Choice Words
A Critique of the New Pro-Life Rhetoric
by Francis J. Beckwith
A few years ago, I spoke on the topic, “Can the law be neutral on moral issues?” at a retreat for the trustees of a small liberal arts college in southern California. During the question time, one gentleman, an investment banker and attorney from New York City, said, “I agree with much of what you say, but I think that on one issue, abortion, the law can remain neutral. You see, the current law, affirmed in Roe v. Wade and Casey v. Planned Parenthood, does not take a position on abortion. For the law does not require women to have an abortion, and it does not forbid them from having an abortion. The law is neutral. The law is pro-choice.”
I suggested that the best way to understand my viewpoint would be for me to ask him questions in much the same way Socrates questioned those with whom he dialogued. He thought the proposal intriguing and agreed to participate. Although the following is not verbatim, I believe it accurately conveys the dialogue. I began by asking him why he thought some people in our society oppose abortion.
“Because they believe that fetuses are human beings or human persons,” he replied.
“So you don’t think they’re right?”
“Yes.”
“Then, what are fetuses?”
“They are potential persons or partial persons. They are not full human beings. So I think killing them is wrong, but it’s not like killing a full-fledged person. And that’s why I think the government should stay out of the issue.”
“But if fetuses were fully human, as pro-lifers assert, you would agree with them that virtually all abortions ought to be forbidden.”
“Yes, that’s right.”
Francis J. Beckwith is Professor of Philosophy and Church-State Studies at Baylor University. His most recent book is Politics for Christians: Statecraft as Soulcraft (InterVarsity Press, 2010). His writing can be found at www.francisbeckwith.com.
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