pro life essay tagalog

Pwede na bang payagan ang abortion kung…?

Naging kontrobersyal ang posisyon ng Commission on Human Rights (CHR) na umano’y pabor sa abortion. Pero nilinaw ng ahensya na sang-ayon lamang ito sa pag-decriminalize ng abortion kung “under extreme circumstances” o nanganganib ang buhay ng babae.

Noong Oktubre 2023, nabahala ang United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women sa mataas na bilang ng unsafe abortions sa bansa at hindi umuusad na panukalang i-decriminalize ito. (Pakinggan Abortion: Katawan ni Eba, Desisyon ni Adan )

Anu-anong kundisyon ang ipinapanukala para payagan ang abortion? Alamin natin kay CHR Commissioner Beda Epres para sa ika-29 na episode ng What The F?! Podcast ng VERA Files:

Free Music Archive, Experience by Frank Dorittke (Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives (aka Music Sharing) 3.0 International License.) , May 06, 2010

United Nations, CEDAW/C/PHL/CO/7-8: Concluding observations on the combined seventh and eighth periodic reports of the Philippines | OHCHR , Feb. 16, 2022

United Nations, CEDAW/C/PHL/CO/9 , Accessed Nov. 28, 2023

Senate of the Philippines, Senate Session No. 30 (November 14, 2023) , Nov. 14, 2023

ABS-CBN News, Secret hospital sa Parañaque na nagsasagawa umano ng abortion, sinalakay ng NCRPO | TeleRadyo , June 20, 2023

News5, 3 naaktuhang nagsasagawa ng abortion, arestado | Frontline sa Umaga , March 23, 2023

ABS-CBN News, TV Patrol: ‘Abortionist’ sa Quiapo na nakapatay umano ng kliyenteng OFW, timbog , July 13, 2018

Commission on Human Rights, Statement of CHR Executive Director, Atty Jacqueline Ann De Guia, welcoming the House Speaker’s support for the legislative agenda for women , Sept. 8, 2022

Commission on Human Rights, Position Paper on HB No. 6343 Legalizing Abortion on Specific Cases , Accessed Nov. 28, 2023

Center for Reproductive Rights, Progress on Abortion Rights in the Philippines , Jan. 30, 2023

Philippine Safe Abortion Advocacy Network, Access to safe and legal abortion, sexual and reproductive health information is a human right ., Accessed Nov. 28, 2023

Department of Health, National Policv on the Prevention and Manasement of Abortion Complications (PMAC) , Accessed Nov. 28, 2023

Read other interesting stories:

Click thumbnails to read related articles.

Abortion: Katawan ni Eba, Desisyon ni Adan

VERA FILES FACT CHECK: Was the definition of EJKs changed under the Duterte administration?

VERA FILES FACT CHECK: Quiboloy falsely claims Commission on Human Rights ‘doesn’t pry’ into human rights violations of the New People’s Army

Vera files fact check: paratang ni quiboloy na ‘hindi pinakikialaman’ ng commission on human rights ang mga paglabag sa karapatang pantao ng new people’s army hindi totoo.

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share on Reddit
• Save to your Google bookmark
• Save to Pocket

• Pagpaplano ng Pamilya
• Pagbubuntis
• Panganganak

Mga Argumento Tungkol sa Aborsyon: Sang-Ayon Ka ba Sa Aborsyon?

Sa ibang bansa, legal ang aborsyon. Ang mga mag-asawa ay siyang magpapasiya kung ipagpapatuloy ba nila ang kanilang pagbubuntis o tatapusin ito sa isang abortion clinic. Bagaman ito ay pinapayagan ng kanilang mga batas tungkol sa aborsyon, ang mga tao doon ay patuloy na nagdidebate, nagtatalo ng kanilang mga argumento tungkol sa aborsyon.

Sa kabilang banda, ang mga Pilipino ay konserbatibo sa mga bagay na ito. Para sa atin, ang sanggol sa sinapupunan ng isang ina ay isang buhay na tao na may karapatang patuloy na mabuhay. Kaya naman, ang batas tungkol sa aborsyon dito sa Pilipinas ay patuloy na nagbabawal sa ganitong gawain. Nakalulungkot nga lang, may ilang mga kabataan ang maaagang nakikipagtalik dahil sa kakulangan ng kaalaman at gabay ng magulang. Kapag sila ay nabuntis ng hindi inaasahan, aborsyon ang kanilang tanging mapagpipilian.

Narito ang ilan sa mga argumento tungkol sa aborsyon. Para ito saiyo kung ikaw ay may ginagawang pananaliksik tungkol sa aborsyon.

Argumento ng mga sangayon sa aborsyon

Ang ilang tao ay naniniwala na ang mga babae ay dapat na magkaroon ng karapatan na sumailalim sa aborsyon, anuman ang kanyang dahilan. Ayon sa kanila, hindi niya na dapat ipagpilitan pa sa kaniyang mga doktor ang kaniyang pasya. Narito ang kanilang mga argumento kung bakit.

• Ang babae ang magdidisisyon sa kung ano ang dapat mangyari sa kanyang katawan
• Ang bawat bata ay may karapatan sa tamang pangangalaga at pagmamahal, kung hindi ito posible, OK lang ang aborsyon
• Maraming nang mga unwanted baby sa mundong over populated. Bakit ka pa magdaragdag kung pwede naman ang aborsyon
• Ang babae at ang kanyang mga kapamilya ay tiyak na may mga karapatan din, hindi lang ang hindi pa naisisilang na sanggol
• Ang mga babaeng ginahasa ay may karapatang sumailalim sa aborsyon para hindi na nila maalala ang kababuyang nangyari sa kanila habang lumalaki ang kanilang naging anak
• Kung ang bata ay isilang na baldado, ang ina lamang ang makapagdidisisyon kung kaya niya bang asikasuhin ang bata
• Ang pamilya na mahirap ay lalo pang maghihirap kung madaragdagan pa ng isa pang sanggol
• Ang buhay ay hindi pa nagsisimula hanggang hindi pa naisisilang
• Ang batang may malalang kaso ng pagkabaldado ay magkakaroon ng pangit na buhay na maaaring magdulot din ng trauma sa kanyang mga magulang. Mas mabuti na raw na hindi na maisilang ang sanggol

Argumento ng mga hindi sangayon sa aborsyon

Maraming tao ang naniniwala na nag fetus sa sinapupunan ng nanay ay isa nang ganap na tao at may mga karapatan na ring tulad ng sa atin. Naniniwala sila na ang aborsyon ay hindi maipapangatwiran dahil ito ay pagpatay ng isang inosenteng tao. Narito ang kanilang mga argumento.

• Bawat bata ay isang mahalagang regalo mula a Diyos. Wala tayong karapatan na sirain ang regalong ito
• Ang walang muwang na bata ay nangangailangan ng espesyal na proteksyon dahil hindi pa nito kayang ipaglaban ang kaniyang karapatan
• Ang karapatan ng hindi pa naisisilang na sanggol ay kapantay ng sa kanyang ina
• Ang mga bata na may pisikal at mental na mga kahinaan ay pwede ring magkaroon ng magandang buhay sa hinaharap. Ang aborsyon dahil sa mga kapansanan ay para naring pagsabi na ang may mga kapansanan ay walang kwenta
• Ang aborsyon ay pagpatay, ang sadyang pagkitil ng buhay ng tao
• Ang mga doktor at nurse ay sumumpang magliligtas buhay, hindi pumatay
• Ang fetus ay nakararamdam na rin ng sakit

Batas tungkol sa aborsyon

Ano ang batas tungkol sa aborsyon dito sa Pilipinas? Ang Article II ng 1987 Saligang Batas ng Pilipinas sa seksyon 12, sinasabi na protektado ng batas ang buhay kapwa ng ina at ng hindi pa naisisilang na sanggol mula sa paglilihi. Dito sa Pilipinas, bawal ang aborsyon at ang paglabag dito ay nangangahulgan ng pagkakakulong.

Mga Paraan Kung Paano Mapipigilan ang Pagbubuntis

Safe Ba Ang Withdrawal Method sa Pagpigil sa Pagbubuntis

Anu-Ano ang Mga Sintomas ng Mababang Matris

Pagkatapos ng Period ng Babae Posible ba Silang Mabuntis?

Hilot Pampalaglag: Epektibo Ba ang Paghilot sa Matris?

Paano Malalaman Kung Ikaw ay Baog? Mga Sintomas, Lunas at Sanhi

Request a quote.

• Mga Mahalagang Numero
• Mga Sikat na Imbensiyon
• Surname Meanings & Origins
• Major Figures & Events
• Mga Pangulo ng US
• Glossary of Key Terms
• Bokabularyo
• Kasaysayan at Kultura
• Mga Pangunahing Kaalaman
• Mga pinagmulan at Pag-unlad
• Atheism & Agnosticism
• Ang Bibliya
• Holistic Healing
• Mga Batas sa Kemikal
• Mga Proyekto at Mga Eksperimento
• Periodic table
• Mga Paglilibot at Kumpetisyon
• Gear & Equipment
• Mga Sikat na Mga Golfer
• Profile ng College
• Mga Pagsubok na Mga Graph
• Pagpili ng isang College
• Pagsubok sa Kolehiyo
• Mga Istratehiya at Pag-aaral
• Inmigracion en Espanol
• Canadian Government
• Pamahalaan ng US
• Mga kilalang kriminal
• Pamamahayag

Pro-Choice vs. Pro-Life

• by Tom Head

Ano ang pinaniniwalaan ng bawat panig?

Ang mga terminong "pro-life" at "pro-choice" sa pangkalahatan ay lulubog sa kung ang isang indibidwal ay nag-iisip na ang pagpapalaglag ay dapat na pinagbawalan o kung ito ay katanggap-tanggap. Ngunit mayroong higit pa sa debate kaysa iyon. Talakayin natin kung ano ang tungkol sa gitnang mga argumento.

Ang Pro-Life Issue Spectrum

Ang isang taong "pro-life" ay naniniwala na ang pamahalaan ay may obligasyon na pangalagaan ang lahat ng buhay ng tao, anuman ang layunin, posibilidad ng pagiging mabuhay o kalidad ng buhay. Ang isang komprehensibong etika ng pro-buhay, tulad ng iminungkahi ng Simbahang Romano Katoliko, ay nagbabawal sa:

• Pagpapalaglag
• Pagpatay dahil sa pagpatay at tinulungan ng pagpapakamatay
• Ang parusang kamatayan
• Digmaan, na may kaunting mga eksepsiyon

Sa mga kaso kung saan ang pro-life ethic ay sumasalungat sa personal na awtonomiya, tulad ng kaso ng pagpapalaglag at pagtulong sa pagpapakamatay, ito ay itinuturing na konserbatibo. Sa mga kaso kung saan ang pro-buhay na etika ay sumasalungat sa patakaran ng pamahalaan, tulad ng sa kaso ng parusang kamatayan at digmaan, ito ay sinabi na maging liberal.

Ang Pro-Choice Issue Spectrum

Ang mga indibidwal na "pro-choice" ay naniniwala na ang mga indibidwal ay may walang limitasyong awtonomiya na may kaugnayan sa kanilang sariling mga reproductive system, hangga't hindi nila nilalabag ang pagsasarili ng iba. Ang isang komprehensibong posisyon ng mapagpipilian ay nagpapahiwatig na ang lahat ng mga sumusunod ay dapat manatiling legal:

• Paglibing at pag-iwas
• Paggamit ng pagpipigil sa pagbubuntis
• Paggamit ng emergency na pagpipigil sa pagbubuntis
• Panganganak

Sa ilalim ng Federal Abortion Ban na ipinasa ng Kongreso at nilagdaan sa batas noong 2003, ang aborsiyon ay ilegal sa ilalim ng karamihan ng mga kalagayan sa ikalawang trimester ng pagbubuntis, kahit na ang panganay ng ina ay nasa panganib. Ang mga indibidwal na estado ay mayroon ding kanilang sariling mga batas, ang ilang pagbabawal ng pagpapalaglag pagkatapos ng 20 linggo at karamihan sa paghihigpit sa mga late-term na pagpapalaglag.

Ang posisyon ng pro-choice ay itinuturing na "pro-abortion" sa US Ang layunin ng kilusang pro-choice ay upang matiyak na ang lahat ng mga pagpipilian ay mananatiling legal.

Point of Conflict

Ang mga pro-buhay at pro-choice na mga kilusan ay lalo na lumalaban sa isyu ng pagpapalaglag .

Ang kilusang pro-buhay ay nagpapahiwatig na kahit na isang di-mabubuhay, hindi paunlad na buhay ng tao ay sagrado at dapat protektado ng gobyerno. Ang pagpapalaglag ay hindi dapat legal ayon sa modelong ito, o hindi dapat gawin ito sa isang ilegal na batayan. Ang kilusang pro-choice ay nagpapahiwatig na sa mga pagbubuntis bago ang punto ng posibilidad na mabuhay-isang punto kung saan ang sanggol ay hindi maaaring mabuhay sa labas ng sinapupunan-ang pamahalaan ay walang karapatan na makahadlang sa desisyon ng isang babae na wakasan ang pagbubuntis.

Ang mga pro-life and pro-choice movements ay magkakabisa sa isang bahagi kung saan ibinabahagi nila ang layunin ng pagbawas ng bilang ng mga aborsiyon. Nag-iiba sila tungkol sa antas at pamamaraan.

Relihiyon at ang Pagkabanal ng Buhay

Ano ang mga pulitiko sa magkabilang panig ng debate sa pangkalahatan ay hindi natatanggap na ang relihiyosong katangian ng salungatan. Kung ang isang tao ay naniniwala na ang isang walang kamatayang kaluluwa ay itinatanim sa sandali ng paglilihi, at kung ang "pagkatao" ay tinutukoy ng pagkakaroon ng imortal na kaluluwa, pagkatapos ay walang epektibong pagkakaiba sa pagtatapos ng isang pagbubuntis sa isang linggo o pagpatay sa isang buhay, . Kinikilala ng ilang miyembro ng kilusang pro-buhay na mayroong pagkakaiba sa hangarin. Ang pagpapalaglag ay magiging, pinakamasamang, hindi pagkakasakit sa pagpatay ng tao sa halip na pagpatay, ngunit ang mga kahihinatnan-ang panghuli kamatayan ng isang tao-ay itinuturing ng maraming pro-lifers sa parehong paraan.

Relihiyosong Pluralismo at ang Obligasyon ng isang Sekular na Pamahalaan

Hindi maaaring kilalanin ng gubyernong US ang pagkakaroon ng walang kaluluwang kaluluwa na nagsisimula sa paglilihi nang walang pagkuha sa isang tukoy, teolohikal na kahulugan ng buhay ng tao.

Itinuturo ng ilang mga teolohiko tradisyon na ang kaluluwa ay itinanim sa pagpapasigla (kapag nagsimulang lumipat ang fetus), sa halip na sa paglilihi. Itinuturo ng iba pang mga teolohiko tradisyon na ang kaluluwa ay ipinanganak sa kapanganakan, habang itinuturo ng ilang mga tradisyon na ang kaluluwa ay hindi umiiral hanggang sa maayos pagkatapos ng kapanganakan. Ang iba pang mga teolohiyang tradisyon ay nagtuturo na walang kaluluwang walang kamatayan.

Maaari bang Sabihin sa Amin ang Sining?

Bagaman walang pang-agham na batayan para sa pagkakaroon ng isang kaluluwa, walang batayan pang-agham para sa pagkakaroon ng pagiging paksa, alinman. Ito ay maaaring maging mahirap upang alamin ang mga konsepto tulad ng "kabanalan." Ang agham lamang ay hindi maaaring sabihin sa amin kung ang isang buhay ng tao ay nagkakahalaga ng higit pa o mas mababa kaysa sa isang bato. Pinahahalagahan namin ang bawat isa para sa mga dahilan ng lipunan at emosyonal. Hindi sinasabi sa atin ng agham na gawin ito. Hangga't may anumang bagay na lumalapit sa isang pang-agham na kahulugan ng pagkatao, malamang na pahinga ito sa ating pag-unawa sa utak. Ang mga siyentipiko ay naniniwala na ang neocortical development ay gumagawa ng emosyon at pagkilala ng posibilidad at hindi ito magsisimula hanggang sa huling ikalawa o unang bahagi ng ikatlong trimester ng pagbubuntis.

Dalawang Iba Pang Mga Pamantayan ng Pagkapantay-pantay

Ang ilang mga tagapagtaguyod ng pro-buhay ay tumutukoy na ito ay ang pagkakaroon ng buhay na nag-iisa, o ng natatanging DNA, na tumutukoy sa pagkatao. Maraming mga bagay na hindi namin itinuturing na nabubuhay na tao ay maaaring matugunan ang pamantayan na ito. Ang aming tonsils at appendices ay tiyak na parehong tao at buhay, ngunit hindi namin isaalang-alang ang kanilang pagtanggal bilang constituting anumang bagay na malapit sa pagpatay ng isang tao. Ang natatanging DNA argument ay mas nakakahimok. Ang tamud at mga itlog na selula ay naglalaman ng genetic material na sa kalaunan ay bubuo ng zygote. Ang tanong kung ang ilang mga porma ng gene therapy ay lumikha din ng mga bagong tao ay maaaring itataas sa pamamagitan ng kahulugan na ito ng pagkatao.

Walang Pagpili

Ang pro-life vs. pro-choice debate ay tinalakay ang katotohanan na ang karamihan sa mga kababaihan na may mga pagpapalaglag ay hindi nagagawa ito sa pamamagitan ng pagpili, kahit na hindi ganap. Ang mga sitwasyon ay naglalagay sa kanila sa isang posisyon kung saan ang pagpapalaglag ay ang hindi bababa sa pagpipiliang pagpipigil sa sarili na magagamit. Ayon sa isang pag-aaral na isinagawa ng Guttmacher Institute, 73 porsiyento ng mga kababaihan na nagpalaglag sa Estados Unidos noong 2004 ay nagsabi na hindi nila kayang magkaroon ng mga bata.

Ang Hinaharap ng Pagpapalaglag

Ang pinaka-epektibong paraan ng pagkontrol ng kapanganakan-kahit na tama ang paggamit-ay 90 porsiyento lamang na epektibo 30 taon na ang nakakaraan. Maaaring mabawasan ang kalabisan prophylactics ang mga logro ng pagbubuntis mga araw na ito sa mga na struck sa pamamagitan ng isang bulalakaw. Ang opsyon ng emergency pagpipigil sa pagbubuntis ay magagamit kung ang mga pangalagaan ay nabigo.

Maraming mga advancement sa birth control technology ang maaaring makapagpababa ng panganib ng mga hindi planadong pagbubuntis sa hinaharap. Maaaring posible na ang pagpapalaglag ay halos mawawala sa bansang ito sa isang punto sa panahon ng ika-21 siglo, hindi dahil sa ito ay pinagbawalan, ngunit dahil ito ay nai-render na lipas na.

Gaano Ito Mahalaga Upang Makakuha ng Pagpapalaglag?

Mga isyu sa pagpapalaglag sa estados unidos, bakit ba legal ang pagpapalaglag sa estados unidos, ano ang kahulugan ng pagpapalaglag, roe v. wade decision ng korte suprema: isang pangkalahatang-ideya, pagpapalaglag sa demand, ano kung roe v. wade naalis, ay abortion murder isang pananaw sa bakit hindi ito, pangalan ng code jane, kailan nagsisimula ang pagpapalaglag, mayroong karapatan ba ang fetus, newest ideas, ang pag-akda ng ebanghelyo ni marcos: sino ang markahan, ang atensyon na hinahanap ang bata, ano ang biblia, mga kahanga-hanga na mga tampok na pinasimple ng gene mutations, maaari ka bang malungkot, ano ang batas ni avogadro, alin ang paraan ng layunin, mga pagtanggap sa harris-stowe state university, paano maghalo ng mga in-tainga ng mga monitor, mga pangunahing kaalaman sa casino comp, kumain ba ang mga caterpillar, pagbabago (grammar), "am i blue" play overview, isa pang dahilan kung bakit hindi dapat mong pumatay mga bug, ang tiyak na listahan ng nangungunang 10 heist na mga pelikula, 7 mga hakbang sa pag-set up para sa isang still life drawing, king bhumibol adulyadej ng thailand, alternative articles, ng revenge, ni francis bacon, key signature tables, 7 mga piyesta na gagawin ninyo gusto mong ipagdiwang ang panahon, mga talata ng bibliya sa pagkakaibigan, american civil war: battle of peebles farm, ang kwento ni marty robbins '"el paso", panimula sa pentateuch, mga istratehiya sa pagkakaisa: isang listahan ng mga salitang paraan at mga parirala, olin college admissions, 'isang rose para kay emily' - ano ang mahalaga tungkol sa kulay-abo na buhok, kabilang ang kids sa pagan practice.

• Entertainment
• Environment
• Information Science and Technology
• Social Issues

Home Essay Samples Social Issues Pro Choice (Abortion)

A Pro-Choice Approach on Abortion in the Philippines

• The whole population should rightly be informed and educated regarding the procedures, benefits (if it includes any), and any potential risk,
• All grounds must be legal; standards must be set between legal and illegal forms and methods of abortion,
• There must be uniform procedures throughout the country,
• The women has the right to choose what happens in her own body, meaning that nothing is forced against her will, let anyone who forces a woman to have an abortion be charged and punished by the state,
• Educate the population about contraceptives or birth control methods; let it be known the significance of family unit as building blocks of the society,
• Laws that will protect women regarding the right to terminate pregnancies must be promulgated,
• Any medical specialist must be registered and must have a license in order to perform such procedure.

*minimum deadline

Cite this Essay

To export a reference to this article please select a referencing style below

• Food Shortage
• Breastfeeding in Public

Related Essays

Need writing help?

You can always rely on us no matter what type of paper you need

*No hidden charges

100% Unique Essays

Absolutely Confidential

Money Back Guarantee

By clicking “Send Essay”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement. We will occasionally send you account related emails

You can also get a UNIQUE essay on this or any other topic

Thank you! We’ll contact you as soon as possible.

• [ May 14, 2024 ] Mass Readings For May 14, 2024 – Tuesday, Feast of Saint Matthias, Apostle Daily Mass Readings
• [ May 12, 2024 ] Mass Readings For May 13, 2024 – Monday, Seventh Week of Easter Daily Mass Readings
• [ May 5, 2024 ] Mass Readings For May 12, 2024 – Seventh Sunday of Easter Daily Mass Readings
• [ May 5, 2024 ] Mass Readings For May 11, 2024 – Saturday, Sixth Week of Easter Daily Mass Readings
• [ May 5, 2024 ] Mass Readings For May 10, 2024 – Friday, Sixth Week of Easter Daily Mass Readings

My Take on Being Pro-Life as a Filipino Catholic

Why all catholics must care.

July 21, 2019 Mary Kris I. Figueroa Blog

I must admit that among the many doctrines of the Catholic Church, it was the doctrine of the Sanctity of Human Life that I never made an extra effort to learn more and be passionate about in the past. While others have spiritual blindness on the truths of the Sacraments, such as the Holy Eucharist and Penance, of Marian dogmas, such as the Immaculate Conception, and of the Papacy, such as Papal Infallibility, I have always accepted them as true and respected them in my heart. I spent a whole lot of time reading about those topics and found them absorbing and helpful as I tried to get deeper in the Faith. I have always been quite knowledgeable too with the doctrines of the Church against Premarital Sex, Contraception, and Homosexuality. Becoming a Thomasian in University of Santo Tomas, which is the Pontifical and Catholic university of my country, run by the Order of Preachers or the Dominicans, also contributed to my knowledge through the Theology and Philosophy courses I had studied.

As for the doctrine on the Sanctity of Human Life, it just did not really catch much of my attention. Not that I didn’t care or understand the teaching, but my focus before was on other matters of the Faith. I was just ‘not into it’ perhaps. Well, not yet… back then.

I dedicate this Post to the Unborn Babies lost through abortion. As you read through everything, let us remember them, and entrust their souls to God’s Mercy.

What My Mother Taught Me

Growing up, one thing I knew about abortion was that it’s “bad.” Thanks to my mother, she taught me and my sister, Ate (how we call an older female sibling in the Philippines), about the sacredness of life in ways that we understood it even as children.

One way she did that was through a song, a ballad, “I’ve Never Been to Me,” originally sang by Charlene Duncan in 1977, and became popular with its re-release in 1982.  Whenever my family heard it played on the radio or on TV, we would give an extra attention to a few particular lines in the stanza right after the bridge. (If you want to know the lyrics, please look them up, since song lyrics are not allowed to be published, due to copyright.)

Mommy would remark, “I think those are the literal reference that the woman narrator in the song is speaking about having committed an abortion.”

Since I’ve recently realized that this song can be open to interpretation, I thought that those lines could simply mean that the woman narrator in the song lived an easy life of pleasures. Though actually, it can really be understood figuratively that she ‘took abortion,’ just as how those women who had ‘word’ the process of undergoing abortion that takes the innocent life of the unborn. It even sounds like it is what she regrets the most, among the many things she says she did.

Our mother also explained to us that only a bishop could absolve the mortal sin of abortion, and not priests, because that’s how “grave” it was.

[Revision in the absolution of sin of abortion: Some of you might be unaware that Pope Francis signed an apostolic letter called “Misericordia et Misera” (Mercy and Misery) on November 20, 2016 at the conclusion of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy. In that document, he wrote in part about Confession, and formally extended the “faculty” or authority he had given to priests at the start of the said Extraordinary Holy Year to grant absolution to those who would confess the sin of abortion.]

Like I have said, I didn’t have much knowledge about abortion as a young adult, until…

Saint John the Baptist came to my life

I believe that my journey as Pro-Life started when my spiritual connection with Saint John the Baptist had begun.

By the way, being “Pro-Life” basically means protecting the sanctity of human life- at every stage, which is from the very beginning, at its conception, to its natural death. Pro-life issues are usually centered on abortion and euthanasia. In this Post, I’m focusing on abortion.

In my younger days, I didn’t really think much about St. John the Baptist. To me, he was a mere cousin of Jesus, who baptized Him, and was beheaded by Herod at the request of his unlawful wife Herodias and his step-daughter Salome. I personally believe though that a soul who honestly tries to seek the path to holiness is usually chosen by the Saints he or she never liked before. That’s exactly what happened to me in mid-2017. I suddenly realized in my heart that St. John the Baptist closely resembled those Catholics like me who struggle in the secular world as being “a voice crying in the wilderness.” I then felt remorseful that I had thought less of him before.

Also, for a few years now, I have been praying daily the Magnificat or the Canticle of Mary. Being one of the most important and special prayers in my life, I recite it during the day and at night in the Evening Prayer of the Divine Office (the Liturgy of the Hours or the Breviary). Every time I pray it, I always reflect on that moment that Our Lady exclaimed those very words, in the presence of Saint Joseph, her Most Chaste Spouse, Saint Elizabeth and Saint Zechariah.

The thing is, not only four people, or two couples, were present in that holy moment… The unborn Baby Jesus and Baby John the Baptist were there too, in their mothers’ wombs!

I was immersed in the whole narrative of the Visitation:

“During those days Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” – Luke 1:39-45

Meditating on the most beautiful words that Elizabeth addressed to the Blessed Mother, “And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy,” I was reminded of those people who worship Our Lord but support abortion because they refuse to believe that a fetus is a human being already. The Bible itself illustrates what the infant John inside the womb is capable of- he recognizes sound, moves and expresses joy just like a born baby. How can ‘believers’ disbelieve that?

At the same time, I reflected on the previous verses said about John the Baptist:

But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of [the] Lord. He will drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb, and he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. – Luke 1:13-16

If any unborn baby has already been named by God, and his or her destiny is already known to the Creator, why do other people disregard them as a mere fetus? How can a baby, just because they still live through maternal sustenance, not be given the same respect, protection and rights as any of us who made it out of our mothers’ wombs?

Sanctified in the Womb

A very important line from the Gospel of Luke about Saint John the Baptist stated that he would be “filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb.”

The Bible points out that there were only two human beings who received the honor of being sanctified in the womb: Saint John the Baptist and Prophet Jeremiah.

As for Prophet Jeremiah, God spoke to him about his calling, and this He said,

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you.” – Jeremiah 1:5

To me, all these passages from the Old Testament about Prophet Jeremiah to the New Testament about Saint John the Baptist tell us that God treats the unborn as a living person; a human being who has a name, a soul, and a purpose to fulfill in this life. Although we do not yet see what God sees in every unborn, even their own mothers are yet to hold them, kiss them, and know them, the unborn should not be considered any less than a human being whose life is sacred.

Psalm 139 was the Responsorial Psalm, though in a song version, “ You are Near ,” composed by Dan Schutte, for my First Communion on December 8, 1997, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Because of that, it became one of the most special Psalms to me, and has stayed in my heart since. Up to now, it still amazes me so much how all the days of our lives are already written down in the Book of God before we were even born.

Ever since I developed a deeper connection with Saint John the Baptist, I have always felt his presence in my life. Like many Catholics say, we don’t choose the Saints; they choose us. I believe that St. John the Baptist chose me for many reasons- one of which is to be a Pro-lifer. I know in my heart that I would forever uphold the Sanctity of Human Life; that I would always be Pro-Life.

What does being “sanctified in the womb” actually mean?

It means that Prophet Jeremiah and Saint John the Baptist were chosen by God from the womb, forgiven of the original sin , and filled with the Holy Spirit. This grace of being sanctified in the womb is an exceptional and extraordinary gift that was solely given to both of them, based on Sacred Scripture. But if Church Tradition is correct, the only other person to whom it was given to was Saint Joseph. Catholic Theologians, such as Saint Alphonsus Liguori, Francisco Suarez and Jean Gerson, also believed this idea that Saint Joseph, too, was sanctified in the womb. Because of this, he was “confirmed in the grace,” and greatly filled with grace that he never ever committed both venial and mortal sins.

Mind you that this is different from the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception, which says that the Blessed Virgin was sanctified in the womb at the very moment of her conception ; not after conception as with the three holy men mentioned.

So how is being “sanctified in the womb” related to the unborn babies? I will explain it more in My Reflection section. But before that, let me continue narrating about my journey of becoming Pro-Life, and share with you some recent news related to this topic.

March for Life

That day of January 19, 2018 truly became holy for me and my family. We went to Santo Domingo Church , or National Shrine of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of La Naval de Manila of the Dominicans in Quezon City, Metro Manila, for our special devotion to Mary, where her magnificent image under this title is housed. We were able to go to the usual 6 PM Mass, followed by the Evening Prayer of the Divine Office with the Dominican priests and seminarians.

Right afterwards, we intentionally rushed to go home so that we could start watching EWTN TV coverage of the 45th Annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. “Love Saves Lives” was the theme for that particular year. It was a remarkable day for the Pro-Life Movement in their nation. In addition, President Donald Trump took part from his office and became the first sitting US President to directly address an anti-abortion rally.

Although EWTN does live broadcast of the March for Life every year, it was only then that we decided to stay up and watch so that we could finally know what it was all about. Even though I almost fell asleep, as the program lasted overnight, about 12 hours or so, I was so glad to be able to watch everything, up to the end of broadcast with an EWTN Mass the next morning, Manila time.

My family and I were really blessed to comprehend the fight against abortion, from the conversations of EWTN hosts to the personal stories and the speeches delivered during the rally. We found out from them that every day, more than 100,000 babies in the world die through various forms of abortion.

Since then, I have been regularly watching EWTN Pro-Life Weekly.

I felt in my heart that all of this was God’s providence, calling and leading me to make a personal stand as Pro-Life.

Recent News

In recent months, each time I read the news, there’s always been something about Hollywood celebrities, directors and producers who are saying that they will stop doing business with Georgia, a Midwestern State in the United States, because the heartbeat bill was passed into law; a legislation, which they say is “against women’s right and choice for their own bodies.” Georgia gets billions of earnings through hosting various film and TV projects. You might have noticed that the logo of Georgia ® Film, Music & Digital Entertainment is in the end credits of several movies, TV series and programs. Georgia is the fourth state this year, following Kentucky, Mississippi and Ohio, to have enacted the said law.

What is the Heartbeat Law?

Abortion is legal in the United States until the “viability” of an unborn, which is the point at which the unborn has the ability to survive outside its mother’s womb or the capability to have a “meaningful” life. That is why abortion clinics there usually abort pregnancies up to 6 months.

Health centers under Planned Parenthood, “a nonprofit organization that provides ‘reproductive healthcare’ in the United States and globally,” are where most abortions in the United States happen, either through in-clinic abortion or the abortion pill. I read reports that President Trump, who says that his administration is Pro-life, is ‘defunding’ Planned Parenthood, blocking a significant amount of funds that they used to receive from the government. I also read that some very famous celebrities have in turn pledged to personally give financial aid to Planned Parenthood so that they could continue doing abortions and related services.

The ruling that abortion is legal prior to viability resulted from the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court Roe v. Wade decision, which prohibited states from banning abortion anytime prior to viability.

Conservative legislators, mostly from Catholic and Christian groups, have been trying long and hard for years to overturn Roe v. Wade. Submitting heartbeat bills on the state level is an aggressive part of their strategy in recent years. If heartbeat laws are going to be fully implemented, abortion will no longer be allowed in their respective states from the moment a fetal ‘heartbeat’ can be detected. Any abortion past that stage will be penalized.

For perspective, embryonic heartbeat can usually be detected early in the pregnancy, typically by 6-10 weeks of gestation using the advanced methods of standard medical practice, and by 7-12 weeks via trans-abdominal ultrasound. So what it means is that heartbeat laws will restrict allowed abortion from point of viability at 6 months to only around 3 months or as early as 6 weeks of pregnancy. It doesn’t totally stop abortion, but it is a critical step towards that goal.

None of the heartbeat laws, however, have yet to be put into effect in any of the states where it was passed. That’s because they have been challenged by pro-abortion groups in federal courts. Some of them could no longer proceed. As examples, Kentucky and Mississippi heartbeat laws were already declared unconstitutional (due to Roe v. Wade), while Ohio and Georgia laws are now being challenged. Many believe that a court battle is exactly what’s needed in order to bring the issue up to the level of the Supreme Court and challenge to overturn their 1973 decision, in favor of Pro-Life advocacy. Whether that will happen remains to be seen, and that fight is likely much more complicated than it seems. For now, heartbeat bills can be useful tools in making the public more involved and aware of pro-life issues.

(Thanks to Jonathan Abbamonte of Population Research Institute , an American non-profit Pro-Life Organization with Catholic roots, for sharing with me about their Pro-Life works and important Pro-Life updates in the United States.)

More Recent News

Just last month, I was told about this new radical abortion law in the state of Illinois, called Reproductive Health Act, which is contrary to the Heartbeat Law that makes access to abortion more restrictive. This Illinois law allows “the abortion of unborn life at any stage of pregnancy and for any reason.” It says that a “fertilized egg, embryo, or fetus does not have independent rights.”

It made me really sad that they are going through this kind of law. When I was in Illinois, it seemed to have many devout Catholic faithfuls. I especially commend St. Mary Catholic Church of Huntley, Illinois, the Parish church I often went to, because aside from its beautiful, inviting infrastructure, I noticed their distinctively active Catholic spiritual life. All the Sacrament of Penance I received there, administered by welcoming, empathetic, holy priests, were some of the best Confessions I have had. I felt that God spoke to me through them. Their providential words in their confession advice and homilies during Masses helped me in life.

My Reflection

Why Would A Filipino Care About All This?

These recent events are all American news. But what’s a Filipino like me got to do with this, when abortion is banned in the Philippines anyway? Well, I CARE for two reasons.

First Reason: Personal

I love the United States. Several years ago, they granted me the privilege to enter their country, whenever.

I spent the whole previous Christmas season and the first months of this year there. I will always reminisce the beautiful places and sceneries during winter, the purple pink skies of twilight and dusk, the gleaming white sky before it snowed, the snow falling from the sky, the feeling of snow as it touched my face, the glowing wonderland of snow, and the spectacular shapes of snowflakes. I will always remember experiencing the historic phenomenon, known as the Polar Vortex , that gave some of the States, and to a higher extent, in the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago, an Antarctica-like coldness for a day or two; the second coldest temperature ever recorded in their history. I did not see a person outside during those days at all. The houses across were barely visible due to the cold waves.

I also admire the Americans for their kindness, intellect, eloquence, and in particular, the devoutness of the Catholics there. Considering various things, I can say that it is a great nation. I hope that they are going to stand by their greatness by remaining steadfast in their Catholic Faith and fighting the threats against the Church happening everywhere.

I think the Address given by Saint Pope John Paul II during his Apostolic Visit to the United States in September 1987 somehow reflect what I’m saying:

“ Yes, America, you are beautiful indeed, and blessed in so many ways…” “This is the dignity of America, the reason she exists, the condition for her survival- yes, the ultimate test of her greatness: to respect every human person, especially the weakest and most defenceless ones, those as yet unborn.” – Saint Pope John Paul II

Second Reason: Spiritual

Physical beauty is just one of the many dimensions of things. As Church Militant, we ought to lead a spiritual life of faith. And that is why I care; because every Catholic should care. I care about the fight for the unborn, and all matters of the Faith, not just as a Filipino, not just as a pro-lifer, but as Catholic. I love all the People of God (CCC 782); That is, I love all my fellow baptized Christians in USA, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, China, Saudi Arabia, India, South Africa… and all the baptized Christians anywhere in the world.

The Church is One Body of Christ, intimately united with Him as our Head, and the Church as His Bride (CCC 789). Saint Paul the Apostle calls this nuptial union “a great mystery.” All the members, not only us, the living, but those in Heaven and in Purgatory, are united to each other as a result of our union with Christ (CCC 787).

We care about the souls of those who participate in abortions

The Church affirms the existence of Hell and its eternity. If abortionists and those who procure this procedure through them, harming the life of the unborn, do not repent up to the point of death, they will die in state of mortal sin because “Formal cooperation in an abortion constitutes a grave offense” (CCC 2272). The Church teaches that souls with unrepented mortal sins will immediately “descend into hell” after death, where they will suffer its punishments, such as the “eternal fire” and chiefly, “the eternal separation from God, in whom alone man can possess the life and happiness for which he was created and for which he longs” (CCC 1035). Thus, no one should ever wish for a soul to go to Hell.

The story of salvation is an ongoing history up to this very day, until the Judgment Day, or the Second Coming of Christ. Every action we have ever done to another person can affect his salvation, for good or for worse. Through the preaching of the Holy Gospel in the world, through the New Evangelization, especially now with the Internet, more people of every country, race and culture are converted to Catholicism, saved from their sins, and transformed back to a loving communion with Our Father in Heaven. That is why I write. I hope that my humble work of writing contributes in the salvation of souls of people in the Philippines, in other parts of Asia, Europe… and anywhere else.

Those who are active in the Pro-Life Movement are examples of people who do their share in helping other souls with their salvation. American pro-lifers, for example, must be quite pleased that heartbeat bills are helping increase Pro-life awareness across the States. Through the prayers and efforts of lay people and religious orders around the world, of those in Catholic and Christian Pro-Life organizations and youth groups, and of those who pray, stand outside abortion clinics, and demonstrate publicly against it, more people are being saved from the sin of abortion. All is not in vain. But we must be vigilant because there are people or groups always trying to attack the Church and its moral teachings.

We care about the salvation of the unborn

I care as a pro-lifer because the unborn babies who die through abortion are supposed to be members of the Church, the One Body of Christ. But since they are aborted, they are also denied of Baptism that would have freed them from original sin. The question is, are their souls going to attain salvation or not?

Basic doctrine of the Church teaches us, “ The Lord himself affirms that Baptism is necessary for salvation” (CCC 1257). It is a necessity to enter into the “People of God” (CCC 804); to be “freed from sin and be conformed to Christ” (cf. Mark 16:16; Matthew 28:18-19). Without the grace of this Sacrament, it is then probable that those unborn taken through abortion, and consequently died in the state of original sin, went to Hell. No one should ever cause damnation for the soul of an innocent baby. But abortion deprives the unborn the sacrament of Baptism that “… brings about the birth of water and the Spirit without which no one ‘can enter the kingdom of God.’ ” (CCC 1215)

What else does the Church say?

There’s really no explicit or definitive Church position regarding the salvation of unborn babies. What we can look into are official Church doctrines like the ones mentioned above, the Church traditions, the teachings of Theologians, and the statements of Church commissions.

In the Middle Ages, the Second Council of Lyons convened and was presided by Pope Gregory X. It stated that, “As for the souls of those who die in mortal sin or with original sin only, they go down immediately to Hell to be punished with different punishments.”

We know that what the Council said could be true because the original sin of the unborn is not forgiven. Between two destinies, Heaven or Hell, how can souls tainted with mankind’s original sin enter Heaven and not Hell? This is why the stories of Saint John the Baptist and Prophet Jeremiah being sanctified in the womb are related to the unborn. As Catholics, we must feel concerned about how the souls of unborn babies could be saved since no specific word from the Bible tells us that the same extraordinary and exceptional grace given to John and Jeremiah would be given to them, to free them from original sin.

For ages, the Church used the idea of limbo to describe where babies, born or unborn, who died without Baptism are destined. Limbo is not clearly founded in Sacred Scriptures although it has long been taught. Some Catholic Theologians think that limbo is part of Hell. But the punishments for the souls there are very light, and possibly, the punishment is only this- they do not have the beatific vision of God.

One of the greatest Mystics of the Church, Saint Bridget of Sweden, had a vision related to this. She saw God saying, “…the souls of such children [unborn], though they do not see my face for lack of baptism , are nevertheless closer to my mercy than to punishment , but not in the same way as my elect [those souls who will go to Heavenly Jerusalem after the end of the world].” To know that God hands more mercy than punishment to the souls of the unborn is quite comforting.

Sadly, based on the said vision of St. Bridget and opinions of some Church Fathers, the lack of baptism would deprive them of the chance to see God’s face and contemplate Him, referred to as “the beatific vision.” We cannot fully fathom the beatific vision or that glory of seeing God, but as Saint Cyprian said in one of his epistles, “ How great will your glory and happiness be, to be allowed to see God, to be honored with sharing the joy of salvation and eternal light with Christ your Lord and God, . . . to delight in the joy of immortality in the Kingdom of heaven with the righteous and God’s friends. ” It is such a tragic thought that they may never be able to see the face of God for eternity, all because that glory was taken away from them through abortion.

There is hope.

The Church, fully aware that the necessity of Baptism is de fide or of faith, can only entrust those infants who died without Baptism, especially due to abortion, to the mercy of God. “ Indeed, the great mercy of God… and Jesus’ tenderness toward children which caused him to say: ‘Let the children come to me, do not hinder them,’ allow us to hope that there is a way of salvation for children who have died without Baptism” (CCC 1261).

In 2007, the Church published a document titled, “The Hope of Salvation for Infants who Die Without Being Baptized.” In it, the commission said, “It must be clearly acknowledged that the Church does not have sure knowledge about the salvation of unbaptized infants who die.” It further explained, “There are reasons to hope that God will save these infants precisely because it was not possible to do [Baptism] for them.” It must be stressed and emphasized, however, that despite our hope in God’s great mercy for the souls of the unborn, it should not diminish or oppose “the necessity of baptism” nor “delay the conferral of the sacrament.”

We care about who they could have become… in Heaven.

Those in the Pro-Life Movement have many reasons and arguments as to why unborn babies must have the right to live. Usually, they share testimonies of those women who changed their minds about getting an abortion, and would show what they and their now grown-up children have become. Pro-lifers always say that unborn babies could have become good and righteous doctors, lawyers, artists, or “somebody.”

I completely agree; they could have reached their true potential had they been given the chance. I want to add that taking the life of unborn babies also takes away their utmost potential of glory… in Heaven. Who knows, they could have become great Saints- Martyrs, Virgins and Doctors of the Church? They could have earned a very special joy and reward in Heaven, referred to as an Aureola , or a small crown of glory- that of Martyrdom, of Virginity and of Doctorship, by the merits of their extraordinary holiness, sufferings, and good works. More than the accomplishments in this earthly life, it was really the chance to merit heavenly glories that they were robbed of because of abortion.

My intention here is not to change the minds of abortionists and of women who are intending to go to abortion clinics, by means of philosophical arguments, humanitarian reasons, scientific proofs and statistics. Evidently, great Catholics and organizations in the Pro-Life Movement around the world are already doing that kind of work. As a Catholic blogger, my writing aims to speak to fellow Catholics about this issue based on the Word of God and the teachings of the Church. Our Faith, after all, is what should unite us.

Those who often go to Mass, or those who identify themselves as “Catholics” but are non-practicing, and at the same time, are “Pro-Choice” and supportive of abortion, should rethink such stance because being Catholic is not just a ‘ritual’ or a ‘label.’ If you are one of them, remember that when you were baptized, you have become “sharers in mission” of the Church (CCC 1213). It is about being one with the Church in our beliefs, values, and way of life. “ St. Paul [the Apostle] speaks of the “obedience of faith” as our first obligation… Our duty toward God is to believe in him and to bear witness to him” (CCC 2087). Thus, being pro-choice goes against what the Church stands for and who we are as Catholics.

Those who try to talk people out of procuring or practicing abortion may find that spiritual arguments usually do not sit well with those people because many of them do not believe in God. Even if they do, some use religious ideas out of context to excuse sin, by saying, “God forgives” anyway. Be patient regardless of what others say. If you’re one of those Catholics who offer whatever you can to pro-life causes, such as personal prayers, writings, assistance to victims, counseling, rallying, etcetera, be reminded by this Post, of the spiritual reasons why it is worth defending the life of the unborn against abortion. Have the courage to keep on being pro-life amidst the indifference and secularism of many.

Those who do not believe in God and support abortion would most likely not be convinced otherwise. In the words of Saint Thomas Aquinas, “To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.” But as we are all children of God, if there’s any ‘Catholic’ in you and you hear His voice this very moment, let Him guide you to see things differently.

I’m not just a citizen of the Philippines, and so are all of you- you’re not just citizens of your countries. It is God’s will that we become eternal citizens of the City of God, the Heavenly Jerusalem, in the future. That’s why all of us must care for what is good and moral wherever we are. I remember what Saint Augustine of Hippo wrote in The City of God , considered by many as his most important work. He said that human history is the battle between the City of God – that is, the followers of Christ and His Church, the sons of light who love God, and dedicate themselves to His eternal truths – and the City of Man – the sons of darkness who are immersed in their self-love, pride and the pleasures of this world. We must realize that we are in the midst of that battle against the evils of this world, such as abortion. We must care about each other’s salvation- to help each other be saved from the city of the Devil, which is eternal punishment, and to help one another gain the City of God, which is eternal happiness.

My brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ, let us care about the Sanctity of Human Life. We must pray that more mothers are protected from abortion, and more babies are given the chance to live their God-given lives, to be members of His Church, and to someday relish the beatific vision, with all of us, in Heaven.

Prophet Jeremiah, pray for us!

Saint John the Baptist, pray for us!

Saint Joseph, pray for us!

Blessed Virgin Mary, pray for us!

• Recent Posts

• The Divine Indwelling: My Reflection on Jesus as the Good Shepherd and the Gate - April 22, 2024
• Jesus, Mary and Joseph as a Family: My Reflection on “Only Selfless Love” - April 21, 2024
• Lent Reflection: Embracing Mercy and Transformation in the Digital Age - March 18, 2024

Be the first to comment

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Copyright © 2015-2024 The Best Catholic. All rights reserved.

• Asia - Pacific
• Middle East - Africa
• Apologetics
• Benedict XVI
• Catholic Links
• Church Fathers
• Life & Family
• Liturgical Calendar
• Pope Francis
• CNA Newsletter
• Editors Service About Us Advertise Privacy

Philippines pro-life group argues that legalizing abortion does not save lives

Manila, Philippines, Aug 11, 2010 / 01:04 am

A push to legalize abortion in the Philippines is “unacceptable” because the country “should be saving lives, not taking them,” a pro-life group is charging. Instead of abortion, the group is advocating better education and government services to help stop “unwanted pregnancies.”

The New York-based Center for Reproductive Rights (CRR) has advocated for legal abortions in the Philippines to stop the thousands of women who reportedly undergo “unsafe” abortions which are potentially fatal to the mothers.

According to CBCP News, the Pro-Life Philippines Foundation, Inc. (PPFI) has countered that induced abortion is “the deliberate termination of the life of an innocent human being and therefore, it is a crime.”

The organization also said that legal abortion is not necessary to help poor women in crisis pregnancies. It argued that if the government is serious about helping these women, it should provide counseling services for abortion-minded women and post-abortion mothers and fathers.

PPFI also advocated more education programs, maternal and child care services and economic and social development programs that would help stop “rape, incest, sex outside of marriage and other causes of unwanted pregnancies.”

Like the country’s Catholic hierarchy, the pro-life organization also lobbied Philippines lawmakers to drop legislation to legalize contraception.

“All men and women need to be educated on fetal development, the consequences of sex outside of marriage, on human sexuality, fertility and love, respect and relationships,” the group continued. “Pregnant women need support and help, not abortion. We should be saving lives, not taking them.”

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

Our mission is the truth. join us.

Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.

The Pro-Life vs Pro-Choice Debate

What does each side believe?

ThoughtCo/ThoughtCo

• Reproductive Rights
• The U. S. Government
• U.S. Foreign Policy
• U.S. Liberal Politics
• U.S. Conservative Politics
• Civil Liberties
• The Middle East
• Race Relations
• Immigration
• Crime & Punishment
• Canadian Government
• Understanding Types of Government
• Ph.D., Religion and Society, Edith Cowan University
• M.A., Humanities, California State University - Dominguez Hills
• B.A., Liberal Arts, Excelsior College

The terms "pro-life" and "pro-choice" refer to the dominant ideologies concerning abortion rights. Those who are pro-life, a term that some argue is biased because it suggests that the opposition does not value human life, believe that abortion should be banned. Those who are pro-choice support keeping abortion legal and accessible.

In reality, the controversies related to reproductive rights are much more complex. Some people back abortions in certain circumstances and not in others or believe such procedures should be " safe, rare, and lega l." Complicating matters is that there's no consensus on when exactly life begins . The shades of gray in the abortion debate are why the reproductive rights discussion is far from simple.

The Pro-Life Perspective

Someone who is "pro-life" believes that the government has an obligation to preserve all human life, regardless of intent, viability, or quality-of-life concerns. A comprehensive pro-life ethic, such as that proposed by the Roman Catholic Church, prohibits:

• Euthanasia and assisted suicide 
• The death penalty
• War, with very few exceptions

In cases where the pro-life ethic conflicts with personal autonomy, as in abortion and assisted suicide, it's considered conservative. In cases where the pro-life ethic conflicts with government policy, as in the death penalty and war, it's said to be liberal.

Pro-Choice Perspective

People who are " pro-choice " believe that individuals have unlimited autonomy with respect to their own reproductive systems, as long as they don't breach the autonomy of others. A comprehensive pro-choice position asserts that the following must remain legal:

• Celibacy and abstinence
• Contraception use
• Emergency contraception use

Under the Partial Birth Abortion Ban passed by Congress and signed into law in 2003, abortion became illegal under most circumstances in the second trimester of pregnancy, even if the mother's health is in danger. Individual states have their own laws, some banning abortion after 20 weeks and most restricting late-term abortions . 

The pro-choice position is perceived as "pro-abortion" to some in the U.S., but this is inaccurate. The purpose of the pro-choice movement is to ensure that all choices remain legal.

Point of Conflict

The pro-life and pro-choice movements primarily come into conflict on the issue of abortion . The pro-life movement argues that even a nonviable, undeveloped human life is sacred and must be protected by the government. Abortion should be prohibited, according to this model, and not practiced on an illegal basis either.

The pro-choice movement argues that the government should not prevent an individual from terminating a pregnancy before the point of viability (when the fetus can't live outside the womb). The pro-life and pro-choice movements overlap to an extent in that they share the goal of reducing the number of abortions. However, they differ with respect to degree and methodology.

Religion and the Sanctity of Life

Politicians on both sides of the abortion debate only sometimes reference the religious nature of the conflict. If one believes that an immortal soul is created at the moment of conception and that "personhood" is determined by the presence of that soul, then there is effectively no difference between terminating a week-old pregnancy or killing a living, breathing person. Some members of the anti-abortion movement have acknowledged (while maintaining that all life is sacred) that a difference exists between a fetus and a fully-formed human being.

Religious Pluralism and the Obligation of Government

The U.S. government can't acknowledge the existence of an immortal soul that begins at conception without taking on a specific, theological definition of human life . Some theological traditions teach that the soul is implanted at quickening (when the fetus begins to move) rather than at conception. Other theological traditions teach that the soul is born at birth, while some assert that the soul doesn't exist until well after birth. Still, other theological traditions teach that there is no immortal soul whatsoever.

Can Science Tell Us Anything?

Although there is no scientific basis for the existence of a soul, there is no such basis for the existence of subjectivity, either. This can make it difficult to ascertain concepts such as "sanctity." Science alone can't tell us whether a human life is worth more or less than a rock. We value each other for social and emotional reasons. Science doesn't tell us to do it.

To the extent that we have anything approaching a scientific definition of personhood, it would most likely rest in our understanding of the brain . Scientists believe that neocortical development makes emotion and cognition possible and that it doesn't begin until the late second or early third trimester of pregnancy.

Alternative Standards for Personhood

Some pro-life advocates argue that the presence of life alone, or of unique DNA, defines personhood. Many things that we don't consider to be living persons might meet this criterion. Our tonsils and appendices are certainly both human and alive, but we don't consider their removal as anything close to the killing of a person.

The unique DNA argument is more compelling. Sperm and egg cells contain genetic material that will later form the zygote. The question of whether certain forms of gene therapy also create new persons could be raised by this definition of personhood.

Not a Choice

The pro-life vs. pro-choice debate tends to overlook the fact that the vast majority of women who have abortions don't do so by choice, at least not entirely. Circumstances put them in a position where abortion is the least self-destructive option available. According to a study conducted by the Guttmacher Institute, 73 percent of women who had abortions in the  United States  in 2004 said that they couldn't afford to have children.

The Future of Abortion

The most effective forms of birth control —even if used correctly—were only 90 percent effective in the late 20th century. Today, contraceptive options have improved and even should they fail for some reason, individuals may take emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy.

Advancements in birth control may help to further reduce the risk of unplanned pregnancies. Someday abortion may grow increasingly rare in the United States. But for this to happen, individuals from all socioeconomic backgrounds and regions would need to have access to cost-effective and reliable forms of contraception.

• DeSanctis, Alexandra. "How Democrats Purged 'Safe, Legal, Rare' From the Party", November, 15, 2019.
•  Finer, Lawrence B. "Reasons U.S. Women Have Abortions: Quantitative and Qualitative Perspectives." Lori F. Frohwirth, Lindsay A. Dauphinee, Susheela Singh, Ann M. Moore, Volume 37, Issue 3, Guttmacher Institute, September 1, 2005.
• Santorum, Sen. Rick. "S.3 - Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003." 108th Congress, H. Rept. 108-288 (Conference Report), Congress, February 14, 2003.
• "State Bans on Abortion Throughout Pregnancy." State Laws and Policies, Guttmacher Institute, April 1, 2019. 
• Key Arguments From Both Sides of the Abortion Debate
• All About Abortion Rights
• Abortion Facts and Statistics in the 21st Century
• Understanding Why Abortion Is Legal in the United States
• Pro-Choice Quotes
• Abortion on Demand: A Second Wave Feminist Demand
• The Roe v. Wade Supreme Court Decision
• Supreme Court Decisions and Women's Reproductive Rights
• Is Abortion Legal in Every State?
• Biography of Norma McCorvey, 'Roe' in the Roe v. Wade Case
• Roe v. Wade
• Unwind Teen Book Review
• The Difference Between Liberals and Conservatives
• What Is the Libertarian Party Platform?
• What Are Single Issue Voters?
• The 1969 Redstockings Abortion Speakout

Home — Essay Samples — Social Issues — Abortion Debate — Pro Life (Abortion)

Pro Life (abortion) Essays

Hook examples for pro-life (abortion) essays, personal story hook.

Meet Sarah, a woman who faced the difficult choice of whether to have an abortion or carry her unplanned pregnancy to term. Her experience sheds light on the emotional and ethical complexities of the pro-life stance.

Rhetorical Question Hook

Is every life, no matter how small or vulnerable, deserving of protection? This is the question at the heart of the pro-life abortion debate, and it's one we'll explore in-depth.

Statistical Hook

Did you know that there were [Insert statistic about abortion rates or procedures] abortions performed in [Insert year]? Explore the implications of these statistics in the context of pro-life advocacy.

Historical Hook

Take a journey through the history of the pro-life movement, from its origins to key milestones such as [Insert historical event related to pro-life activism]. Discover how this movement has evolved over time.

Quotation Hook

"The ultimate test of our humanity may be our willingness to defend the most vulnerable among us." — [Insert author]. This quote encapsulates the essence of the pro-life argument. Explore the moral and ethical foundations of this perspective.

Scientific Discovery Hook

Recent advances in medical technology have provided unprecedented insights into fetal development. Discover how these scientific discoveries have influenced the pro-life position.

Legal Debate Hook

Delve into the legal battles surrounding abortion rights, including landmark cases like [Insert case name]. Explore how pro-life activists have worked within the legal system to challenge abortion access.

Ethical Dilemma Hook

Imagine you're a medical professional faced with a choice that challenges your personal beliefs. Explore the ethical dilemmas that healthcare providers encounter when balancing pro-life convictions with patient autonomy.

Comparative Analysis Hook

Compare and contrast the pro-life perspective with other viewpoints on abortion, such as pro-choice and religious perspectives. Analyze the key differences and common ground in the abortion debate.

Human Rights Hook

Are unborn children entitled to the same human rights as adults? Explore the pro-life argument that emphasizes the inherent value and dignity of every human life, regardless of age or stage of development.

Abortion Should Be Illegal Essay

A pro-life perspective on abortion, made-to-order essay as fast as you need it.

Each essay is customized to cater to your unique preferences

+ experts online

An Understanding of The Pro-choice and Pro-life of Abortion

A comparison of pro-life and pro-choice views on abortion, why abortion is a wrong decision, the reasons why abortion should be illegal in the united states, let us write you an essay from scratch.

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

The Right to Life: Examining The Ethics of Abortion

Argumentation of anti-abortion and abortion-rights in united states, media portrayal of pro-life versus pro-choice to americans, pro life point of view: giving life a chance , get a personalized essay in under 3 hours.

Expert-written essays crafted with your exact needs in mind

Double Standard on Life: Pro-life Vs Pro-choice Arguments in The Abortion Debate

Why my worldview is pro-choice, the debate over abortion and planned parenthood, abortion prohibition: support of a pro-life movement, abortion as an immoral act of murder according to the pro-life argument, funding lies: misinformation from american pro-life organizations, debating the ethics of abortion: abortion as murder, evaluation of pro-life vs pro-choice point of view, a comparison of the attitudes of pro-lifers and pro-choicers on abortion, abortion: comparison of the pro-life vs pro-choice, protecting the unborn: the pro-life position against abortion, a comparison of pro-life and pro-choice ideologies, a pro-choice view of the issue of abortion, the attitudes of the pro-life and pro-choice groups on the controversial topic of abortion, pro-choice and pro-life arguments in the abortions debate, roe v wade legalized the freedom of the aborting an unborn child, christians' pro-life strandpoing on controversial issues, why abortion should be illegal: my view, supporting pro-choice is pro-women decision, a research paper on the debate over abortions in the united states.

The pro-life movement is a social and political movement that advocates for the protection and preservation of human life, particularly emphasizing the right to life of unborn fetuses. It opposes the practice of abortion and seeks to restrict or eliminate access to abortion services.

Mother Teresa was an influential voice in the pro-life movement. She vehemently advocated for the sanctity of life, particularly speaking out against abortion. Mother Teresa believed that every life, no matter how vulnerable or disadvantaged, deserved love, care, and protection. Her unwavering commitment to the value of human life and her global impact made her an inspirational figure for many in the pro-life movement. Dr. Mildred Jefferson was the first African American woman to graduate from Harvard Medical School and a prominent pro-life advocate. As a physician, she believed that the medical profession should prioritize healing and saving lives, rather than ending them through abortion. Dr. Jefferson co-founded the National Right to Life Committee, a prominent pro-life organization in the United States. Dr. Bernard Nathanson, an American obstetrician-gynecologist, played a crucial role in shaping the pro-life movement. He was one of the co-founders of the National Association for the Repeal of Abortion Laws (NARAL) and actively advocated for abortion rights. However, after witnessing the development of ultrasound technology and performing thousands of abortions, he experienced a change of heart. Dr. Nathanson became a prominent pro-life advocate, exposing the reality of abortion through the documentary "The Silent Scream."

The roots of the pro-life movement can be found in the United States, where it gained significant momentum in the latter half of the 20th century. The movement emerged as a response to the legalization of abortion in the landmark Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade in 1973. Initially, the pro-life movement focused on grassroots activism, organizing rallies, marches, and protests to raise awareness about the sanctity of life and advocate for the protection of the unborn. Religious groups, particularly Catholic and evangelical communities, played a crucial role in mobilizing support for the movement. Over the years, the pro-life movement has expanded its scope to encompass a range of issues related to human dignity and the value of life, including opposition to euthanasia, assisted suicide, and embryonic stem cell research. The movement has engaged in legal battles, lobbying efforts, and educational campaigns to influence public opinion and policy-making. Pro-life organizations have emerged, such as the National Right to Life Committee and the Susan B. Anthony List, to coordinate and amplify their advocacy efforts.

Public opinion on the pro-life movement is diverse and often influenced by individual beliefs, values, and personal experiences. The issue of abortion, which lies at the core of the pro-life movement, evokes strong emotions and deeply held convictions on both sides of the debate. Supporters of the pro-life movement argue that every human life, including the unborn, deserves protection and that abortion is morally and ethically wrong. They often emphasize the rights of the unborn child and advocate for legal restrictions on abortion, promoting alternatives such as adoption and increased support for expectant mothers. Opponents of the pro-life movement, on the other hand, emphasize a woman's right to choose and argue for reproductive freedom and autonomy. They believe that decisions about pregnancy and abortion should be made by the individual, free from governmental interference. Public opinion polls on abortion and the pro-life movement have shown a range of perspectives over the years, often reflecting a complex mix of religious, moral, and political beliefs. These opinions can vary based on factors such as age, gender, religion, and political affiliation.

The topic of the pro-life movement is important to write an essay about due to its significant impact on society, ethics, and individual rights. It encompasses a complex and deeply divisive issue: abortion. Exploring the pro-life movement allows for an in-depth examination of the philosophical, moral, and legal arguments surrounding the right to life and the autonomy of pregnant individuals. Writing an essay on the pro-life movement provides an opportunity to delve into the historical, cultural, and religious factors that have shaped this movement. It allows for an exploration of the various perspectives, ranging from religious and moral beliefs to legal and political considerations. Additionally, the pro-life movement intersects with other relevant topics such as healthcare, women's rights, reproductive justice, and public policy. Furthermore, the pro-life movement is a subject of ongoing debate and activism, with its implications reaching beyond national borders. Analyzing this topic enables a critical examination of social attitudes, legislation, and the influence of grassroots organizations and interest groups.

1. A Gallup poll conducted in 2020 found that 46% of Americans identified as "pro-life," indicating their belief in the sanctity of life and opposition to abortion. 2. According to the Guttmacher Institute, a research organization focused on reproductive health, in 2017, 58% of women obtaining abortions in the United States identified as religiously affiliated, with 17% identifying as Catholic and 27% as Protestant. 3. The pro-life movement has witnessed significant legislative efforts across different states. As of 2021, more than 20 states in the United States have enacted laws restricting abortion access, including mandatory waiting periods, gestational age limits, and regulations on abortion providers.

1. Guttmacher Institute. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.guttmacher.org/ 2. National Right to Life. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.nrlc.org/ 3. Americans United for Life (AUL). (n.d.). Retrieved from https://aul.org/ 4. Pew Research Center. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/ 5. Pro-Life Action League. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://prolifeaction.org/ 6. National Abortion Federation (NAF). (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.prochoice.org/ 7. National Right to Life News. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.nationalrighttolifenews.org/ 8. Journal of Medical Ethics. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://jme.bmj.com/ 9. Family Research Council (FRC). (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.frc.org/ 10. National Catholic Register. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ncregister.com/

Relevant topics

• Pro Choice (Abortion)
• Discrimination
• Animal Testing
• Martin Luther King
• Death Penalty
• Human Trafficking
• Gun Control

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Bibliography

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

Translator for

Lingvanex - your universal translation app, translate from english to tagalog online.

Our Lingvanex translator works using machine translation technology, which is the automatic translation of text using artificial intelligence, without human intervention. This technology guarantees complete confidentiality of the processed data.

How does machine translation work? Artificial intelligence first analyzes the source text and creates an intermediate version of its translation, and then converts it into text in the target language using grammatical rules and dictionaries.

What makes a Lingvanex translator the best translator?

• Full Confidentiality: Ensuring the Security and Privacy of Your Translation.
• Superior Performance: Evaluate Translation Quality with a Trial.
• Versatile Translation: Online & Offline Capabilities, Text-to-Speech, Speech-to-Text.
• Comprehensive Tools: Dictionary, Phrasebook, Translation of Text, Speech, Files, Images, Web Pages.
• Extensive Language Coverage: Over 100 Languages Supported.
• Seamless Integration: Compatible with Windows, Linux, Mac OS, iOS, Android and Web.
• Responsive Support: Lingvanex Support Team Available for Assistance.
• Translate from English to Tagalog
• Translate from Tagalog to English
• Listen to translations with the text-to-speech feature
• Edit text and cite sources at the same time with integrated writing tools
• Enjoy completely free translation
• Use the power of AI to translate text quickly and
• Translate online—without downloading an app
• Translate between languages on a mobile-friendly platform

Discover some interesting facts about the Tagalog language:

Tagalog comes from the words “taga-ilog”, meaning “from the river” or “river dweller”, and has Sanskrit origins.

Its standardized form, officially named Filipino, is the national language of the Philippines alongside English. And there are 19 languages that have regional status in the Philippines, such as Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon, etc.

The Tagalog language has been influenced by Spanish and English throughout history, leading to many Spanish and English loanwords and expressions.

Tagalog doesn’t have grammatical gender for nouns.

The language has unique expressions, proverbs, and poetic forms such as the tanaga, a traditional four-line poem with a specific rhyming pattern.

Popular English-Tagalog phrases for Starting Conversation

This list provides some basic Tagalog phrases to get you started. Keep in mind that translation and usage of these phrases can be influenced by context and cultural nuances.

• Hello – Kamusta
• Good morning – Magandang umaga
• Good afternoon – Magandang hapon
• Good evening – Magandang gabi
• How are you? – Kumusta ka?
• I'm fine – Mabuti naman ako
• Thank you – Salamat
• Excuse me – Padaan po
• Sorry – Pasensya na
• I understand – Naiintindihan ko
• I don’t understand – Hindi ko naiintindihan
• Do you speak English? – Marunong ka ba ng Ingles?
• Can you help me? – Maaari mo ba akong tulungan?
• Where is the restroom? – Nasaan ang banyo?
• How much is this? – Magkano ito?
• What time is it? – Anong oras na?

5 unique ways to learn a language

• Use flashcards. Create flashcards with important words and phrases and practice them every day. You can even add pictures to help you memorise the meanings. The more often you review your flashcards, the faster you will memorise new vocabulary.
• Cook Filipino dishes. Listening to audio recipes and watching cooking videos from native Filipinos will not only help you learn the language and master pronunciation, but also immerse yourself in the culture of the country.
• Play games. There are many games and apps that will help you practice the Tagalog language. You can make up your own games.
• Attend speaking clubs. You should start speaking or at least practising your pronunciation as early as possible. You can do this by attending Tagalog speaking clubs where people discuss different topics and share their stories. You will be practising your vocabulary, grammar and storytelling skills at the same time.
• Learn the culture. The Philippines is rich in cultural flavour, so participating in traditional dances, attending festivals and taking part in arts and crafts workshops will not only introduce you to the Tagalog language, but will also deepen your understanding of Filipino culture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the lingvanex translation accurate, how long does it take to translate a large text, how many characters can be translated, do you offer subscription plans, why do people call tagalog filipino, language pairs are available for text translation into english.