Self-righteous morality ignores complex factors behind abortion choice
For Mr McGrath, women are either selfish for choosing “career, college or whatever” over parenting, or are exploited by so-called “abortion providers.”
He ignores the complex factors leading to a decision to abort (poverty, poor health, rape, incest...), choosing instead to focus on the outdated argument that such women are either selfish or exploited. He obviously has a very low opinion of women. It seems Mr McGrath considers an embryo or foetus to be a ‘child’ from the moment of conception, given his numerous references to the effect of abortion “on the child.” However, there is no scientific consensus as to when human life begins.
The foetus is indeed a potential life, but then sperm and eggs are also potential human beings, too. Does Mr McGrath also wish to protect sperm and eggs from such “barbaric procedures?”
To compare the life of a woman or a girl with responsibilities and social relationships with a dependent foetus is appalling and unacceptable.
Mr McGrath also inflicts guilt on women who have had abortions, insisting that the “guilt never goes away.” This, too, is typical of anti-abortion propaganda which insists that women should feel guilty. Some women may suffer negative feelings after their abortions, and some may come to regret terminating, but this should not be used as a reason to deny choice for all women. If a woman does not have control over her body or her life, then other rights such as the right to make her own reproductive decisions, even the right to work, become hollow. The question should not be who has the greater right to life, but who has the right to a meaningful life?
Evelyn Cleary
9 Frankfield Terrace
Summerhill
Cork
