For just one moment, let’s take a step back and examine with
fresh eyes the late-term abortion laws that are being proposed and passed.
Let’s ask ourselves: What really is the point of them? Do they recognize the
inherent dignity of the person? Do they really empower women? Are they really
the best option?
By the third trimester, the fetus (Latin for offspring) can
sustain life outside the womb. At this point, an individual would have to commit
an act of total academic dishonesty to deny the personhood of the child who is
yet to be born. As Americans, we know each person, no matter their race, creed,
or sex, is created equal, and we know as Catholics that they also are made in
the image and likeness of God. This list ought to include stage of development
because from the moment of conception there is a new human life with DNA that
is singularly theirs. Once we do this, we can truly acknowledge the immense
value and worth of each person’s life.
Instead of empowering women, these new laws do the opposite and
tell women they are not strong enough. They lie to women who are in remarkably
painful situations and tell them that terminating their pregnancy is their only
option. Abortion, and most especially late-term abortion, denies the resilience
and power of these women. The narrative is women are brave for having an
abortion but what is brave is choosing to love. When a woman chooses to love
she answers her vocation, it is not always easy but that is what makes it so
brave. Courage is the habit of acting through fear and choosing the good. When
a woman feels that abortion is her only choice, it takes incredible courage to
act through that fear to choose life.
Abortion is never the answer, nor is it ever the only option;
there are alternatives and there is hope. We have established that the child
can survive on its own at this time (although they would be severely
premature), which means that if there is a health complication with the mother,
the child could be delivered and still survive.
If a woman feels that she cannot raise a child and give them the
life they deserve, there is always adoption. Growing up, my best friend was
adopted. I thank God every day that his mother chose life.
So, what is the purpose of late-term abortion laws if they don't
recognize the dignity of the person, don't empower women, and aren't necessary?
The only logical answer is death. It is simply and purely a vicious attack on
women and life that denies the good.
It is vexing to try and understand why the state would celebrate
the killing of its own citizens but upon closer examination, one will conclude
that by the breakdown of the family and life it gains further control, using
manipulation and deceit.
I implore my fellow God-fearing Americans to look around and
affirm the dignity of their neighbor because each person, no matter their age
or social situation, is unique and unrepeatable. There has never been anyone
like them in the history of the world and there will never be anyone just like
them in the time to come.
Zerbo is a sophomore at Christendom College in Front
Royal.
Get help
There is help that exists for crisis pregnancies in the
Diocese of Arlington.
Pregnancy support go to
http://www.helpforpregnantwomen.org/
Adoption services go to https://www.ccda.net/need-help/pregnancy-and-adoption-services/
and for
Housing go to http://www.marysshelterva.org/