The Great Abortion Debate

There is perhaps no more enduring and passionate topic of legal, moral, and political debate in America than the issue of abortion. It doesn’t just divide political parties, but cuts straight to the core of how we define life, liberty, and human rights.

For nearly fifty years, the conflict was defined by a single legal landmark: Roe v. Wade. That ruling acted as a constitutional dam, holding back a massive reservoir of state-level legislative pressure. But when the Supreme Court issued the Dobbs decision and returned the legislative power to the states, that dam broke. Rather than settling the issue, it decentralized the battlefield, transforming a singular national debate into fifty separate political wars.

Today, the map of the United States is a kaleidoscope when it comes to abortion rights. 13 states have near total bans, with exceptions typically only to save the life of the mother. 7 allow abortions in early pregnancy (6 to 12 weeks). In 4, the cut-off is at 15-22 weeks. In 18 states, abortion is legal up to the point of viability, and also thereafter if deemed medically necessary to protect the life or (physical or mental) health of the mother. And in 9 states (including DC), there are no legal restrictions on abortion whatsoever.
Even in our divisive and perverted national political culture, such a hodgepodge of interpretations of fundamental human rights seems outrageous and untenable. But any attempt to fix or, at least, mitigate it must first answer these questions:

• Is abortion murder, meaning an intentional killing of a human being?

and

• Is abortion about “my body, my choice”?

Once a compromise is found in answering those two questions, we can debate the next two, not necessarily in this order:

• What is a fair and just state abortion law?

and

• What is a prudent federal abortion law?

We will set aside the question of whether a federal law on abortion would have to be implemented as a constitutional amendment. The topic is complex enough already.

So, what do you think about any of the above? Come and share your take in a passionate, but respectful discussion. Do you have your own abortion-related question or dilemma? Bring it up! Or just bring your popcorn, sit back, and listen to the others talk it over.

Despite the title, this will be a floor discussion only, with no designated speakers.

Zoom credentials will be provided on the day of the event. Please use your Meetup username, or something very similar, as your Zoom username for this meeting.