So You're a "Person of Faith" and "PRO-Choice"? Really? Which Faith?

With the forty-first Anniversary of the “Roe vs. Wade” decision almost upon us, I am hoping someone might provide an answer to and clear up a question I’ve had for many years now. I often hear many of those who claim to be “people of Faith”, including some people that I deeply care for, say that they are “Pro-choice” and make declarations such as, “Although I’m against it, I would never IMPOSE my own beliefs or morality on other people” or the like.

I then, immediately become curious (and concerned…) as to “Who”, “Whom” or “What” they are indicating that they have “faith” in, and what moral code they would not dare to impose on everyone else…. Concerning the “imposition of morality” part; I wonder if these good folks realize that if they are in favor of and support the government’s passing and enforcing of legislation against such things as, murder, rape, robbery, etc., that they are already IMPOSING their own code of morals on others who may not share their opinions on those actions or the prohibition thereof... In regard to the second part; In humility, I consider myself as being, at least, an amateur student of comparative religion and “Faiths” and so, am somewhat familiar with the teachings of a number of the various “belief systems” which have arisen throughout history, in regard to “Pro-life” issues. From what little I know, I do not recall evidence connected with any “major Faith”, with the exception of Islam (which according to the “Hadith” will, in fact, permit abortions, but then only to the fourth month) that would serve to support these folks being able to hold and espouse “in good conscience” a  “Pro-choice” viewpoint. I’ve included some examples of sources upon which I base my own opinion below for those who may be interested…

“Faith and Abortion down through history”: 

Pre-Christian Sources-

Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) “the world’s oldest known faith”- According to the doctrine on reincarnation; at death, a soul is subsequently joined, at the next available opportunity, to the body of a pre-born infant at conception, in the womb of his or her mother, so to be “re-born” into another human existence. Therefore, according to my understanding of Sanatana Dharma, there can be no denial that life begins at conception.

Buddhism- Gautama Buddha spoke of the “Five Skandhas” (Form, Sensation, Perception, Mental Formation and Consciousness) which in “coming together” constitute a human life. Buddhists believe wholeheartedly in the “Sacred nature” of all life. In addition, the doctrines of reincarnation, “compassionate action” and “empathy” are major tenants of the Buddhist Faith. Since all five Skandhas have been scientifically proven to exist (albeit in “developing forms”) within the first few days after conception, it is only logical to believe then, that from “a Buddhist viewpoint”, life begins at conception and therefore, must be honored and protected.

Ancient Greek and Roman:

“I will give no deadly medicine to any one if asked, nor suggest any such counsel; and in like manner I will not give to a woman a pessary to produce abortion.” (From the Oath of Hippocrates- 400 B.C.)

“…the line between lawful and unlawful abortion will be marked by the fact of having sensation and being alive.” (Aristotle- “Politics” Book 7)

“I recollect that a certain Milesian woman, when I was in Asia, because she had by medicines brought on abortion, having been bribed to do so by the heirs in reversion, was convicted of a capital crime; and rightly, in as much as she had destroyed the hope of the father, the memory of his name, the supply of his race, the heir of his family, a citizen intended for use of the Republic.” (Cicero- The great Roman philosopher, statesman, lawyer and political scientist 106-43 B.C.)

“Therefore, they forbade the women to abort and attached a penalty to those who disobeyed; secondly they forbade them to use contraceptives on themselves and to prevent pregnancy; finally they established honors for both men and women who had many children…” (Gaius Musonius Rufus- First Century Roman Philosopher and Historian in reference to Roman laws passed in 28 BC and 9 AD)

Judaism\Christianity:

"If men who are fighting hit a pregnant woman and she gives birth prematurely but there is no serious injury, the offender must be fined whatever the woman's husband demands and the court allows. But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, wound for wound, and bruise for bruise." (Exodus 21:22-25)

{This passage serves as a perfect illustration of how the ancient Hebrews saw no difference, legal or otherwise, between “pre-natal” and “post natal life”-Ed.}

"Before I was born the Lord called me; from my birth he has made mention of my name...and now the LORD says--he who formed me in the womb to be his servant..." (Isaiah 49:1, 5).

“The word of the LORD came to me, saying, ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.’" (Jeremiah 1:4-5).

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that fully well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." (Psalm 139:13-16).

Early Christian Sources-

"Women who were reputed to be believers began to take drugs to render themselves sterile and to bind themselves tightly so as to expel what was being conceived, since they would not, on account of relatives and excess wealth, want to have a child by a slave or by any insignificant person. See, then, into what great impiety that lawless one has proceeded, by teaching adultery and murder at the same time!" (St. Hippolytus- Pope and Martyr (228 A.D.) in his “Refutation of All Heresies”).

“She who has intentionally destroyed [the pre-born infant] is subject to the penalty corresponding to a homicide”. (St. Basil (329-379 A.D.) in a letter to Anfilochius, the Bishop of Iconia) 

“Some go so far as to take potions, that they may insure barrenness, and thus murder human beings almost before their conception. Some, when they find themselves with child through their sin, use drugs to procure abortion, and when (as often happens) they die with their offspring, they enter the lower world laden with the guilt not only of adultery against Christ but also of suicide and child murder. “(St. Jerome 347-420 A.D.- “Epistula” 22)

“You do not even let a harlot remain only a harlot, but you make her a murderess as well. Indeed, it is something worse than murder and I do not know what to call it; for she does not kill what is formed but prevents its formation. What then? Do you condemn the gifts of God, and fight with His laws? What is a curse you seek as though it were a blessing? Do you make the anteroom of slaughter? Do you teach the women who are given to you for a procreation of offspring to perpetuate killing?” (St. John Chrysostrum (347-407 A.D.) – Homily 24 “On Romans”)

“Regarding women who become prostitutes and kill their babies, and who make it their business to concoct abortives, the former rule barred them for life from communion, and they are left without resource. But having found a more philanthropic alternative, we have fixed the penalty at ten years, in accordance with the fixed degrees. ...” (Canon XII of the Nicene and Seven ecumenical Councils)

“…laws may be unjust through being opposed to the Divine good: such are the laws of tyrants inducing to idolatry or to anything else contrary to the Divine law: and laws of this kind must nowise be observed, because, as stated in Acts 5:29, "we ought to obey God rather than man." (St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) “The Summa Theologica” (OF THE POWER OF HUMAN LAW.)

Statements of Modern Christian Saints-

“The doctor should not meddle. The right of the child is equal to the right of the mother’s life. The doctor can’t decide; it is a sin to kill in the womb." (St. Gianna Beretta Molla- (1922-1962) Italian Wife, Mother and Medical Doctor (Pediatrician) who gave her own life to save the life of her pre-born daughter.) 

“I feel that the greatest destroyer of peace today is abortion, because it is a war against the child, a direct killing of the innocent child, murder by the mother herself." (Mother Teresa of Calcutta- (1910-1997)

In addition, for those who advise “impressionable” or maybe even confused or frightened, young women that abortion is an “O.K. option”, they might want to remember “(S)He that justifieth the wicked, and (S)he that condemneth the just, both are abominable before God.” (Proverbs 17:15)  Furthermore, it should be remembered that Christ Jesus said (and I’m fairly certain He wasn’t smiling when He said it…), “And whoever shall cause one of these little ones that believe in me, to fall into sin, it is better for him (or her) that a millstone were hanged about his (her) neck, and (s)he were cast into the sea.” (St. Mark 9:42)

Modern Science-

“… life is inviolable from the moment of conception.  The elimination of an innocent human being is always unacceptable, ethically and medically speaking.”…” Science teaches that human life begins at conception.  If it is also true that it is affirmed by religion, it does not for that reason cease to be a strictly scientific truth, to be transformed into a religious opinion.  He who denies that human life begins with conception does not need to contend with religion, but science.  To deny this certainty of biology is not to express a lack of faith, but a lack of basic knowledge of human genetics, something that is even known by the general public.” (Ecuadorian Federation of Societies of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FESGO) -   April 17, 2008)

Bearing these thoughts in mind, can someone please kindly tell me which “faith" “Pro-choice” people are talking about?