Monday, January 24, 2005

Reflections on Anniversary of Roe v. Wade

Today marks the 32nd anniversary of the US Supreme Court decision in the infamous Roe v. Wade case, in which abortion without limits was made legal in the US. Since 1973, an abortion may be performed at anytime during pregnancy and for no reason whatsoever.

At my political blog,
Heart, Soul & Humor, I republished a November 29, 2004 piece with my advice to the Democratic Party on this issue. The good news is that some leading Democrats don't support no-holds-barred abortion "rights." One of them, the new Senate Democratic leader, Senator Harry Reid of Nevada, is a pro-life Mormon. (Yes, a Democratic Mormon. Interesting guy. I'll be publishing a piece on him soon)

But pragmatic, political advice and personal feelings can be quite different. On a personal level, I can never imagine having an abortion, and I deeply pray that our two daughters and two sons feel the same.

Three of the most meaningful, glorious days of my life were when I gave birth. I still remember every detail of my childrens' deliveries, 28, 26 and 13 years ago. I remember their faces, their cries, their tiny fingers. I remember holding each of them for the first time. Sometimes I think only a mother can truly comprehend Luke 2:19 about Mary just after Jesus was born..."But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." Me, too.

Ten years ago, a relative casually confided to me that she had an abortion. She said it with little voice inflection, like she had a mole removed. Caught by surprise, I flushed and stammered. I think my reaction made her feel judged or guilty. We never again spoke of it.


I think about that lost baby. I've cried for that lost baby. I still cry for that baby as I write this. He/she would be about 24 years old. He/she would be part of our family...part of our lives...part of our celebrations and gatherings...part of our love. I wonder if my relative misses that child. I hope someday to finally meet that baby in heaven.

We know another woman who had two abortions as a teenager. She hides her history from her adult son, and maybe from her husband. She seems curiously disconnected from children. She's a Christian now. I wonder if she feels the peace of God's forgiveness for her abortions. I wonder if she thinks of those two babies.

Both women were able to have abortions because of the Roe v. Wade decision. The world is poorer because those three babies were never born and never had a chance to live fulfilled, joyful lives.

I hope Roe v. Wade gets overturned.

3 comments:

sheikh X said...

That people sometimes, even often, regret abortion is beside the point. No doubt there are many people whose lives are better for making the decision not to give birth before they were mentally, financially or emotionally prepared. I live near an abortion clinic and it is shocking see the screaming protestors, intimidating anybody entering. And its sad to see people so easily asserting their moral superiority over others. I sense that you regret making your relative feel judged or guilty. This cannot possibly lead to better lives for anybody.

Deborah White said...

Response to hb...I detest the screaming protestors and grotesque blackmailers, too. And yes, I felt terrible causing my relative to feel guilty. She was probably in enough pain. It was not my intention. It is not ours to judge....the Bible is quite clear on that.

Anonymous said...

If it's not your intention to judge why not let women judge for themselves if abortion is the right choice for them, instead of denying them the option? My religion does not condemn abortion yet you want to force your relious beliefs on me. How would you feel if I tried to force my beliefs on you?