My stance on the controversial abortion issue is not based on religion or any other ideology; it is founded on an understanding and acknowledgement of medical sciences, law, ethics and morality.
The pro-choice stand, that pregnant women have the right to do anything to their bodies, is scientifically, ethically and logically false.
The woman's own actions (excepting rape) have created a "living being" that happens to dwell in her body. As long as the embryo is an aggregate of cells, abortion is not problematic. However, once the heart, lungs and nervous system are differentiated and functioning, he becomes a human being like us. That very moment abortion becomes a medical, legal, ethical and moral issue, because a fetus has human rights of his own.
The question raised in Parliament as to when the fetus becomes a human, with rights like us, is one of the most important issues of our time.
Once the medical community determines scientifically exactly when the fetus becomes fully human, abortions should not be allowed after that time. The process violates the rights of the fetus to life and security.
The pregnant women can carry their own baby to its full term unless their mental and physical well being is imperiled; it should not be too onerous. After delivery, the unwanted newborn can be adopted and welcomed by a childless couple.
Contrary to pro-choice supporters' belief, we humans have no "absolute rights" as long as we are a part of a society. All rights have limitations, contexts, as well as responsibilities.
Knowledge, law, ethics and morality form the underpinnings of a viable society. If every individual or group decides to have their own definition of right and wrong, the cohesion and orderliness of a community, nation or world will disintegrate resulting in chaos.
We must ensure that all the fundamental principles that uphold a civilization are clearly defined in the constitution and obeyed by all citizens.
The denial of evident "truth" for temporary convenience questions the verity of one's conscience.
This above all, to thine own self be true! - Shakespeare
Ramma Sawhney
Lethbridge