October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and much has been written and voiced about the effects of domestic violence on our families and in our culture. As a Christian, I believe that the real answer to lessening incidents of domestic violence is for people to know Christ and to love and care for one another according to God's word and the love with which He calls us to love one another. There may be legal and just consequences for those who are the perpetrators of domestic violence. There will always be an aftereffect in the lives of those involved in domestic violence, including victims, perpetrators, other family members, friends, etc. When appropriate, I support programs to assist offenders from continuing their pattern of abuse. I also welcome efforts to provide women and children with assistance in achieving safety and support when they find themselves victims of domestic violence.
In my profession I have come to know several people who have a commendable desire to prevent and/or stop domestic violence and who work to provide resources to those who are its victims. But I am greatly conflicted with those who are often the greatest champions in this fight against domestic violence. Bear with me as I attempt to explain this conflict. I will not be unwise in proclaiming that all, but I must say that in my own experience, most of the men and women that I have known over the years who are the most outspoken against domestic violence, are the same people who are strong supporters of abortion "rights". A small group of people often found among them are those who would never be an advocate for the unborn, but who will devote their time and resources to save a tree or a bird or a fish. To me this is one of the greatest of ironies. How can one decry a culture of violence and at the same time be a proponent of one of the most violent acts committed; that which occurs in the domicile of the unborn?
There can be no harmony in these two positions as they are at odds with one another. I know that many who attempt to hold these two positions simultaneously, often say that they support a woman's right to choose and not necessarily abortion itself. So I must ask a question. Why is it not be those who speak out against domestic violence the ones who are most passionate about women "choosing" life for the unborn? How can they be so heartfelt against domestic violence and a culture of violence, and yet, at best sit back quietly, and at worst, advocate ardently for the practice of abortion?
I am convinced that no amount of talking or twisting of words can persuade me to believe that the killing of more than 2,000 unborn children every day in our country does not contribute to our domestic violence problem and a culture of violence in general. Because its victims are the most vulnerable, and those making the decision to terminate their existence are those they depend on most, some would say that abortion is the most cruel of acts. The procedures employed to fulfill this "choice" only add to the horrific nature of the event. While seemingly safe in the domicile of the womb, these smallest members of our communities, whose lives are taken commonly, know a domestic violence like no other group.
It is quite alarming when you take the time to consider the reality of it all. Statistics indicate that even though thousands of women in America are pregnant today and that each has an individually unique person developing in their womb, more than two thousand will cease to exist tomorrow as their life is terminated. They will not have a chance to recover from this action taken against them. None of them will ever have the opportunity to tell others of their trauma in an effort to save others from it. May God open the hearts and minds of the men and women in our country. May He start with those who profess faith in Him.
For a moment I would ask that you forget the arguments for and against the legalization of abortion. The sobering truth is, that with some restrictions, abortion is legal in America. One may certainly argue the moral right to abortion but presently women do have the "right to choose" it. But as sure as they have the right to choose abortion, they have the right to choose life. May those who passionately oppose domestic violence be consistent in their concern for the violence perpetrated against women and children and passionately encourage the choice for life. Life that is free from the devastating effects of all forms of domestic violence, including that which occurs in the domicile of the womb.
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