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The Debate Over Abortion

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In a March 21 article (Column Left), Ashley E. Phillips issued a blanket condemnation of the pro-life movement. She argued that the “real agenda” of the pro-life movement is the subjugation of women. The problem with her argument is that she paints with too broad a brush.

When Phillips states that the war against abortion “is being waged by fundamental religious zealots” she ignores the secular approach of more mainstream organizations such as the National Right-to-Life Committee.

Unfortunately, the press has focused most of its attention on Operation Rescue, the Catholic Church and extremists. In doing so, they have distorted the issue and led credibility to such misrepresentations as those in Phillips’ article.

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I will restate the belief and intention of myself and other mainstream pro-lifers. The unborn child is an individual, living human being distinct from either parent, and should therefore have certain associated rights--most significantly, the right to live. The status of life is based on medical and biological truths and does not depend on religious beliefs. (I, for one, am an agnostic pro-lifer.)

The typical pro-lifer does not support violent acts. To argue that a living human being’s right to life exceeds another’s right to choice is pro-human, not anti-woman. To say that there should be no right to kill an innocent human being is pro-life, not anti-choice.

DAVID HOLLAND

Canoga Park

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