The Abortion Question.

Today was the annual march in DC for those opposed to abortion. These valiant pro birth folks who believe that the 1973 Supreme Court Decision Roe V Wade was wrong now seek to overturn it.

This march reminds us that many in the radical "religious" right are intent on turning the tragedy of abortion into a politically-driven culture war. Instead of focusing efforts to combat abortion, those in the "religious" right rely on today’s march and 30 years of failed policy and rhetoric to address the problem.

It has become obvious that the Supreme Court will not overturn Roe V Wade anytime soon. Chief Justice Roberts, a firm believer in judicial precedent has suggested that Roe V Wade is settled law. So abortion is still available on demand in this country and the question must be asked: "What is the rational plan to address the problem?" As Catholics we understand that abortion is never a legitimate moral option.

While those on the right march, there are many Catholics and Americans of all faiths who refuse to stand by and watch the unborn continue to die. There are things we can do to help the unborn right now - like expand health care coverage, education, adoption programs, ease the economic burdens on working families, and address endemic problems of greed, violence, sex, corruption, and materialism in our society. It would seem that our new Congress is willing to take on many of these issues.

Abortion Reduction acts - some already introduced in Congress and some others on the table by members ready and willing to do something about the problem of abortion are up for debate in the House and the Senate.

What do these acts do and what is the need?

To provide for programs that reduce the number of unplanned pregnancies, reduce the need for abortion, help women bear healthy children, and support new parents.

There have been numerous actions taken at the federal, state, and local level to reduce the number of unplanned pregnancies and abortions—yet there are still 1.3 million abortions performed in America each year—this is half of ALL unintended pregnancies.

One in five U.S. pregnancies ends in abortion.

Nearly one of every five abortions in America are performed on teenagers—20%.

The root-cause must be addressed as 73% of women sited “cannot afford a baby” as a contributing factor for choosing an abortion.

60% of women who obtain abortions have incomes below 200% of poverty.

In Latin America, where most of the region abortions are illegal, the rate of abortion is far higher than Western Europe or the United States.

In Colombia—where abortion is illegal—the average is more than one abortion per woman and in Peru the average is nearly two abortions per woman over the course of her reproductive years.

The failure to reduce the rates of unplanned pregnancies in America and around the globe is due to diminutive pregnancy prevention education and lack of access to contraception.

The education and practice of prevention will help reduce the level of poverty in America.

This issue is one of human rights, social justice and access to quality medical care.

What is the answer?

The Answer:

The fundamental goal of reducing unplanned pregnancies and abortions must be comprehensive and aggressive.

We need to change the debate on abortion by working to provide women in difficult pregnancies as much support as they will need to carry their children to term and give parents the confidence and resources to carry and raise healthy children.

We need to make it easier for couples to plan the size of their family.

We need to make sure that not just people who have means and have health insurance can plan the size of their family—but expand this option to poor working women and men.

These are realistic steps that must be debated and implemented as public policy if we are ever to address the question of abortion. After the marching and the rhetoric, the abortions continue. What are we going to do that works?