Why I’m Catholic and neutral on abortion

As a proud American, Hispanic (MexicanSpaniard), Catholic man born and raised in the City Different, I struggle with the issue of abortion.

I do believe in the Christian values of the sanctity, dignity and uniqueness of each human life, and I also believe in the once-upon-a-time American values of equality, justice and liberty for all.

The problem I have with the issue is that it seems to me that most of those who claim to be pro-life and for the abolishment of abortion are men like me, and many of them are either politicians or members of the clergy.

I have two questions for each and every one of them. Did any of you even consult with or discuss the issue with your female constituents or members of your congregation before coming to your position on the issue? What is your position and belief regarding the death penalty for convicted criminals?

This brings to mind something called the separation of church and state, which I believe is a good thing.

There is no single child on this planet that asked to be brought into this world and none who had the choice as to who Mom and Dad would be. For many, their existence with us was or is a horrible nightmare with few days of joy.

There are many examples where abortion may have been less harsh and demeaning for the child. I believe so when I recall stories like Baby Brianna Lopez, Omaree Varela, Victoria Martens and Jeremiah Valencia, who were not only not protected by those who brought them into this existence, but also by many others.

I think of children kidnapped by authorities in a foreign country, and separated from their mothers and fathers, and the lifelong trauma resulting from such an atrocity. I think of refugee immigrant children all over the world fleeing threats of death, a life of misery and being forced to travel with their parents. They flee from drug cartels or racists that hate them because someone told lies about them, and ignorant people generalized and believed they are all the same, only to arrive in another place where they are met with threats and hatred again.

I think of those born to addicts or alcoholics or those born into poverty even in a land called a place of equal opportunity.

As a man, for me, I will remain neutral regarding the issue of abortion for the following reasons: I have not and never will be impregnated. I have not and will never carry another human being in a womb for nine months. I have not and will never suffer labor pains. I have never experienced any kind of morning sickness except for the selfinflicted kind.

I will respectfully let grandmothers, mothers, daughters, aunts, nieces, granddaughters, sisters, friends and other women decide what should be done regarding this issue. I will STAND DOWN on this one.

This is my opinion and many will judge me for it. Others will hate me for it, but I can handle the judgment. As a Christian, I know that hatred never hurts its object, but little by little it erodes the hater’s soul. I will always respect the opinions of others, even if I disagree, and I always refuse to judge others.

Why? Because in GOD I trust!