Freedom and choice

Facebooktwittermail

To the Editor:
Our society constantly battles over freedom of choice when it comes to abortion. I often wonder why that “freedom” or that “choice” can’t come into play earlier.
People who want to be free and spontaneous often opt for abortion as a back-up birth control method. We (and several people we know) have made use of the Billings method with excellent results. It is a simple mucous-testing approach also used in third world countries. It is not what has been referred to as the old rhythm method. It depends on a woman’s fingertip observation of vaginal mucous. Abstinence from intercourse is necessary only during five so-called non-dry, fertile days. All other days of a cycle are free and clear. If a couple wants a child, they can narrow the fertile dates. Both partners can easily understand the approach and it can be a joint responsibility.
In situations where an abortion is going to be performed, a fetus and a doctor will be controlling the woman’s body, and the woman may also be dependent on a post-abortion counselor. That’s not exactly free and clear freedom of choice!
Clearly this isn’t the ultimate answer, but it is another way to think about “freedom” and “choice.”
Richard Hanzelka
Bettendorf


Support The Catholic Messenger’s mission to inform, educate and inspire the faithful of the Diocese of Davenport – and beyond! Subscribe to the print and/or e-edition, or make a one-time donation, today!

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Facebooktwittermail
Posted on