Is abortion really about choice? (27 January 2009)

Dear Editor

Each year, more than a hundred thousand South African women undergo abortions. Research published in peer-reviewed medical journals indicates that 64% of abortions in America involve coercion. Other studies show that most women undergoing abortions do so because of pressure from others, such as boyfriends, husbands or parents.

In June 2006, a South African woman was shot by her boyfriend when she refused to abort their baby. The truth is that most women don’t want abortions. Those who have abortions often do so based on inaccurate or inadequate information, non-support, and intense pressure, which can escalate to violence. (See “Forced Abortion in America” at http://www.theunchoice.com/resources.htm)  Recent research published in a major peer-reviewed journal found that 84% of women felt they did not receive adequate counseling before abortion.

A decision made in the dark or under duress cannot fairly be called a "choice." Abortion is the un-choice because it’s not a choice. In most cases, it's not wanted, it's not freely chosen, it's not fully informed. In many cases it's forced.  No matter what the mother's circumstances, pro-choice is actually a lie. Pre-born babies don't choose to die! 

That is why Christians from across Cape Town will be marching to Parliament this Friday, 30 January, 12:30 from Keizersgracht Street (below CPUT) to uphold the right to life of pre-born babies and to raise awareness about unwanted, unsafe and unfair abortions.