> Unlike socially disruptive behavior like murder
> and rape, abortion is control over one's body.
> When life begins is only determined by what you
> believe, and cannot be defined.

If I remember sex ed correctly, when a sperm fertilizes an egg, that new conjunction of the two has its own genetic code that is separate from that of the mother's. From that point on it is, genetically, its own creature. It may not be fully developed, but it's not a part of the mother's body anymore. It just lives there.


> I agree, it cannot reach a consensus. My
> reason for writing this post is that I am tired
> of people trying to force their beliefs on me.

You mean by trying to enact legislation that they feel is right? Why does it matter whether a belief comes from someone's religious views or just political thought? No one's trying to pass a law saying you have to worship the God of the Christian Bible. No one is trying to force you to believe in Jesus or Buddha or Vishnu or anything. All that people are trying to do is get laws passed that they feel are laws that need to be in place.


> The fact that religious beliefs is the argument
> in something which involves the law angers me.

You know, maybe you haven't noticed, but religious doctrines are NOT the only arguments used by people who oppose abortion. I've never known a single "pro-lifer" whose sole reason for opposing abortion is "Because God said so", and I can't say I've ever heard of anyone trying to use this excuse in an argument. Almost every time, in fact, that I've heard people argue or debate over the abortion issue, religion isn't mentioned at all. The person's reasons for opposing it may start with his religious beliefs, but that doesn't mean it's his sole basis for believing it or for trying to persuade other people to see his view.

-eric sleator
Tue 12 Jun A.D. 2001