Abortion: Rape, Incest, and Birth Defects

I could talk for hours strait about all the reasons why abortion is wrong. Seriously. So I said to myself, "Self, you should write all these reasons in your blog." So here I go.

Today I shall talk about rape, incest, and birth defects. These are some of the touchier subjects having to do with abortion. Even many pro-life people believe these circumstances should be exceptions. But I am here to tell you that they are not. And here's why.

First of all, I would like to say that I would not wish any of these situations upon anyone. People affected by them need our prayers and care. This care, however, should not include abortion.

Second, perhaps not many people know that these are not reasons why many women get abortions. In fact, only 1% of abortions in the United States are performed because of rape or incest, and another 1% are performed because of fetal abnormalities. Therefore, if this is your argument for keeping abortion legal, you're missing the big picture. Most abortions are performed as a form of birth control, because a baby would be inconvenient.
[Source: http://www.abortiontv.com/Misc/AbortionStatistics.htm#Why Abortions Are Performed]


Rape:

Okay, so we all know rape is awful, horrendous, disgusting, horrible, and various other negative adjectives. Besides the immediate physical effects of rape, the psychological and emotional effects cause many women to require professional help. Possible effects include eating disorders, nightmares, insomnia, sexual problems, depression, anxiety, phobias, withdrawl from friends and family, self-injury, rage, and suicide. Tragically, one-third of people who have been raped consider suicide, and 17% actually attempt to kill themselves. Rape is truly a heinous crime.
[Sources: http://www.rainn.org/get-information/effects-of-sexual-assault/rape-trauma-syndrome , http://www.paar.net/103]

As bad as rape is, I have to make one point (pay very close attention!!): Abortion does not make you un-raped. I cannot stress this enough. An abortion only adds to the trauma caused by the rape. In fact, the symptoms of Post-Abortion Syndrome (a scientifically documented condition) are nearly identical to those of rape. These include Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, social withdrawl, nightmares, anxiety, forgetfullness, fatigue, irritability, depression, eating disorders, alcohol/drug abuse, increase in tobacco use, sexual dysfunction, child neglect/abuse, chronic relationship problems, and suicidal thoughts/suicide.
[Sources: http://www.allaboutlifechallenges.org/post-abortion-symptoms-faq.htm , http://www.abortionfacts.com/reardon/post_abortion_syndrome_character.asp]

Here's the thing: just because that child was concieved during an evil crime, that does not mean the baby itself is evil! Rape has horrible effects on a woman; why should it go further and punish an unborn child who has done nothing wrong? You might think that baby is "unwanted" because it was concieved in rape, but this is simply untrue. Millions of couples (that's right, millions) are waiting to adopt because they cannot concieve. A rape victim can transcend their trauma by creating something beautiful from something evil: by giving a couple a beautiful child that otherwise would not be there for them to love and care for.


Birth Defects:

I suppose this can include any sort of fetal abnormalities like Down's syndrome, mental retardation, chronic or terminal diseases, congenital defects, etc. Fun fact: in children who are prenatally diagnosed with Down's Syndrome, 90% or more are aborted. Go ahead, read that sentence again. Soak it in. 90%. Now, why do you think this is so? Mercy on the child? Do the parents tell themselves, "Who would want to live with Down's Syndrome?" Who are they to judge that? Honestly, I think that they are really thinking, "How am I going to raise a child with Down's Syndrome?? I don't want to do that!" So they don't. In other words, they are being selfish. I'll say it again: SELFISH.
[source: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/65500197/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0]

Again, I would like to point out that maybe the pregnant parents do not want to raise a child with Down's Syndrome, or any other birth defect for that matter, but there are millions of couples waiting to adopt who would be happy to raise one of these children.

Now, Down's Syndrome is not terminal, but what about in the case of deadly diseases? Would it be better to end the child's life before it is born? Here I would like to refer you to this story of a young couple and their son Eliot. Eliot had Edward's Syndrome, a genetic disorder which is fatal. His parents could have aborted him, but they didn't. Judge for yourself if they should have or not. http://infectingtheworldwithlove.blogspot.com/2009/01/99-days-to-live.html Be sure to watch the video. (There is a link to it at the bottom of the post.)


Incest:

I saved this for last because it is essentically a combination of the previous two issues, since it is rape by a family member which has the potential for many fetal abnormalities.


If I am not being objective, politely let me know. But I believe these are all valid arguments. I have included sources to back up my argument. If I have convinced you, please let me know.

Whether you are pro-life or not, I am praying for you.