Pressure to Keep the Baby? (Trig Palin and Abortion)

Christian Post ^ | 10/5/08 | R. Albert Mohler, Jr.

[wagglebee]

The public presence of little Trig Palin is a powerful witness to the sanctity of human life, and the knowledge that this little infant with Down syndrome is bringing such joy to his family is upsetting those who believe that babies such as Trig should never be born.

The public presence of little Trig Palin is a powerful witness to the sanctity of human life, and the knowledge that this little infant with Down syndrome is bringing such joy to his family is upsetting those who believe that babies such as Trig should never be born.

The facts are daunting. It is now estimated that between 80 and 90 percent of all unborn babies diagnosed as likely to have Down syndrome are aborted. The availability of prenatal testing presents parents with the possibility of aborting the baby and starting over. The statistics now speak for themselves - the vast majority of parents are choosing to abort under these circumstances.

But the visible presence of Trig Palin in the arms of his parents or one of his sisters is resetting that equation, at least in terms of the public's emotions. The sight of little Piper Palin licking her hand and flattening Trig's hair during their mom's acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention is likely to stick in the public mind years after Trig's hair is again unstuck. It's hard for even the most ardent abortion defenders to insert an argument against Trig's precious life at that point. Or, at least we would think so.

At least one highly-placed source objects to the whole picture. Writing in The Globe and Mail [Toronto], Dr. André Lalonde, executive vice-president of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, explained his worry that other parents might feel pressure to follow the Palins' example.

As the paper explains:

Dr. Lalonde said that above all else, women must be free to choose, and that popular messages to the contrary could have detrimental effects on women and their families.

"The worry is that this will have an implication for abortion issues in Canada," he said.

Taken at face value, the paper seems to be suggesting that a decision to keep the baby contradicts the doctor's assertion that "women must be free to choose." In other words, the only "right" choice would be to abort the baby.

Given the relatively few words quoted from Dr. Lalonde, it is possible that his quote is not fully representative of his position. If this is true, he should certainly make this clear. A look at the Web site of the SOGC indicates that this statement might well be representative of his position.

The group has announced its clear opposition to a proposed Unborn Victims of Crime Act - an act that would allow courts to consider an unborn baby as a victim in assault or murder cases. Such laws are not uncommon in the United States, but the SOGC has taken the position that, once an unborn baby is recognized to have a legal existence and right to live, the entire question of abortion and "reproductive rights" takes on a new frame.

The descent into the Culture of Death is fueled by language such as found here - that a woman might be "pressured to keep the baby" in light of Trig Palin's visibility. At the same time, the inherent evil of such abortions and the slander against humanity represented by the abortion of these babies comes to bright light in Trig Palin's little face.

Maybe Dr. Lalonde and his colleagues are right to be worried. The entire question has been reset by one precious little infant.

___________________________________________________

R. Albert Mohler, Jr. is president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. For more articles and resources by Dr. Mohler, and for information on The Albert Mohler Program, a daily national radio program broadcast on the Salem Radio Network, go to www.albertmohler.com. For information on The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, go to www.sbts.edu. Send feedback to mail@albertmohler.com. Original Source: www.albertmohler.com.

Adapted from R. Albert Mohler Jr.'s weblog at www.albertmohler.com.

[Citizen Blade]

There is no point in discussing child care when Sarah Palin doesn’t do much. As a Feminist career women, she neglects her children.

That is a very serious charge- do you have any evidence whatsoever that Palin in any way neglects her children, or are you just talking out of a certain part of your anatomy.

Why would you vote for such a person?

A reforming, conservative, tough-as-nails woman with a great family? Yeah, why would any conservative prefer that over Obama?

Why would you want to normalize that for the America?

Here's a hint- you are seriously out of touch with regulat Americans- working mothers are a very normal part of America.

What is your explanation for all of our social problems today?

Failed government programs that have led to the breakup of the family.

Do you see any connection between missing mothers and the divorce rate, dropout rate, teen pregnancy rate, child health problems, medicated and ignored boys, poverty rates and big government?

These are problems that can be attributed to the breakup of the family, not to working mothers. The Palin family is, from all indications, a great model to follow. Only a small-minded zealot or a moonbat liberal could look at that family and be anything but impressed.

And, yes, I'm aware that her oldest daughter got pregnant. But I'm also aware that human beings make mistakes and that it's more important to look at how they deal with those mistakes, than the actual mistakes.

[Yaelle]

This shows that the pro-abortion crowd does not actually want choice. They fear the example of Gov. Palin’s choice.

[Capt. Jake]

That will be my favortie image from the campaign. It really does say all you need to know about Sarah.

[donna]

Tell me one item of the socialism that is destroying American families that Sarah Palin has promised to eliminate.

McCain/Palin plan to expand the federal government while embracing Feminism.

Feminism is Socialism. Women cannot work and raise children at the same time. Government just step in to “help”. The divorce rate is high became women have replaced husbands and fathers with big government.

Sarah Palin represents the Republican Party and thus America, finalizing the death of the traditional family.

[AnnaZ]

I am guessing you have no “baby-skills”, and therefore should be pitied.

With all due respect, and nothing personal at all but... Sorry... I'm with Tax-Chick here... and I have lots of kids.

I really try to avoid using saliva for anything.

(barf)

Sorry. (Really.)

[Tax-chick]

I had assumed Ms. j. was being sarcastic, since it would be a lot quieter around here if I had no “baby skills” and they’d all run away to a home where someone who spit on their heads. Instead, all eight are still here, setting the carpet on fire and turning the snake loose, among other fun activities. I guess they’re neglected because I’m a hard-charging career woman; that’s probably why they play with their siblings, too.

I didn’t think I was the only one who doesn’t like spit. We wash babies’ heads with soap. When they get hair, we use a brush or comb. Who would use hairspray on a baby? That’s unhealthy.

[Tax-chick]

btw, I love your tagline. I wish I had a magnum or two.

[just me]

Your jealousy is showing, maybe Obama will help you hide it under a burka..

[Citizen Blade]

Tell me one item of the socialism that is destroying American families that Sarah Palin has promised to eliminate.

What, specifically, do you want Sarah Palin to do? It's easy to critisize her on vague grounds like this, but what do you want, exactly?

McCain/Palin plan to expand the federal government while embracing Feminism.

They do? Can you point to where they have said this?

Women cannot work and raise children at the same time.

Nonsense. Plenty of women do so and do a great job. Almost all of our married female friends with kids work, and they do not rely on government to take care of their kids. You are sadly out of touch with contemporary American society.

The divorce rate is high became women have replaced husbands and fathers with big government.

The women who rely on government to step in to help with taking care of their kids are generally the ones who had their kids out of wedlock to begin with. Divorce and out-of-wedlock births are two separate issues.

Sarah Palin represents the Republican Party and thus America, finalizing the death of the traditional family.

Whats your definition of a "traditional family?" In what whacked-out world is a married couple with five kids not a "traditional family."

I have to tell you, you've de-railed if you think the Palin family is anything other than an exemplar for other Americans.

[donna]

You’re jealous of me, LOL.

[donna]

So you think working mothers in America are doing a good job. Then Sarah is your girl.

Marxism, Communism, Socialism, Fascism, Feminism...

“The place of the family as a shut-in petty enterprise was to be occupied, according to the plans, by a finished system of social care and accommodation: maternity houses, creches, kindergartens, schools, social dining rooms, social laundries, first-aid stations, hospitals, sanatoria, athletic organizations, moving-picture theaters, etc. The complete absorption of the housekeeping functions of the family by institutions of the socialist society...”

- Leon Trotsky -

[just me]

pfftttt you wish LOL

[Citizen Blade]

So you think working mothers in America are doing a good job.

Based on the working mothers I know? Absolutely.

And I really have no idea what the Trotsky quote has to so with this.

[jacquej]

Get a clue, Tax-chick and donna.

I was talking about our grandmothers and great-grandmothers, and their time-tested traditions.

I have a precious Christening photo of my baby sister (circa 1946) with a sweet spit-curl on the top of her head, and she was dressed in the finest of linens and silks. She didn’t die from “momma-spit”, and neither will your babies.

Fixing a baby’s hair with sibling spit shouldn’t be at the top of your list of pressing concerns.

This is my last word on this silly subject. I have to go dress my husband’s legs, for he has Parkinson’s, venous insufficiency, and other maladies of elder-hood.

What a waste of pixels.

[donna]

I’m talking about “ism’s”. Political systems.

If you think motherhood is a form of servitude and not worth your intelligence then enjoy the fruits of Feminism and vote for the Feminist leader of our times.

We can all say goodbye to the culture that has protected American women, and their children, all these centuries from the abuses inflicted on women in every other country on earth.

Thank you McCain and all your blind followers.

[Tax-chick]

Best wishes.

[jacquej]

donna, you are treading on very thin ice with me.

I have pinged one of my children, who just might have an opinion (probably very different than mine, lol!) on this subject.

Where on earth did you ever get the idea I thought motherhood was a form of servitude? I thought we were talking about Piper’s making Trig’s hair look nice with sister spit?

You were the one who went all “womens’ lib on me, and it truly is a waste of pixels. I am too old and opinionated to change.

Believe it or not, I read Betty Friedan before you might even have been a twinkle in your daddy’s eye. If I can pull the memory up in my old grey head, I think it was about sometime in the early to mid sixties, when I had 2 babies under two years of age.

She was totally wrong about us strong women, but “dead-eye-dick right” about suburbia. Most of us truly smart moms got out and into supportive villages and very small towns, but we didn’t pitch the babies out with the bathwater.

We got them bikes, and let them enjoy a true American childhood. And, we didn’t worry much about germs and spit, neighborhood bullies, and other such childhood traumas.

Even though there were a few “squirrely” neighbors, we figured that was part of growing up, being let down and disappointed. We also trusted that there were enough good neighbors around to help them figure out how to tell the difference between the good guys and the bad eggs.

It wasn’t always easy, donna.

Sometimes we had to make tough choices, but we did, because we loved our children, and wanted the best for them, even if it didn’t make us “popular” at the time.

But, I thought the issue was Piper trying to smooth Trig’s hair, using a time-old great-grandma tool, and you went all beserk on me. Why?

[Caramelgal]

Donna:

I posted this to you before on a previous thread and you never responded to me.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2089937/posts?page=53#53

You seem to paint a world that is just “black and white” with no shading in between – in your very narrow mind , “black”= bad; being mothers who work outside the home in any capacity what so ever and “white” = good; being the 24-7 SAHM.

I can tell you that I’ve known some 24-7 SAHM’s who were lousy mothers. They might have been “at home” but they weren’t all that attentive to their children’s needs. Some of these women were very happy to stay at home because they were just too lazy and unmotivated to work, but then they were also equally happy and lazy enough to neglect their homes and their children and spent their husband’s hard earned money on selfish expenditures and spent their days watching Lifetime TV or getting drunk during the day or surfing the internet all day long and who couldn’t be bothered to care one wit where their children were or what they were doing.

On the other hand I’ve known some mom’s who had to work out of economic necessity or because they really liked their jobs or were dedicated to furthering their minds (a good role model for their daughters IMHO) and their careers who were very attentive mothers and very active in their children’s lives and their schooling and mental and moral development and spent more “quality time” with their children than some of the bad SAHM’s.

Then I’ve also known some very dedicated and very good SAHM’s.

So I’ve seen that that “just being there” (at home) does not necessarily equate with “really being there”.

[donna]

Anecdotal evidence about the maternal failures in you neighborhood are just stories unless one of the mothers has a newborn and she is running for VP as a Feminist in the Republican Party.

[Salvation]

Dr. Alveda King - The Economy is Temporary, Life is Eternal McCain Supporter Had Own Ties to Radical Protesters (Defends Prolife Priest???)
Survey: Evangelicals back John McCain; other religious voters shift to Barack Obama (MSM barf alert)
Pressure to Keep the Baby? (Trig Palin and Abortion)

McCain, Obama Must Address Differences on Abortion-Infanticide in Debate
Values: Abortion tops list (Area Catholics get warning from bishop)
Abortion Key Issue For Catholic Man Backing McCain
This time, Roe vs. Wade really could hang in the balance
Backing His Words With Action ( Mexican actor counsels women to turn away from abortion )
A Fight Among Catholics Over Which Party Best Reflects Church Teachings
Right to Be a 1-Issue Voter?
Catholic Church Is Riven by Internal Debate (Politics)
Which girl would you have chosen? (Palin, Obama and Abortion)
LA Times Covers Catholic Students Making Pro-life and Pro-Marriage Video Ads

(Must Read & Pass on!)What’s Wrong With Double-Poxer Pro-lifers?
Bishop Martino of Scranton on Respect Life Sunday
Newspaper: Planned Parenthood Ad on McCain, Palin "False"
NARAL Ad Attacking McCain, Palin on Abortion May Backfire, Rally Pro-Lifers
"How to Vote With a Clear Conscience" — A Special Report From Envoy Magazine
Eduardo Verastegui Talks about Obama, Saving Babies Outside L.A. Abortion Clinic
Palin Reminds America of Obama’s Lies About His Support of Infanticide
Don't vote for change - change the way you vote - vote for life!
L.A. Times Microanalyzes Bible for Sarah Palin Hit Piece
Scranton (RC) Diocese priests read abortion position letter for voters

Death Wish [The Impending Suicide of a once great nation - Father Corapi]
Some Feminists Love Abortion on Demand But Hate Governor Sarah Palin
Choose Life - It's Not Above Your Pay Grade
If Roe Goes, Our State Will Be Worse Than You Think (Barf Alert)
Catholic Bishops of Florida Election Year Statement
Abortion Issue Again Dividing Catholic Votes (see comment for bishops response)
Bella Star Eduardo Verástegui Urges Hispanic Voters to Reject Obama Over Abortion
Former abortion doctor urges South Dakotans to vote for life
ICYMI: Video: Voters Guide for Serious Catholics

Bishops To Congress: "We Can't Reduce Abortion By Promoting Abortion"
Poll: Women Not Turned Off Over Palin's Abortion Views
Invitation to BornAliveTruth.Org Conf. Call Tues. 9/23, 9:30pm ET
Sarah Palin's Knockout Question (The Faith Trap The MSM Will Lay And How She Should Answer It Alert)
Political trivia: Name the excommunicated Catholic running on the national ticket
Knights of Columbus Ads: Biden, You Violate Catholic Teaching on Abortion
Post-abortive men finally speak out
Abortion a Key Issue in Battleground States, Gives McCain Advantage on Obama
Clinging to Her Religion: The faith journey of Sarah Palin, 'Bible-believing Christian.'
New Abortion Study Fuels Criticism of Obama and Praise of Palin

Obama Ad Calls Abortion Survivor, McCain "Sleazy Despicable Liars"
Good Video for Catholic Voters (and others)
McCain, RNC Don’t Respond to Questions About Ambiguous Stem-Cell Ad
Palin Boosts McCain With Devout Catholic Voters
Breaking: Has McCain "softened' his position on embryonic research?
Study Shows Parental Involvement Laws Reduce Abortions From 19-31 Percent
‘Objectivist’ Writer: Trig Palin a Financial Burden Who Should Have Been Aborted
Obama casts light on McCain's abortion stance
Parental Politics
Orthodox Rabbi Extols Gov. Palin

Shock Poll: Jews Now Favor McCain in New York, 54-32
Libertarian Group Condemns Sarah Palin for Not Killing Disabled Baby in Abortion
Born-alive survivor plea to Obama
"Not Even the Economy Trumps Culture of Life Issues in This Election": Fr. Richard Neuhaus
False Ad Claims John McCain Not Pro-Life on Abortion
Pride Sally, Pride (Sally Quinn on morality of abortion and impact on your choice of candidate)
Salon Article on Sarah Palin and Hospital Abortions Leaves Out Half The Story
Ad Featuring Late-term Abortion Survivor Targets Barack Obama on Infanticide
Catholic Bishops Seek to Meet With McCain, Obama
Palin 'Extremely Negative' on 'Women's Issues,' Feminist Leader Says [Eleanor Smeal.......]

BREAKING: McCain Shifts His Position on Stem Cells?
Newsweek: Palin 'Inflicts' Her Religion on US, She's 'Not a Woman'
"Inspirational & Educational film on voting for Catholics and all people of faith
Supreme Court Justice Scalia: Nothing Qualifies Judge to Create Abortion Right
Is Palin new face of Religious Right, or old?
Bring Me To Life
Salon Article on Sarah Palin and Hospital Abortions Leaves Out Half The Story
Palin's Frightening Pentecostalism (Good for Laughs)
Pope Benedict XVI Urges Catholics to Oppose Euthanasia, Assisted Suicide

Editorial: Who Will Speak for Human Embryonic Life?
Last Chance -- For Life
Fr. Pavone: A New Chapter in the Pro-life Movement
Catholic Vote
Doctor Worries That Palin's Decision Could Decrease Abortions
A Winning Streak with Evangelicals by Eleanor Clift
The Triumph of Culture Over Politics
Religious Right finally shows faith in John McCain
John McCain opposes the intentional creation of human embryos for research purposes
USCCB will discuss abortion politics in plenary session

McCain launches pro-stem cells ad
Your Brother Is a Blessing (The power of Trig.)
New website launched to inform Catholic voters about their ‘rich heritage’
(Watch this video!!)New Video from CatholicVote.com
Courting Catholics (Republican Convention Targets a Key Swing Vote)
Heads Up, Californians! “Sensible and realistic” ( CA bishops endorse Proposition 4 ) Parental Notification before Termination of Minor's Pregnancy
BIDEN IS SELF-DESTRUCTING
Oh no! Palin's example might inspire others to reject abortion
(On Abortion): Pols Talk Faith, Bishops Talk Fact

John McCain Repeats Stance: Roe Abortion Case a "Bad Decision," Overturn It
Local Couple Meets With McCain, Palin
Trig's Breakthrough
The Importance of Trig Being
RUSH: Family with Down Syndrome Child Meets John McCain and Sarah Palin
Palin helps McCain with evangelicals, doesn't ensure their vote: analysts
Choosing Trig (A symbolic leap ahead for children with Down syndrome and their parents)
Family With Down Syndrome Child Meets John McCain And Sarah Palin (Ruush Awesome!!!)
McCain camp says Biden 'sunk to a new low' [Biden/Obama care more about special needs kids
Courting Catholics (Republican Convention Targets a Key Swing Vote)

Trig Paxson Van Palin (Rich Lowry)
McCain, Palin going to region threatened by storm
Sarah Palin- links, from the beginning
Down syndrome
Alaska - Chabad Rabbi: Sarah Palin a Great Friend To The Jewish Community
Integrity in Politics [Sarah Palin]
Calling All Pro-life Dems
Sarah Palin: member of Feminists for Life
Don’t Blame the Bishops - Catholic means pro-life
Sarah Palin Wants Creationism Taught In Schools

John McCain & Sarah Palin on Shattering the Glass Ceiling (People Mag. Interview Today)
Laura Ingraham - PALIN: The PERFECT Conservative Choice!!
Sarah Palin's Feminists for Life Membership Points to Pro-Woman, Pro-Life View
Gov. Sarah Palin discusses son Trig's Down syndrome diagnosis
Governor Sarah Palin's church and a list of sermons she may have heard
Conservative leaders react to McCain’s VP choice of pro-life Gov. Sarah Palin
McCain chooses pro-life Sarah Palin for veep (updated facts about Palin)
Palin Pick Causes 'Elation' among Evangelical Leaders
Beauty and the Beast? (Insightful Analysis of McCain's potential pick for VP)
National Right to Life calls GOP platform "Strongest Ever"

McCain Himself Accuses Obama of Courting Infanticide
GOP takes a hard line on abortion for its platform
John McCain Criticizes Barack Obama on Abortion, Opposing Infanticide Bill
McCain Goes There (Takes On Obama’s ‘Above My Pay Grade’ Remark)
McCain attacks Obama on pro-abortion stance
McCain, Vietnam, and a cross in the dirt
Pro-Life Expert on Population Issues Says McCain Better on Abortion Than Obama
US Bishops Look at Election
Vote for Real Hope and Change [Archbishop Chaput]
Stopping Abortions, Protecting Human Life Not Above a President's Pay Grade

RNC: McCain Won’t Choose Abortion-Supporting Running Mate
Real Change ("Catholics don’t stop being Catholic at the voting booth.")
McCain and Obama try to navigate the politics of abortion
Obama and McCain Woo Catholics
Editorial: At the Saddleback Forum, Senator McCain and Pastor Warren took the Gold
Religious Voters Favor McCain, Poll Claims
Sen. McCain holds private meeting with Archbishop Chaput
John McCain's Remarks on Abortion in Speech to National Pro-Life Convention
McCain campaign plans ‘very aggressive’ outreach to Catholic voters
McCain Meets with Selected Catholic Leaders