A matter of Life and Death

This was written last semester after a night of serious thought...

Friday night I was at work, and often times I will listen to KSGN on the radio while at work. At about 9pm a Focus on the Family program comes on. Friday night's program was Dr. Dobson sharing a decision of his. He expressed his firm decision to not vote for any presidential candidate who does not support the "Sanctity of Life." In so many words he will not vote for any individual who condones abortion. I have to say that he is onto something and I agree with him on this idea.

I know there will be many people who don't agree with this but please hear me out!

My entire life I have been taught that abortion is murder and I believe this to be true with every ounce of my being. I do not know one single solitary woman who is happy, relieved or proud of herself for having an abortion (and I know quite a few who have had one). In fact its quite the opposite...She is sad, depressed, angry with herself and regrets it with her whole life. How can something that hurts that bad possibly be good for anyone.

I find it highly ironic when I meet someone more concerned with saving a tree or a whale than saving a human life. It's honestly the most selfish form of birth control I've ever heard of.

Now please keep reading and let me explain myself, and my stance on this issue.

I know things happen…I know people make mistakes, and I can only begin to imagine the feelings and thoughts that must be running through a young girls mind when she discovers she is pregnant. My sister got pregnant young and it was a hard time for my family. We all cried, got out our feelings about it…and then began to make preparations for the new life that would soon enter our family…or who had already become a member of our family rather. Kate is the best thing to happen to our family in a very long time.

Here is where it gets tough. I know that not every young girl has a family that will support her as well as my family did with my sister. In fact I know some families will seriously hurt a girl for getting herself pregnant. Whether it be physically or emotionally…I know it occurs.

Here is where I want to come in. I decided about a year ago what I want to do with my psych degree…and after hearing Dr. Dobson on the radio and thinking long and hard about this issue I have a reignited passion. I want to become a Crisis Pregnancy Counselor. I want to be the safe haven for the girl who has nowhere else to go…for the one whose parents call her a "sinner" and throw her out on the streets…the one whose parents beat her, almost killing her and the life inside of her. I want so badly to be the open arms for her to run to…to hear that someone loves her. That God forgives her, and that no matter what she decides for the life depending on her that God and I will still love her through it.

I want to try to steer her away from abortion if at all possible. Give her options, tell her that there are other ways. But still, if in the end she chooses to end the life I want to be there to help her through the emotions and trauma that will inevitably haunt her afterward. No matter the choice she will need someone to take her in and show her Gods true love. Not the legalistic "tough love" from her pious parents.

Everyone who knows me must know my position in this matter. I am decidedly pro-life and will not vote for any candidate (regardless of party) who is pro-choice. But in the end I hate the action, not the individual who does it. She needs love more than anyone in that time.