There are alternatives to having an abortion

I have recently seen public signs posted that say “take my hand, not my life.” I find this message to be very powerful – and so true. In today’s world, where there are more contraceptive methods available to women and men then ever before in history, there is absolutely no reason whatsoever for anyone to have an unwanted pregnancy. Abortion is not a form contraception. I agree wholeheartedly that the woman has total responsibility for her own body (“My body, my choice”). I believe that she should take that responsibility seriously, by whatever measures necessary, and ensure that she does not get pregnant if this is not the best time for her to be having a baby.

Also, the procedure can leave you sterile, or the mother can die from having an abortion.

Whatever happened to the words “abstain” or “virgin” or “commitment?” Not to mention the huge rise in sexually transmitted diseases over the years, some of which can also cause sterility.

The claim is that “life” does not occur until the third or fourth month of pregnancy, after which time doctors refuse to perform abortions. If “life” did not start at the moment of conception, how would that tiny being breathe, grow and develop to exist three or four months into a pregnancy? “Life” doesn’t just “magically” happen three months in - “life” started at the time of conception.

I’ve also noticed that some of these pro-life public signs have been blacked out with paint; why would that be? As strongly as I believe I have the right to my own opinion and beliefs, I believe you have the right to yours. Why should mine be blacked out?

I personally know people who have found themselves in the predicament of having an unplanned pregnancy. Rather than “killing” their own offspring, they “chose” to carry the baby full-term and gave her up for adoption. This is an excellent alternative as so many childless couples, who want children so badly, are applying to adopt babies and there are no baby available.

Don’t let anyone “coerce” you into having an abortion – that takes away your right to choose. Abortion can be a very traumatic experience for a woman. Would it be sad if, one day, you were to meet the “man of your dreams” and wanted to have a baby with him, but the abortion you had when you were younger has left you sterile? So you apply to adopt a baby, and there are no babies to adopt.

Furthermore, I totally disagree that our taxpayers’ dollars are being used to fund abortions. That is just wrong on so many levels.

C. Smith Auburn St.