|
|
LifeLink: Voting Pro-Life Voting Pro-Life: Single-Issue Voting? Often, those in the Pro-Life movement are accused of voting on just one issue—Life. We are criticized for supporting or rejecting a candidate based on his or her commitment to defend innocent life. This position, however, is defensible, in several ways.
Firstly, the Pro-Life position in itself deals with many issues. We believe in the sanctity of innocent human life from the moment of fertilization until natural death. This means that the Pro-Life movement addresses not only abortion, but also euthanasia, physician-assisted suicide, cloning, embryonic stem cell research, and much more. Unfortunately, today’s technology has introduced many more threats to innocent human life than just abortion, and a coherent view of the life issues recognizes the connection among these threats.
Secondly, life is so important. Our country was based upon the principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Life is the first and foremost of these rights and is certainly necessary in order for one to enjoy any other rights. As the most basic and most essential of rights, it must be defended most arduously.
To those who accuse Pro-Lifers of single-issue voting, please share with them the following example. Imagine that there is one candidate who shares almost all your beliefs, except that they do not believe that women should be allowed to vote or that minorities should be treated equally. A belief such as this should undoubtedly be reason enough not to support this candidate! This is also true with the Life issues. Although other issues also carry great value, Life surpasses all. As Pro-Lifers, it is important to support politicians who will foster a true Culture of Life. When you are researching candidates for en election, remember this and please vote for Life!
During all elections, it is important that voters learn about the Pro-Life or pro-choice position of the candidates for which they are voting. Voters do have a moral responsibility to make an informed decision, because the leaders they choose will make decisions regarding the futures of many of our fellow citizens. Whether they are voting on Planned Parenthood’s budget, a bill such as the Women’s Right to Know Act, or even zoning requirements for abortion clinics, they are affecting our culture.
As Pro-Lifers, it is important to support politicians who will foster a true Culture of Life. When you are researching candidates for en election, remember this and please vote for Life!
"Once or twice in a century an issue arises...so far-reaching in its consequences, and so deep in its foundations, that it calls every person to take a stand." --John Noonan, former law professor at the University of California, Berkeley, and current U.S. Court of Appeals Judge
|
