By Rev. Michael Chrisman
Living in Colorado we have a deep love and respect for God’s creation. From the natural, created beauty of the mountains and planes to the hidden beauty of the animals and aquatic life we share our state with. Out of this love and respect comes a genuine care and concern for the health of the environment, the health of its animals, and our own health. Pope Francis recently commented in Fratelli Tutti, “to care for the world in which we live means to care for ourselves, yet we need to think of ourselves more and more as a single family dwelling in a common home”. Within this overarching context, let us think about life more specifically.
Proposition 115 seeks to prohibit late term abortions in Colorado. Some do not want to see this passed because it is seen as only protecting babies from abortion at the point of 22 weeks of gestation. It does that. But it also does more. Voting “yes” for Proposition 115 expresses care for the health of mothers too.
As a baby develops in his or her mother’s womb, late term abortion poses an increased risk to the mother’s health. Recognizing this risk, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists clearly states in their public policy on abortion, “if abortion is to be performed it should be performed as early as possible”. Voting “yes” for Proposition 115 protects the child and expresses care and concern for the health of the mother. All life is sacred, all life has value, including mother and unborn child.
Those opposed to Proposition 115 argue that pregnancy is more complex than just making a law. We agree. When facing difficult decisions, medical experts along with ethicists, chaplains, faith leaders, family members and trusted friends should be consulted to help mothers make the best decision with the most accurate information at the time. Making a major decision should not be done alone.
“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you…” Jer. 1:5; cf. Job 10:8-12; Ps 22:10-11.
Studies show that at 10 weeks an embryo is developing human characteristics that will be unique to him or her throughout their life. Seeing a baby at twenty-two weeks, it is undeniable that the baby is a person.
Considering proven genetic science, the cells of both parents join to form a new independent, self-sufficient, cellular system which bears within it a new individual life. This is a human being. The goal of Proposition 115 seeks to give this life a chance. Presently, Colorado law allows babies to be aborted for any reason up to birth. This includes taking the life of a child past the age of viability. It is in the best interests of all concerned that we support these unborn children.
As God’s creation we are all family. We are connected to our environment and all the beings we share our world with. How we care for one another, which includes protecting the unborn, is a direct reflection of how we relate to the fragile environment we live in and the defenseless animals and human beings around us.
Vote “Yes” for Proposition 115.
Rev. Michael Chrisman is the Chaplain to the Sangre De Cristo Guild of the Catholic Medical Association, Bioethical Consultant for the Diocese of Pueblo, Pastor of the Shrine of St. Therese in Pueblo, Chaplain of the St. Therese Catholic School and Diocesan Director of Liturgy and Worship.