Abortion Debate

Today I read one of the most thought provoking blogs I've ever found on the pro-life vs pro-choice debate. John Jay Hughes' article on the topic is pragmatic and insightful. He argues that the real battle over abortion will be won or lost at the cultural level, not the legislative level. If pro-life people/groups are successful influencing the culture then the legislation will follow. Hughes points out, referencing Mike Huckabee, three good examples in recent years: anti-smoking regulations, handicap accessibility legislation, and seat belt laws. Each of these were grass roots, bottom up movements.

Hughes also uses a stinging parallel from our national past, slavery. He asks us to consider that some of the same arguments used by slave owners are now being used by pro-choice advocates. Consider: 

"The slaveholders’ pro-choice argument also lives on today in the bumper stickers that read: “Against abortion? Don’t have one.” Would those who display that sticker display one which said: “Against slavery? Don’t own one”? They’d be ashamed."

While I am on board with Hughes, don't think he is a pro-life militant. He is pragmatic. He is reminding pro-life folks to take this matter to the street, where it can be realistically changed.