One of the other threads on this forum got off topic, so I figure that it's better to start a thread to discuss the topic of abortion.

 

For me personally, a politician's stance on abortion is very low on my priority list when evaluating them for a position.  I'll try to explain my view on the topic.

 

For me personally, I am against abortion in most cases.  In the case of rape or possibly the mother's health, then I could possibly see where an abortion would be an alternative.  What I don't like is to see the procedure used as a form of birth control.  Just my opinion, but I feel that abortion in general is wrong.  That's my personal moral stance on the issue.

 

Regarding abortion as a political issue, I tend to side with the idea that it should not be illegal during the first trimester.  However, I also don't want my tax dollars funding it.  If a "woman" feels that she is old enough and "responsible" enough to have unprotected sex, then it should be up to her and her partner to deal with the consequences.  I don't feel that insurance companies should be forced to cover the procedure unless it is a health situation or some other circumstance.  I also don't feel that companies should be forced to provide this "service" as part of a health plan.  Want an abortion?  It's certainly your right to choose to do so, it's just not going to happen on my dime.

 

The second trimester is kind of a grey area.  Again, if it comes to a woman's choice, it should be up to her and her partner to pay for it.  I don't think that it should be illegal at this point, but again, it should not be funded by tax payer dollars and insurance companies should not be forced to cover the procedure.

 

When it comes to late term abortion (after the second trimester), I think it should be illegal for all but the most extreme cases (mother's health in jeopardy).  At this point I really do consider the fetus to be a human being, and it shouldn't be an "option" for a woman.  In my mind, at this stage an abortion is pretty much an execution or murder.

 

In summary, I put very little priority into whether a politician is "pro life" or "pro choice".  There are more important traits that I use to determine whether or not a specific politician gets my vote.

 

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