Podhoretz on Abortion Issue

Medical ethics are becoming more and more utilitarian. Besides abortion and contraception, we have a growing acceptance of organ harvesting, euthanasia, and the use of fatal tissue (often obtained via abortion) for research. All of this is evidence of the recent (since 1973 in our country) struggle between two opposing philosophies--the “quality of life” argument vs. the “sanctity of life” argument.

According to our Judeo-Christian heritage, all human life is sacred and fully developed life is not more sacred than underdeveloped human life. The preborn, newborn, and the long born are vulnerable and considered expendable while at the same time we cry “Never again!” in reference to the Nazi atrocities of 50 years ago.

Last Sept. 19, at the airport in Detroit, Pope John Paul II’s words of departure are relevant to this issue. After enumerating the many blessings God has bestowed on America, he said, “The best traditions of your land presume respect for those who cannot defend themselves . . . America, defend life! All the great causes that are yours today will . . . succeed only if respect for life and its protection by the law is granted to every human being from conception until natural death.”

America, are you listening?

SISTER FRANCIS MARY

Beverly Hills