The Economics of Abortion

The Associated Press today reported that pregnant women are seeking abortions in record numbers. There's no secret as to why this is occurring -- our economy is affecting everyone. Some women who even desired and planned a pregnancy have reconsidered due to their current financial issues. A record number of abortions were performed by Planned Parenthood of Illinois clinics in January. There is no way to get up to date statistics on abortions throughout the nation, but many private and government agencies are reporting a significant increase in the abortions requested. I learned something new by reading this article. There is actually an organization called the National Network of Abortion Funds, which helps pay for abortions for women who can't afford them. Then there is the National Abortion Federation. Why don't we have something similar for adoption? It's interesting that people will donate to take a life, but not to save one. I'm not faulting women for feeling as if they can't handle additional responsibilities, financial and otherwise. I'm simply saying that there is no excuse for the fact that life is not valued as much as "choice". Shouldn't it be supported at least as much as abortion, if not more so? There should be funds to support both adoption and single parenthood when finances are the only issue standing in the way of life or death for an unborn child. Prior to that, assistance obtaining birth control would eliminate part of the problem.

Additionally, the economy is affecting those who want to plan a family. Fear of losing jobs or not having enough money to make it through the recession is causing people not to plan to have a child that they would have chosen to have. Those who have made the choice of life for their child may not have insurance to cover maternity benefits. There is so much money being spent on the abortion industry. What if all that money went to help women complete their pregnancies and get through the tough times or place their child for adoption should they have that desire? I'm praying for all of the lives lost. Who would they have been?

Tax-payer Funded Abortion

A report published November 25th by the Obama-Biden transition team entitled "Advancing Reproductive Rights and Health in a New Administration" details specific funding proposals for the future of sex education and abortion in America. Among the agencies and groups requesting enormous amounts of money from our government for abortion, contraception, and "reproductive rights" are a coalition of groups such as Planned Parenthood, Choice USA and the ACLU. These groups have submitted a 55 page document to the President with their "wish list". This bail-out includes $1 Billion in taxpayer funding for international family planning programs, $700 Million for Title X health clinics, and $65 Million for the UNFPA, an international organization which has been connected to forced abortion in China. It also seeks to repeal the Hyde Amendment, which will effectively increase taxpayer funding for abortions, including abortion coverage in any taxpayer subsidized national health care program. Americans will be paying for abortions on military bases, in the Peace Corps, and for prisoners.

I'm not sure where moral conscience comes in -- or if it does. Aside from that, the proponents of this document have lost touch with economic reality. In times when important programs, education, and jobs are being cut, why would our government spend more to pay for abortion, which is controversial to say the least? Personally, I would rather see my tax dollars going toward education so that abortion won't be an issue. I would rather see my tax dollars being spent on health care and pre-natal care for those who are pregnant, whether they want to parent or place their children for adoption. I don't want my tax dollars being spent to end a life -- any life.

Please write to your congressmen and women (I have) and let them know that you don't want your tax dollars spent on abortion and "family planning", especially in this economically challenging time, but rather on education and other worthwhile programs. These plans could easily be pushed through congress without the American public even knowing what they are paying for when they pay their taxes. If our representatives in congress get enough letters, they will bring this to the attention of the President. I'm not sure it will do any good in this pro-abortion administration, but if we know what is happening and we stand idly by and watch without intervention, then we are advocating the killing of innocents and we are contributing a portion of the money used to support such barbaric acts. If our efforts save a single life, then it will be worth the efforts. There are no unwanted babies. We have homes waiting for them. President Obama apparently doesn't know this.