with which the argument for fetal rights is made. Fetal rights are argued for as though the fetus exists in a vacuum and when it is finally birthed, the situation will suddenly become perfect. A life is saved, hallelujah!
Women considering abortion are not malicious, murderous people. They are not considering abortion as a habit or a routine form of contraception. Abortion is not like a day at the spa. Usually, women pondering abortion do so because they realize that parenting a child is a responsibility that they are ill equipped to deal with for whatever reason. E.g. Health issues, mental issues, financial issues, abuse, instability, addictions, etc. The birth of another child does not fit into their life in a positive way and would negatively affect the child, the mother, and/or the other members of the family. If abortion is not available, then these children will either be put up for adoption or raised in these environments. A percentage of these “saved” fetuses become those children who end up in abusive homes, foster care, and given up for adoption. As a foster parent for over a decade; an adoptive parent; and a woman that has chosen not to have her own biological children; I love and appreciate every child I act as a parent to. However, I also realize that the need for homes greatly outnumbers those willing to open their homes and hearts to these children.
I would be more willing to entertain the pro-life argument if there was a plan in place to support these women after their choice to give birth, but such is not the case. The pro-life movement cedes its involvement as soon as a woman agrees to carry a fetus to term. At this time, the Pro-Life organization expects that other community resources will take over and provide this new mother with all that she needs. As of 2002, there were approximately 76,000 children under the protection of Child and Family Services (Minister of Child and Family Services Annual Reports 2000-2002). Those are 76,000 children being raised with tax dollars. Add on the cost of compounded issues that occur throughout their lifetime, due to their unstable childhoods, and the costs are astronomical. These are also the cases which are investigated and apprehension is warranted. There is an additional percentage that are unhealthy situations, but not significantly abusive/neglectful enough to warrant continued Child Welfare involvement. And then there are those cases that are never reported.
I disagree with the preposterous notion that fetuses should have the same rights as all other Canadians. It causes me to wonder where fetal rights would end. Perhaps programs should be put in place to ensure pregnant women are eating healthy food and measures should be implemented to ensure the fetus is not subject to any stress. Should we fund this to ensure that we are not infringing upon the fetus’ rights to a positive environment?
I am relieved that the choice of abortion exists for those in need of it. Abortions are not a new procedure and legalizing them ensures that they are safe and measurable. It allows us, as a society, to map the ages in which Planned Parenthood dollars should be spent and where we should invest in education about contraception and healthy lifestyles.
I agree whole heartedly with a woman’s right to choose whether or not to end a pregnancy. Babies should be wanted, loved, and planned for. As a parent, I adore my children. I am thankful that they are here and each one has been a blessing in their own way, but I feel that way because I welcomed them and prepared for them. They exist outside of a womb and breathe using their lungs. They experience the world in first person, rather than as a third party. In my perception of the issue, however unpopular it may be, THOSE are the measures of when humanity begins, and when we begin to protect “human” rights.
Kory Kopf,
Barrhead
