June 5, 2009
Pro-Life Perspective
More Americans consider themselves pro-life than pro-choice
BY EMILY SNIPES
You may have recently seen a news article referencing a Gallup Poll released in May which stated that 51 percent of Americans refer to themselves as being pro-life on the issue of abortion, while 41 percent state they are pro-choice. The findings were obtained in an annual survey on values and beliefs conducted May 7-10, 2009.
For the first time since Gallup began the poll in 1995, more people identify themselves as pro-life. In 1995 the survey reflected that 56 percent considered themselves pro-choice, with only 33 percent indicating they are pro-life. This is a significant change in society and a shift in our culture.
The poll also revealed that Americans remain divided on whether abortion should be legal - 22 percent are in favor of it being legal in all circumstances, 23 percent stated it should be illegal in all circumstances and 53 percent stated it should be legal under certain situations.
To a general audience the terms pro-choice and pro-life are difficult to define. For example the poll indicated that a majority of Americans say they are pro-life, but the same majority also concludes that abortion should be legal. This difference certainly leaves room to question exactly where people stand.
Despite the differences in circumstances or scenario’s under which some state they are pro-life, many are finding it ironic that there is an upward swing in favor of the pro-life movement given our new administration’s radical abortion policies and recent nominees. There has certainly been no shortage of news coverage on the topic of abortion during the past year, both locally and nationally, which may actually be causing people to pinpoint their exact beliefs.
Even among those 51 percent there are probably varying degrees regarding their personal definition of being pro-life. I commonly hear people state that they are against abortion, except in the case of rape or incest. I’ve also heard others argue that they are pro-life and would never have an abortion, but could never tell another woman what to do with her body. The same goes with other life issues including the use of contraception and in vitro fertilization. There is a wide range of pro-life issues and it can be sticky territory to navigate. Many may state they are pro-life when it comes to abortion, but still support capitol punishment, or vice-versa.
Our Catholic faith teaches us that all human life is sacred and we must truly believe all of what we are saying. The taking of innocent human life in abortion is intrinsically evil and weakens our culture at a fundamental level. Being pro-life also means helping those who are weak and marginalized: the poor, the homeless, the incarcerated and the elderly. Life must be protected at every stage of existence – from the moment of conception until the time of natural death.
In my opinion the increase in those who consider themselves pro-life is encouraging. It is a sign that the grassroots efforts of the people I work with in our Diocese such as the parish pro-life coordinators, the ministry team with Rachel’s Vineyard and the volunteer angels with The Gabriel Project are indeed changing hearts and minds on the issue. The work certainly continues and they need your prayers and support. Overall public discussion and awareness is good, but it is important to remember that an informed conscience is not merely a personal opinion.
At his Inauguration Mass April 24, 2005, Pope Benedict XVI stated, “We are not some casual and meaningless product of evolution. Each of us is the result of a thought of God. Each of us is willed, each of us is loved, each of us is necessary.”