Dear Editor
There are few topics as contentious as abortion. It's one of those things you just don't bring up in polite conversation. However, in light of a recent letter to the editor , ("A matter of priorities, News-Optimist, Oct. 23) I am finding myself more and more troubled by the sentiment surrounding this debate.
I'm not going to get into the many glaring misconceptions about the actual procedure, instead I want to pose a question: when does life become unworthy of protection?Many of the people I know who are anti-abortion are also pro-death penalty. This is hypocritical, given that we know innocent people can and have been executed.
Anti-abortion activists have also been noticeably absent from pro-LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer)groups, pro-mental health initiatives and pro-racial justice campaigns. LGBTQ people, mentally ill people and non-white people are more frequently victims of unjust incarceration, murder and suicide than straight, non-mentally ill and white people. So why don't anti-abortion activists care about these innocent victims?
And finally, what of the people who have no means to look after their child? Are they to place it up for adoption and strand it in an already overtaxed system? Do they try to raise a child that they never wanted to begin with and may end up resenting? Or does the pregnant person attempt an abortion procedure at home that will severely harm or even kill her?
Anti-abortion activists claim to be pro-life, but I don't think this is a well thought out, measured view. Instead of trying to police what others do with their bodies and instead of trying to force regulation that will only lead to back alley abortions, take care of the people who are already on this Earth. Support homeless shelters and your local high school's GSA. Support anti-bullying regulations and teach your kids to treat human beings with kindness and respect. Be kind to each other and understand that not everyone may have the physical and mental resources available to give birth to a child.
J. Acaster
North Battleford
