Roe v. Wade: Where”s the celebration?
As a father, I will never forget the feelings of joy and love I felt when I heard my son”s heart beat for the first time. Thirty-eight years ago Saturday, the Supreme Court decided it was legal to stop the beating heart of an unborn child in its decision of Roe v. Wade. The Court”s interpretation of the 14th Amendment and its ruling paved the way for expectant mothers to legally obtain an abortion. Many have hailed this case a landmark decision that advanced the power and status of women. If the court”s ruling was such a victory, where were the celebrations this weekend?
People across the country celebrate historic moments in the quest for equality in the United States. Strangely, on a day that supposedly ushered in a new sense of equality for women, the silence of the celebration is deafening.
I believe this silence stems from the fact nearly every conscience is pricked by the vileness of a “medical procedure” that allows an unborn child to be murdered. Some people may call this women”s rights or a personal decision. The time has come to call it what it is–murder.
Many great leaders have said the true measure of a society is how it treats its most vulnerable members. Is there anyone more vulnerable than an unborn child in a mother”s womb? How do we measure up as a society?
My “little heartbeat” recently celebrated his first birthday. It is a damning statement about our society that many children never have this opportunity because of “rights and progress.”
Justin Sutton
Columbus
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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