Marcu 30, 2005

Letter to the Editor

Continued from page 6 will read it, as I don’t know how else to contact them.

Pro-Lifers of UPEI: My problem with Pro-Life is that somehow the members “know” the answers to many of life’s biggest questions (which was made clear in your statement: “Pro-Life is about justice for the unborn person”). I just don’t understand how Pro-Lifers have such knowledge, specifically concerning definitions of “justice” and “person’’. Although there was an attempt made to explain these definitions with “philosophical” and “scientific” arguments, these arguments were shallow and one-sided. That being said, it is apparent to me that Pro-Lifers also believe that their definitions trump anyone else’s definitions of justice and person. I find this troublesome because the larger picture (i.e.: free access to contraceptives, improved social assistance, access to a full and objective sexual education, reducing stigmas surrounding adoption, lessening adoption restrictions) is being ignored. Still, Pro-Life pushes to have the laws changed to make abortion illegal. It must be nice to be so right.

If you recall, at the meeting I told you that I have made a “pro-life” choice in my life but I made it clear that I feel it is necessary to separate the personal from the political. Unlike many of the Pro-Lifers at Tuesday’s meeting, I don’t know all of the answers and I will not make such bold statements claiming that I do. Decisions I have made in my life work for me but they may not necessarily work for everyone; politically I am Pro-Choice. Pro-Choice isn’t necessarily pro-abortion; rather, it is for having a choice in the actions a woman takes when she finds herself pregnant, regardless of what her situation may be. What is highly problematic about Pro-Lifers is their complete focus on birth, and lack of consideration of life.

Once again, thank you for allowing me to gain an informed opinion. I have said what I needed to say. I hope you realize that I will be the constant thorn in your side. I am the “other” that you are neglecting to consider in your privileged, omniscient world.

Cheerfully yours, Grace Kimpinski

THE CADRE @ 18