MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT ON ISSUE OF ABORTIONS

The societal blight of abortion, now almost 30 years old in our country, has taken nearly 40 million lives. When Roe vs. Wade first legalized abortion, I am sure that it was not a highly accepted decision in Southeast Missouri nor anywhere in the United States. In fact, many of today's staunchest pro-choice advocates were once pro-life lawmakers.

As time has progressed and consciences have been seared, however, it is now barely politically acceptable to stand against partial-birth abortion. God forbid that anyone would stand pro-life in general. Yet is it such a shameful thing to defend the rights of the unborn?

Politicians are constantly defending the rights of those less fortunate. Why does that not include those least able to defend themselves?

Rights are guaranteed

The Declaration of Independence affirms that "all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are life ... ." Does one only become a created being after he or she leaves the mother's womb? Why, then, do we have the right to take life from them?

Furthermore, why is one considered an extremist for defending the unborn by those who have made abortion a lucrative industry under the guise of being compassionate toward women?

I realize that not every woman is in a position to care for a child after the child is born. Yet untold couples in this nation unable to have a child of their own would welcome the "unwanted" child. If government is going to get involved, it should encourage mothers to have their babies and make the adoption process more affordable and secure. This would solve the majority of unwanted-child problems in our society.

Even in cases of rape or incest, the baby deserves to live. When a baby is aborted from such situations, the one possible good thing that could have come from them is lost. It may not be bearable for the mother to keep the child, but someone would take the baby if there were an opportunity.

I do not intend to try to lessen the emotional pain of such situations, but abortion is not the answer.

Many mothers today who would give their lives for their toddlers and teen-agers bear the guilt of having taken the life of one of their unborn in previous years. Was it really the right answer for them?

Hypocritical thinking

Many today advocate the need for abortion in cases of birth defects such as missing limbs or Down syndrome. How hypocritical. We pass legislation to enhance the lives of those who are disabled, yet we take the lives of those who are unborn in such conditions because they would be a burden and would have a limited lifestyle. Who are we to say that they wouldn't enjoy life?

Personal testimonies would abound that in many instances physically challenged individuals enjoy life and have a better perspective on life than those of us who are considered normal.

I understand that there are many persons alive who we think would be better off dead, but we do not have the right to play God and decide who is who. Remember, you may be considered the abnormal one yourself some day.

In the coming election, there are many important issues, yet none is more important that the right of the unborn to live. As you make your vote county, do your part to elect local, state and federal officials who will strive to bring abortion on demand to an end. Deep in our hearts, we know it is the right thing to do.

ELIJAH L. ALLEN

Pastor

Malden Freewill Baptist Church

Malden, Mo.