Based on the content of my posts throughout my history at Zelaron, surely many people know that my political views lie mainly on the left. In my “My Objection to Religion” post, I stated that in general only the religious right opposes abortion. You might find it surprising, then, to see me vote against abortion, since my posts clearly demonstrate that I am an atheist, perhaps even an anti-theist. I would like to clarify why I voted against abortion.

Christians tend to believe that life begins at conception because at the moment of fertilization God gives the zygote a “soul,” for the lack of a better word. Putting aside my contempt for supernatural beliefs, those who truly believe in the Bible are entirely justified in their opposition to abortion. For instance, the following passage from the Bible shows that God values the embryo:

God commands that people punish anyone who causes a miscarriage.

Though I have reached the same conclusion as Christians in this particular case, it is not because I believe in a soul. On the contrary, it is because I don’t believe in a soul. Though I have come to a right-winged conclusion, it is because of rather secular beliefs.

As to my knowledge, a human being’s genetic makeup is conclusively formed at conception. Short of outside influences or a natural disaster that zygote will inexorably become a fully developed, living, breathing, cognizant human being. Ending this embryo ends the life which will inevitably follow, akin to murder in my book. I have no moral objection to abortion when the baby is a potent threat to the mother’s life or well-being, as there is a great risk of losing a life either way.

You can not, however, apply this same logic to masturbation as many pro-choice people like to assert. A human can not form from a sperm cell alone. Even during sexual intercourse it is highly improbable that any particular sperm cell will fertilize an egg. The difference between a zygote and a sperm cell is that the zygote will become a human whereas the sperm cell will not with the exception of a highly improbable scenario.

That said, I realize the benefits of abortions. Sex is a natural part of human activity and should be enjoyed. The threat of impregnation will always exist despite the increasing efficacy of contraceptives. It is not fair that what is otherwise a relatively innocuous expression of love between a couple could become the biggest mistake of their life. Abortion seems to be the only valid solution. If I were to impregnate a girl before I am ready for a child, I would seriously hope that she and I could sit down and talk about it and consider her having an abortion. I acknowledge that this may make me seem somewhat capricious; however, you may consider something immoral yet see and harness its practicality.

However I digress. The practicality of abortions is not what I wanted to discuss. I only wanted your opinions on whether abortions are moral or immoral.

Am I for a woman’s right to choose? Yes, when it does not impede on a greater right. I consider the right to life to supersede a woman’s right to choose. It is somewhat saddening to see how little worth we hold on human life. It is even more saddening that I am beginning to open up to this view.