Sep 30
Bishop: Proposed abortion ban ‘not perfect law’ but ‘valid’
By Denise Ross
Blase Cupich, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Rapid City, delivered a full-throated endorsement of the proposed abortion ban on South Dakota’s 2008 ballot at a campaign gathering Monday night.
(Photo by Denise)
Bishop Cupich asked those in the pro-life community who are opposing Initiated Measure 11 to “really consider that position,” naming specifically “state officials with Right to Life.” (That longtime anti-abortion group is officially opposing IM11.)
Cupich said he understands the principled anti-abortion position against IM 11 because it contains exceptions for the health of the mother and for rape and incest victims who report the crimes - thus still allowing abortion in some cases. But, he quoted that age-old policy-making maxim: Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good.
Initiated Measure 11 is not perfect law. It allows exceptions. I struggle with that. I want human life protected.
It is valid to take a gradualist approach. IM11 is a serious attempt to significantly limit the number of lives lost to abortion. … (It) can be followed up on with more steps. It is morally acceptable.
He said support for a “limited outcome” does not equate to “cooperation with an unjust law” and noted that South Dakota voters rejected an abortion ban that did not include those exceptions in 2006.
The bishop also addressed different arguments from abortion rights activists, saying those on his side of the issue are not unreasonable in their pursuit to outlaw abortion.
We very commonly accept that the state has used its power to protect citizens, particulalry the most vulnerable - orphans, the mentally challenged, those unable to mount their own legal defense.
The unborn are the most vulnerable and voiceless. There’s a gap in the system.
There is nothing reasonable about saying the lives of some children have less value.
He also rejected the argument that anti-abortion activists are simply trying to impose their moral beliefs on all of society. That is true of anyone who promotes a public policy agenda, he said.
This is not a battle between those who want to impose their moral beliefs on society and those who do not. …
Society cannot escape this moral dilemma.
The question is not when life begins - or when someone believes it begins, he said, but rather “when human life deserves legal protection from the state.”
The serious efforts to extend civil rights to those in utero - legal rights that now attach at the moment of birth - is a theme explored in the documentary I recently finished about the 2006 abortion ban vote. (Regular Hoghouse readers are well acquainted.) Go to www.unplanneddemocracy.com for more information and DVD orders.
More to come on the Vote Yes for Life office opening in Rapid City.
2 Comments so far
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— The question is not when life begins - or when someone believes it begins, he said, but rather “when human life deserves legal protection from the state.” —
Did he really say that, Denise?
Do you understand what he meant by it?
He really said that - or close to that. Here are my notes verbatim: “when human life deserves legal protection from state? –should not be devolved to trying to determine when life begins because of one’s belief.” He was saying a lot, and I was writing fast. As I understand it - and understand anti-abortion efforts - they are advancing the argument that human rights, or civil rights - especially those of due process and equal protection under the law, should extend into the womb. That, as I’m sure you understand well, would be a real game-changer. Discuss. -Denise
I think that my sperm should have legal rights. I’m half of that life thing and why should I be left out. I want the government to protect me from my desire to damage or destroy them. The Bishop should try and get on a soap box for less politicaly correct causes. It’s difficult not to use the H- word when it comes to the ego the pro-life side presents.
OK, now I’ve got the Monty Python song ‘Every Sperm Is Sacred’ running through my head. Great. In any case, thanks for commenting. -Denise