By DENA EAKLES | rural Ontario
The following is in response to Michael and Tammy Gjefle’s op-ed, which appeared in the County Line on July 7.
We were thanked for listening to their point of view. I have no problem with people expressing their opinions or beliefs. The problem comes when anyone tries to make his or her point of view the law of the land. The Gjefles seem to suffer from some basic misconceptions. One is the inability to recognize that a person can be against abortion and can also be against creating a law that will harm many women, families and society at large.
How will it harm our society? For one, many of the states’ laws are extremely misogynistic and will certainly harm those of lesser means. These laws are self-righteous proclamations that will not bring about a change in behavior nor of consciousness — if that is in fact what the Gjefles are hoping for.
It will cause suffering. It has already caused fear.
The other misconception is that we’re a Christian nation. We are not. We have, until now, cherished the ideal of separation of church and state. What that means is that the Gjefles can choose not to have an abortion on moral grounds and another person may choose to have an abortion — on moral grounds as well.
As with the Gjefles, there are many who proclaim “moral authority.” Their “moral authority” says that life starts at the first breath. So whose “moral authority” should we follow? I say neither. Blind following is foolish.
This anti-abortion fiasco is cruel and heartless. It lacks compassion and common sense. Not to mention science. We will all suffer for it.
