councilor.org
| Source | Ellen Frank |
| Date | 99/08/16/12:43 |
| Michael, This is a situation I deal with all the time, since I teach at a Catholic college. Though I have to say that progressive Catholics, even when they are anti-abortion, are not zealots on the topic. The anti-abortion zealots are not progressive, in my experience. They subscribe to a world view which values patriarchy and authority and are as likely to disagree with me on issues of public schools, welfare, crime and punishment as they are on abortion. But to answer your question. I try not to discuss it. If forced, I try to confine the issue to whether abortion is legal or illegal, not whether it's right or wrong. Yoshie's arguments can be brought to bear here (if abortion is outlawed, only the rich will have abortions). The standard feminist argument can be used (if abortion is outlawed, only outlaws will perform abortions). But mostly I fall back on the constitution. Opposition to abortion is a religious position. You are entitled to your position and I respect your right to hold it, but you must respect my position as well. You are free to practice your religion but not to impose it on others who don't share your beliefs. Real anti-abortion zealots reject this argument, just as they reject arguments about prayer in school, state support for religious education and separation of church and state generally. This is why, as Charles (I think) has said repeatedly, it is not really possible to have a dialogue. The belief systems that underlie the anti-abortion movement are fundamentally hostile to progressive politics and the human rights of woman. Ellen |
Copyright (c) 1998, Joongpil Cho