Community Levee Association

The Community Levee Association agrees with Ms. Gaes' position and welcomes it as part of the public debate about abortion.

Abortion is not empowering
Monday, August 2, 2010; A12

Gloria Feldt's July 25 Outlook essay on teen pregnancy was marked by three major misconceptions: that adoption is a poor option, that children are replaceable and that abortion empowers women.

Despite Ms. Feldt's criticisms of the movie "Juno," the film graphically portrayed a choice both courageous and compassionate -- and the joy of an adoptive parent. The you-can-always-have-your-children-later assertion neglected to acknowledge what an ultrasound shows -- each new life is unique and unrepeatable. Children cannot be swapped out like bowling pins or rental cars.

Ms. Feldt's most damaging assertion, however, is that abortion has empowered women. On the contrary, abortion has enabled men to be callous, selfish and irresponsible. Current law makes a woman alone bear ultimate legal responsibility for the life of her child. In the end, she is often solely financially and emotionally responsible as well.

Half of all Americans are against abortion. We have seen its bitter fruits for more than 35 years.

Jean Gaes, Crofton