Pro-Life Advocacy: Why Not Getting Abortions Alone Isn’t Enough
Pro-Life Advocacy: Why Not Getting Abortions Alone Isn’t Enough
Pro-life people often face criticism when they don't simply avoid getting abortions themselves. The argument goes: if you're against slavery, you don't own slaves; similarly, if you're against abortion, you should not opt for it. This oversimplification overlooks the broader social and ethical context. Why don’t people who simply don’t like slavery just not have slaves? Simply put, society cannot rely solely on individuals to make principled choices without taking action to address the root issues.
Pro-life vs. Basic Freedom
Tagging abortion as a choice without considering the broader societal implications is like labeling slavery as an individual decision. Pro-life activists argue that just as slavery is morally wrong and should not be tolerated in society, abortion is also morally wrong and should not be legally condoned.
There may be extreme cases where abortions are necessary, such as when the child has no chances of surviving, is the result of rape, or is a stillborn. However, these exceptions do not justify making elective abortions widely available.
Prevention Over Indifference
For many pro-life advocates, the issue isn't about individual choice alone. It's about protecting the lives of both mother and child. Just as preventing gun violence or drunk driving is a social responsibility, advocating for the protection of the unborn is part of a broader ethical stance.
Saying, "Why don’t pro-life people simply not get an abortion" is akin to asking, "Why don't people who don't like murder simply not murder anyone?" The key difference is in taking action to address the underlying issue. If pro-lifers believe that mass-performing abortions is wrong, simply avoiding the procedure isn't enough.
Other Examples of Social Responsibility
Consider other forms of social responsibility. If someone is against school shootings, they wouldn't just avoid attending schools themselves. If someone opposes child abuse, they wouldn't just leave it to others to intervene. Similarly, if someone is against drunk driving, they wouldn't just refrain from driving intoxicated; they would advocate for stricter laws and support those who are affected.
The same principle applies to pro-life activists. Just as preventing school shootings, protecting against child abuse, and stopping drunk driving are social responsibilities, protecting the unborn is a pro-life stance. Not getting an abortion is just the start, not the complete solution.
Immediate vs. Long-term Action
It's easy to stand by and let others handle the problem, but it's much more effective to take immediate action. If you see your neighbor beating their dog, you call the cops. Similarly, if you see the potential for widespread abortion, you advocate for change.
Saying, "it's none of my business” is merely an excuse for inaction. Pro-lifers argue that it is every individual's and society's responsibility to protect the unborn. Just as you would intervene to help a dog in distress, you should also advocate for the protection of unborn children.
In conclusion, while pro-life individuals don't get abortions, they recognize that this alone is not enough. The problem persists because society as a whole must take responsibility for ensuring the rights and protection of all, including the unborn.