[tpaine]

In the case of abortion, libertarian philosophy is at an utter loss in being able to provide answers to the question of when life begins or at what point does an individual have rights. Libertarianism takes from granted that these questions have answers, and hence cannot itself answer them.
To answer these questions you have to draw upon some philosiphical or religous system to which libertarianism is extraneous.
-trad-

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Simplistic observation, essentially just libertarian bashing.

Some libertarians back the philosophy of the constitutionalists view on abortion rights, as I've been arguing..
Some here back the beliefs of the 'states rightists' moral majority view.
Some in between. -- Where do you stand?

[thoughtomator]

There's no evidence to establish that being permissive of abortion is constutitional. Blind faith in the USSC doesn't cut it - I agree far more with Scalia's interpretations than the interpretations of the Court as a whole. The Court, as I'm sure JohnGalt can tell you, is hardly the pious worshipper of the Consitution and law it would have you think it is. (Grutter v. Bollinger? Please.)

Here's my opinion of the USSC in general, in 1000 words:

Yes I drew it myself =)

[thoughtomator]

Just curious... what is your opinion of the constitutional relevance of the phrase "separation of church and state"?

[traditionalist]

Some libertarians back the philosophy of the constitutionalists view on abortion rights, as I've been arguing.. Some here back the beliefs of the 'states rightists' moral majority view. Some in between. -- Where do you stand?

I'm not a libertarian. I believe that men, in addition to rights, have obligations, which include caring for those in their society who cannot care for themselves. That includes children, both born and preborn. Furthermore, the state has the morally legitimate power to compel men to fulfill their obligations if they fail in them, or punish them for not fulfilling them. Hence the state has the power to punish a woman for aborting her child, or abandoning him, or failing to provide him proper care and nutrition.

The problem with libertatianism is that it ignores social obligations which are absolutely essential for a society to survive. It also provides no justification for why men have rights, and hence it provides no guidance as to when men acquire those rights.