posted July 18, 2008
I usually do not enjoy confrontation but we all have to draw some lines somewhere. When it comes to killing unborn babies, that is one place where I must definitely draw the line.
I am saddened, sickened, and angered by the story which broke yesterday stating that there is a possibility that a new abortion clinic may be opening here in Chattanooga. This comes in the very same week in which we received the good news that Volkswagen (a German-owned company) has committed to building an auto manufacturing plant in our fair city, and thus supplying our community with (I think) about 2,000 new manufacturing jobs, along with (conceivably) some 10 to 12,000 other jobs related to supporting the new factory.
At a time when our city is being blessed with some hope of prosperity and renewed vitality, is this how we show our gratitude to God? By making it easier for women caught in vulnerable situations to murder their own children before they can even be born?
I pray it will not come to fruition. I also hope that concerned citizens in this city will express their own outrage and find every peaceful and legal way to oppose it. I also wish to express my appreciation for ministries such as AAA Women's Services which provide free counseling and assistance for mothers in crisis pregnancy situations. There really are ways to deal compassionately both with the mothers and the unborn children without resorting to legalized violence against innocent human life.
Rev. Richard G. Hutchison
First Bible Methodist Church
Chattanooga
* * *
Why would you believe that every woman who chooses to terminate is "vulnerable?" I have already replied on another opinion regarding this topic, but I wanted to say one thing: regardless if Chattanooga has an abortion clinic or not, if a woman is determined to terminate her pregnancy - for whatever reason - she will do it. She'll travel to another city, if necessary. You insinuate that abortion clinic workers "pressure" a woman to terminate, but the anti-abortion fanatics do their fair share of pressuring to a woman not to abort.
You have to examine each case separately and treat them as such. I am extremely angered by this blanket condemnation of abortion clinics.
Kathy Burke
Ringgold
* * *
In response to Kathy Burke, I did not find this minister stating that all women considering terminating a pregnancy are vulnerable. That is misread assumption on your part.
However, vulnerability is far more believable than not due to the fact that most are young women who find themselves in an unplanned pregnancy. Rape or harm to the mother, which was the initial reason for abortions to be allowed, is seldom the cause for an abortion request. The facts represent themselves.
While all abortionists may not pressure a woman to abort, they certainly do not provide any other option than to abort. That in and of itself is a pressure - after all they'll lose money if the girl chooses not to abort. It is absurd to think that a death clinic would consider life as an option.
Convenient disposal of an unborn child may send a woman to another city to perform it but that is not a valid reason to bring a child disposal clinic to Chattanooga.
I daresay if we brought a clinic here for the purpose of killing dogs and cats, people would be up in arms. Will we be hohum when it involves innocent children?
I think it is an insult to the intelligence of Chattanoogans to allow such an operation to come here. We should be proud of the fact that we have services already in place that provide for the mother and the baby and we should keep making them known. If there is a life threatening situation for the mother we have several hospitals and ob/gyns by the dozens.
Actually most of the problem would solve itself if we taught our kids the ancient art of abstinence.
K.K. Fink
Chattanooga
* * *
What reasons would there be to have an abortion if you're not vulnerable?
Does anyone ever plan to get pregnant just so they can have an abortion? And
I'm sure you've heard this argument before, but it must be stated again.
Why is it when a pregnant mother is killed it can be considered two homicides?
Or when a pregnant mother is injured causing her to lose her baby, it can be considered a homicide? You may argue that it's because the mother actually wanted the baby, but if that's the case the baby shouldn't be treated any more than a piece of property such as damaging your car.
Chattanooga should be of the fact there isn't an abortion clinic here.
You mention anti-abortion supporters heavily pressuring a mother to not abort a child - wouldn't you do what you could to save a person's life?
Both of my brothers have handicapped children, and I'm ashamed to admit it,
but the thought of abortion did enter my mind when we were notified of the
handicaps during pregnancy. I never said anything to them about abortion.
Abortion was never an option for them. It was how or what they needed to do
to take care of their child. They are both beautiful girls, and the world is
better for having them here.
Ah, yes, the argument of "why bring a child into this cruel world?" I won't
argue against how cruel the world is, but why not bring a small blessing
into this cruel world and help make it a better place. If the world wasn't
cruel, there would be no pearls.
Michael Mattheiss
Chattanooga
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For those who believe the Bible. God clearly states when life begins,"For you formed my inward parts, You covered me in my mother's womb."
Killing that life is nothing less than murder. Psalm 139:13.
Rachel Miller
Signal Mountain
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