Abortion, the Left, and the Sanctity of Life

In this post I argue that to be effective in the future the Pro-Life movement must embrace a broader sense of human rights.

Reactively Pro-Choice

I was surprised to learn of the Socialist Workers Party's recent activities outside of Westminster City Hall, where a pro-choice protest had been organised opposing the abotion debate going on in the House of Commons. Whilst appreciating that there are many out there who passionately defend 'pro-choice' views, I was nevertheless surprised at the SWP's rather hyperbolic claims that reductions in time limits for abortions amounted to a restriction on women's rights and a 'return to the backstreets'.

I found it curious how they tried to make out anti-abortion supporters were all white, male and senior - a self-evident untruth, whilst also claiming 83% of the population were in favour of the existing abortion laws. These assertions begged the question as to why there was any need for a protest if it was only the tiniest minority of MPs who were in favour of reductions, as there would presumably be no danger of Parliament ratifying such reductions.

I am opposed to abortion on principle. But the truth is, even for those on the liberal-end of the political spectrum, it is far from a black and white issue. The Liberal Democrat MP, Simon Hughes, voted for a reduction in the limit, as did some of his Liberal colleagues. Labour MPs Des Browne and Ruth Kelly voted for even further reductions. For all political parties, abortion has been and always will be a debate of the most profound moral implications and for the SWP to have such a rigid position does not reflect the complexity of the issues involved in the debate. Respect MP George Galloway, arguable the darling of the far left, is himself apposed to abortion!

However, perhaps this moral rigidity of some Pro-Choice supporters is partly to do with the failure of Pro-Lifers to make the case, and to develop a more positive, totalistic approach to opposing abortion.

Progressively Pro-Life

For a start, there needs to be an acceptable of the need for a debate. There needs to be a very real discussion on the future of abortion in this country, and one that involves those from the opposite ends of the political spectrum. No one, conservative, liberal or socialist, could possibly consider the current numbers of abortions taking place as being acceptable, nor does anyone want a return to a situation where women feel fearful and in danger.

What is really needed is a genuine sense of collective social responsibility, embraced by Left and Right, that all peoples and all life is important and intinsically useful. This sense should be one in which society has compassion on those in vulnerable situations, and doesn't judge them. This sense should embrace the understanding that whilst the rights of the unborn need protection, the wellbeing of pregnant women should be pursued with equal rigour. This should make sense to anyone who has a passion for human life and human rights.

There lacks radical debate from all sides on how some of the primary concerns relating to abortion can be tackled. Anyone of a Pro-Life persuation, or indeed anyone concerned about the levels of abortion or the current time limit should become engaged in a debate about how to overcome those problems which first led to the Abortion Act in the first place. This discussion would cover a number of areas. There could be support organisations specifically designed to offer encouragement and support to those considering an abortion, adoption services and charitable help.

Concluding thoughts

The SWP were right about one thing - abortion is indeed a Rights issue. But just not one in the narrowly defined limits and political correctness of 'women's rights'; it is a Rights issue in so far as all individuals, male, female and the unborn, have a right to equal dignity and protection under society's care and the law.