04/30/2004: "A play shows changes in views towards abortion"

This opinion article is about going to see a play that was made in the 60's. The story is written by a person who saw the play in the 60's and recently. When she saw it recently and heard everyone applaud when the young woman in the movie announced that she was going to have an abortion, she realized just how much our culture had changed in that time.

How right she is. 40 years!?! I don't think we realize just how short a period of time that is in the grand scheme of things. When history looks back on this period of time, they'll say things changed overnight and won't be able to explain how such massive shifts in thought occured in such a short amount of time.

The news story additionally saddens me that abortion has become so political that it is seen as a good thing to have an abortion. Don't miss understand me, although I'm against abortion, I am willing to concede that those who disagree think they are doing what is right. But even the most vigorous supporter of abortion makes it clear that they see the need to get an abortion as an unfortunate situation. Everyone agrees that in a perfect world, no one would ever 'need' one.

So how can it be that we applaud when someone makes the decision to have one, no matter what our opinion of abortion is? When friend tells you, "We've decided not to let my Mother have the operation. We don't think it'll work and it'll put her in much pain. We're just going to let her die gracefully." If that happens, do you stand up and cheer? No, even when you agree that the best thing was done, you know that it is still a painful moment.

Every abortion is a painful moment. It is a moment to make a major decision about the future of our lives. And it should NEVER be cheered for, even if you support the right to 'choose'.