I Cannot Support Planned Parenthood

One thing is very clear from many of the posts and comments I read on Facebook and other internet sites: we are a divided nation. I'm always amazed and the dichotomy of opinions expressed on the internet. One article extols an idea, organization or individual while another vilifies the same subject. Most resort to name calling and emotional responses not backed by any thought, facts or research. Most comment threads associated with one side of the argument are unanimous in their support or disparagement, leading to only one possible conclusion: most people only read things with which they agree and avoid the contrary point of view.

So, with all of this polarization of opinions, how can anyone decipher what is correct? Which side is right? Which is wrong? As opposed as the views are, it is impossible that both are correct; but someone must be, right? I believe, in most situation, both sides have some validity but at the same time, both sides are amiss.

The approach of the day is to say, write, produce something that plays on the emotions of the left or the right. The most well received vilify the other side of the aisle with half truths or out-right lies. I don't care which side of the political aisle you are on, your side is just as guilty as the other. However, because everything your side says makes you feel good, your tendency is to just accept it and believe it. But, here's the problem. When you rely on half truths or lies, the other side will uncover them and expose you, severely weakening your argument. Once a lie or falsehood is uncovered, it doesn't matter how valid the rest of your treatise is, that one mistake destroys your credibility and any chance of persuading the other side to your point of view. As often as this is done, I'm left to wonder if the purpose is to persuade anyone to think as you do or is it just to stir up the animosity between the right and left with more emotional drivel.

I make a call to all would be bloggers, posters and anyone writing about a politically charged subject: use integrity in your writing. Make sure that there are no falsehoods or made-up facts in your thesis. Support you claims and address the opposite view. Use critical thinking and consider the other side before you demean their opinion. If you do, you will have much more credibility and be much more persuasive. I'm pretty sure this will fall of deaf ears, because this type of writing doesn't get attention. It doesn't feel good to consider an opposing view. We don't experience the same emotional response in reposting something that is kind to those with whom we disagree. But, there's so much more to be gained if you will.

Case it point, and the real reason I wanted to right this blog entry: the recent videos about Planned Parenthood. Because a picture was misrepresented and the videos may have been questionably edited, the effect of the videos has just served to further divide our country on abortion and Planned Parenthood. One side is vilifying the creator of the videos and standing by Planned Parenthood because of the good they do. The other holds fast to the disturbing images of babies being torn apart after abortions. Some good could have come from the videos if the producers would had used complete integrity in their production and release. The point does not need to be made that Planned Parenthood is breaking the law, it is enough to make public the actual images and results or abortions so that those of us who live in ignorance are enlightened by what is actually happening in the world. Whether within the law or not, you have to come to terms with either supporting or not supporting this wretched activity.

I have friends and family on both sides of the Planned Parenthood debate. I have read emotional posts by many on both sides as well. Most who support Planned Parenthood praise the good they do for women's health aside from abortions (and some support abortion as well). While, I know many of the services they provide are beneficial, I cannot support Planned Parenthood. I want to make my position known that I do not believe that abortion should ever be used for birth control. I will not claim that I can empathize with any woman who has been raped or experienced incest and will therefore not judge any who seeks an abortion in this case. As for situations where the mother's life is in danger, again I will not judge. But, I firmly believe that abortion should never, ever be used for birth control. I believe that a woman that consents to sexual intercourse has made her "choice" and should be willing to accept the consequence that she may become pregnant, even if using birth control. No birth control is 100% effective and so any sexual activity including intercourse may lead to pregnancy. If you make that "choice", be ready to accept the consequence.

For this reason, I cannot support an organization that, although within the law, performs so many abortions for the sole purpose of birth control. I would hope that the "good" services they provide can be provided by other organizations with, what I would consider, a more appropriate moral compass.