ABORTION: Trade-offs, not solutions

It has been a belief of mine that there are no perfect solutions to any problem, only trade-offs. Each solution to a problem creates its own new problems. Consequently, most of us spend our time trying to balance the pros and cons to each course of action. The same is true with governments setting public policy. Consider Roe v. Wade.

Right-to-Life supporters have taken the position that any abortion is murder; therefore, all abortions must be made illegal. By adopting this definition they lock themselves into a no-compromise position. State legislatures, including Idaho, are considering a range of steps to abolish abortion all together: making abortion illegal at any stage; eliminating the exceptions for abortions caused by rape or incest; pursuing and punishing women who travel to neighboring states where abortion is legal; making illegal all abortion drugs currently available online. Surveys have repeatedly shown that 75% of U.S. citizens favor abortion if performed before 16 weeks, and exceptions for rape and incest. It is estimated that 40% of abortions are currently done through medications.

Abortion has been part of human life for centuries. It did not begin with the passage of Roe v. Wade and it won’t disappear with the ending of Roe v. Wade. Laws passed by state legislatures, like Idaho, that makes all abortions illegal, and restricts all women’s access to birth control, will be strongly resisted and will guarantee the continuation of this fight into future generations. Accepting abortion with restrictions as supported by the majority of American people, could bring a general resolution to this issue.

RICHARD CRIPE

Coeur d’Alene