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My Thoughts on Texas’ New Abortion Law

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I have watched this story unfold with interest. As I read articles and comments about the story, I wonder why this subject creates such an emotional response in people.

 

By: Ariane Hunter

I am not interested in debating anyone, but I do wish to share my thoughts or musings about the issue. I understand that by doing so, I open myself up to disparaging comments…maybe, just maybe, we can talk instead of verbally abuse one another.

First of all, I am pro-life. If you are pro-choice, you probably chalk that up as a given since I am a white male, middle-aged, and a conservative Christian. But if you care to continue reading, I invite you into my thoughts about abortion, protecting an unborn life, a woman’s rights, and caring for at-risk children.

I looked for articles written from a liberal viewpoint about the passing of this Texas law. I want to understand why some consider it “draconian’ and “hurtful” for women.

Here are the main things the new law requires:

The bill will require abortion clinic doctors to have hospital admitting privileges, restrict abortions to surgical centers, dictate when abortion-inducing drugs can be taken and ban abortions after the 20th week of pregnancy.

Here is what seems to concern some about the law according to the articles I have read:

The cost of converting clinics to surgical centers will cause many clinics to close creating a backlog at remaining clinicswhich end up harming the health and well-being of women.

Makes complete sense to me that this is a concern. I think that for most people, at least abstractly, abortion is not morally acceptable. I also realize that many pregnancies are not planned, wanted, convenient, or in a loving context. So, for many what happens is real life collides with moral or religious convictions.

I have made personal choices motivated by convenience, self-gratification, or expediency that contrasted my moral or religious convictions. I am sure some of you have done the same thing.

That does not make my actions right.

As for the life of an unborn child, this rings in my ears,

For You formed my inward parts;

You wove me in my mother’s womb.

I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

Wonderful are Your works,

And my soul knows it very well.

My frame was not hidden from You,

When I was made in secret,

And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth;

Your eyes have seen my unformed substance;

And in Your book were all written

The days that were ordained for me,

When as yet there was not one of them.

How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!

This is why I can’t advocate the abortion of an unborn child or fetus.

If a woman decides to not abort, the issue then becomes one of how do we as a society care for the health of women and children born into poverty or high-risk environments.

First of all, I don’t think that meeting the social needs of people are the sole responsibility of government. Churches and non-profit organizations need to continue and improve on meeting these needs.

I agree that the closing of clinics will impact lower-income families at a greater rate than those who can afford to go elsewhere for this procedure. I am not in favor of the faith community supporting in any way abortion, but they can help provide other health benefits for women.

An unwanted pregnancy doesn’t and shouldn’t automatically mean that it needs to be terminated. I strongly believe that the same group of people who picket abortion clinics need to exhibit the same passion supporting low-income families, at-risk and orphaned children, and the child welfare system.

Yes, personally I support this new law in Texas. But, I fully understand that it will create a greater need for people, regardless of which side of the debate they are on, to come alongside families and children providing adequate health care for those who can’t afford it, and care for neglected, abandoned, even abused children.

If you leave a comment, which I hope you do, please treat one another with respect. Thank you!

 

About the Author

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I am a longtime Austinite. Married my beautiful wife over 35 years ago. Adopted our son September 2012.
As a small business and nonprofit coach/consultant, I have found my sweet spot. I lean on my varied background of corporate, small business ownership, writing, and pastoring as I work to help small business owners and nonprofit founders build the business they want to have.


  • I completely agree with you. Churches need to step it up in regards to taking care of the unwanted and those that feel they have no other options, but people will ultimately have to start taking responsibility of their actions. It’s sad to think that this debate is a created “war on women” and that by banning abortions in any capacity is forcing women to back alley home abortions.

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