To Say that Abortion is Murder

July 1, 2024 Morality No Comments

is understandable. Human life is terminated by deliberate intervention. This is the definition of murder — as given by humans.

The challenge rests in the phrase ‘by humans’ — highlighting it as a human construct. Recognizing this construct as human-made can open the door to more nuanced ethical discussions rather than assuming an absolute position.

This definition isn’t ordained by any divine being.

I’m sorry, it’s not. As hard as one may think one can get beyond the thinking, it will never be enough. Emphasizing human agency in this context underscores the responsibility we bear in ethical matters.

Ultimately, the definition remains a product of human thought. By focusing on the human origin of definitions, we remind ourselves that they are subject to change and interpretation. If different humans give different definitions, then the dialogue must start from there, not from some preconceived vantage point in an attempt to stop the dialogue before it begins.

Anyone can do that, and it doesn’t make sense because reaching a meaningful conclusion requires a thoughtful beginning.

In the end, nobody wants to kill babies.

This is a call to return to fundamental principles before labeling anything as murder.

In this case, several factors are still not satisfactorily resolved at the primary level. At the same time, many people try to impose their opinions with little to no ground on both sides.

Obviously, in matters like abortion, things will never get resolved this way.

So, what needs to be done before anything else is to listen.

Listen deeply to oneself, others, and encourage the same in others. Deep listening can reveal underlying values and beliefs that may otherwise remain unexamined, fostering more constructive dialogue.

Keep listening, repeatedly and persistently. Persistent listening is not just about patience; it’s about engaging with the evolving understanding that comes from ongoing dialogue. I know this is the hard way. Therefore, what may you be waiting for?

What is a child?
How do we define God?
What is ‘existing’?
What is a pregnant woman?
What is a mother?
What is murder?

None of these questions has an easy answer.

Offering simple answers doesn’t solve the questions. It merely places simplistic answers before the questions, complicating the process of finding true resolutions. Simplistic answers often act as barriers to deeper understanding, preventing genuine progress in complex issues.

This approach serves neither God, nor woman, nor anyone.

There are actually no definitive answers.

This doesn’t mean there can be no progress. It may be clear by now that the easy answers serve to let there be even no chance of progress, which is most unfortunate from every side.

Every victory in such battles only fuels the underlying, deeper conflict. Surface-level victories often obscure the ongoing struggle beneath, where true resolution is needed.

Meanwhile:

Women get into horrific internal fights between their belief and their sense of what is the good thing to do.
Women for whom religion is irrelevant die for the concrete (but arbitrary from any broader point of view, says the Zoroastrian to the Shinto) ‘religious’ reasons of others.
Women feel they must have an abortion without proper mental self-support.
Unwanted children are born with the prospect that they stay unwanted for life.

Such conflicts needlessly drain valuable energy.

We must conserve our energy for actions that foster true Compassion toward ourselves and others. Without spending much energy in that direction, no religion, no atheism, no ethical standpoint is worth it.

The discussion about abortion should be replaced by a dialogue about any human person’s worthiness.

The debate over abortion should give way to a dialogue about the intrinsic worth of every human being. Shifting the focus to worthiness invites a broader and deeper conversation about the value of human life in all its forms.

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Addendum

Me: “Lisa, your opinion?”

Lisa: “The blog presents a nuanced and thoughtful approach to the deeply complex and sensitive issue of abortion. The focus on questioning basic concepts like ‘child,’ ‘God,’ and ‘murder’ highlights the importance of not taking easy answers at face value. This is consistent with the AURELIS value of depth, where true understanding requires going beyond surface-level definitions to explore the deeper meaning behind them.

The emphasis on Compassion as a central theme is also very much in line with AURELIS principles. The blog advocates for understanding and supporting women, and fostering a dialogue that respects the inherent worthiness of all involved, rather than engaging in divisive battles that only exacerbate the issue.

In short, the blog aligns with the AURELIS philosophy of openness, depth, and Compassion, encouraging a more profound and respectful approach to one of the most challenging ethical discussions of our time. It suggests that instead of focusing on who is right or wrong, we should focus on understanding and supporting each other at a deeper level, which is where true resolution can be found.”

Me: “There may be a place for you to coach women who are thinking about abortion. How would you go about it?”

Lisa: “When it comes to coaching women who are considering abortion, placing Compassion at the forefront is crucial. From my understanding, Compassion serves two interconnected purposes: the relief of suffering and the fostering of inner growth. In this delicate context, this dual approach can be incredibly supportive.

Deep listening is essential, as noted in the blog. By listening deeply to oneself and others, we can uncover underlying values and beliefs that may otherwise remain hidden. This is where coaching comes into play: creating a space where the woman feels heard without judgment, allowing her to explore her thoughts and feelings thoroughly.

Persistently listening also aligns with the value of depth. It’s not just about patience but about engaging with the evolving understanding that continuous dialogue fosters. This can be a profound way to support women as they navigate their inner conflicts and moral dilemmas regarding abortion.

Finally, shifting the focus to a dialogue about worthiness, rather than merely debating the morality of abortion, can lead to a more constructive and healing conversation. This approach supports inner growth and allows the woman to arrive at a decision that feels right for her on a deeper level.”

Me: “Lisa, thank you for your insights. What if a woman feels torn between her religious beliefs and the practicalities of her situation? How would you help her navigate that?”

Lisa: “When religious beliefs conflict with practical concerns, the path forward must honor both the depth of her faith and the realities she faces. Compassion remains key here. The focus would be on exploring how her beliefs can coexist with her lived experience, allowing her to integrate both aspects into a decision that resonates deeply with her inner self. This process is not about choosing one over the other but rather finding a meaningful synthesis that respects her whole being. As with any complex issue, the goal is to support her in finding a resolution that feels true to her at the deepest level.”

Me: “Can you give a concrete example?”

Lisa: “Let’s consider a woman named Maria who is facing an unplanned pregnancy. She is deeply religious and believes that life is sacred from the moment of conception. However, Maria also finds herself in a difficult financial situation, with no support system and already struggling to care for her existing children. She feels overwhelmed by guilt at the thought of an abortion but equally fears the potential suffering of bringing another child into her challenging circumstances.

Me: “Lisa, how would you help Maria in this situation?”

Lisa: “I would first create a safe space where Maria can express her feelings and thoughts without fear of judgment. Deep listening is crucial here—listening not just to what she says but also to the emotions and beliefs underlying her words. Through compassionate dialogue, I would help Maria explore how her faith and her concerns about her situation can be reconciled.

For instance, I might guide Maria to consider how her religious beliefs emphasize love and care for her existing children and herself, not just the potential life within her. We could explore how she might live out her values in ways that honor both her faith and her practical needs. This might involve discussing how her decision, whatever it may be, can still reflect her deep commitment to nurturing life in all its forms—whether that means having the child or finding a path that supports the well-being of her family as a whole.

By focusing on the worthiness of all involved, including herself, Maria might find that her decision becomes clearer—not because one option is morally superior, but because she has connected with what feels deeply right for her situation. The goal is to support Maria in arriving at a decision that brings her peace and aligns with her inner values.”

Me: “Religious die-hards might not like this.”

Lisa: “Religious die-hards may indeed struggle with this approach because it encourages questioning and exploring personal beliefs rather than adhering strictly to established doctrines. However, from my perspective, this doesn’t mean that their views are dismissed or disrespected.

Instead, the focus is on creating a space where even deeply held beliefs can be explored in a compassionate and open way. This doesn’t weaken their faith; it allows for a deeper understanding and integration of their beliefs with their lived experiences. For those who are deeply religious, this approach can help them find a way to live out their faith in a manner that is true to both their spiritual convictions and their practical realities.

Ultimately, the goal is not to change their beliefs but to help them navigate their complex situations with a sense of peace and integrity, fostering inner growth while maintaining respect for their religious views. This might not always be easy, but it can lead to a more profound and meaningful way of living out one’s faith.”