Roe Vs. Wade

Anyone who knows me, knows that I'm not one to be all up on politics. For some reason, I've suddenly become more interested in the issues and with this upcoming "Decision '08." (Probably because I was thrilled that Mitt was running for president. I was upset that he wasn't picked for VP, but I really do like Palin.)

Something I've been hearing a lot about on the news has to do with Roe Vs. Wade. For those of you, like me, who did not pay attention in history class in high school and have to look these things up on the internet to remember exactly what happened...Roe v. Wade centrally held that a mother may abort her pregnancy for any reason, up until the "point at which the fetus becomes ‘viable.’

Growing up in the LDS church, I have been taught the church's view on it and agree with the view.

“Latter-day prophets have denounced abortion, referring to the Lord's declaration, "Thou shalt not . . . kill, nor do anything like unto it" (D&C 59:6). Their counsel on the matter is clear: Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints must not submit to, perform, encourage, pay for, or arrange for an abortion. Church leaders have said that some exceptional circumstances may justify an abortion, such as when pregnancy is the result of incest or rape, when the life or health of the mother is judged by competent medical authority to be in serious jeopardy, or when the fetus is known by competent medical authority to have severe defects that will not allow the baby to survive beyond birth. But even these circumstances do not automatically justify an abortion. Those who face such circumstances should consider abortion only after consulting with their local Church leaders and receiving a confirmation through earnest prayer. When a child is conceived out of wedlock, the best option is for the mother and father of the child to marry and work toward establishing an eternal family relationship. If a successful marriage is unlikely, they should place the child for adoption, preferably through LDS Family Services"—See True to the Faith (2004), 4–5

In addition to this, I have my own personal reasons for my pro-life stance. My parents had a hard time being able to have children. Therefore, they adopted two kids after they had my oldest sister, Lisa. Lyle and Susannah are in our lives because people made mistakes, but were willing to give their children a chance. Rather than just having an abortion, their mothers paid the consequences and went through with the pregnancy. We are lucky to have Lyle and Susannah in our lives. Not only that, but we also get to enjoy their spouses and children (and future children.)

Another personal reason I have is that when my parents found out they were pregnant with me, my mom was almost 38. Her doctor called her at home one day and tried to convince her to have an abortion because it would be likely that I would be a special needs child. My parents refused. Granted, I am not a special needs child (although I know a few of you who might disagree with that,) but I am grateful for parents who were willing to choose life!