Pristine Principles: Defending Life from a Pro-Life Perspective

Pro-life advocates often draw from a rich tapestry of ethical, religious, and philosophical arguments to defend the sanctity of life. In this article, we explore some of the key pro-life points, including the idea that life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are inherent rights, not granted by the government. We also delve into the concept that life is inherently valuable and should be cherished in every stage of development. Additionally, we argue that unless we can justify every abortion as a moral necessity, it should be avoided.

Life as a Divine Right

The fundamental argument in pro-life discourse is rooted in the belief that rights, including the right to life, are divine and intrinsic to human existence. According to this principle, the government does not create these rights; rather, it is bound to protect them. The Bill of Rights in the United States Constitution was drafted to safeguard individual rights from governmental overreach. Contrary to popular belief, there are no abortion rights enshrined in the Constitution or by any legislative body. This article explores the implications of recognizing life as a divine right and the ethical obligations that come with it.

The Universal Ethic of Non-Killing

The Ten Commandments, a cornerstone of many religious beliefs, includes the commandment You shall not murder. This principle extends to the pro-life movement, underlining the importance of valuing life at all stages, including embryonic and fetal life. The argument here is that life is inherently valuable, regardless of age or stage of development. Every human life, from conception to natural death, deserves reverence, respect, and protection.

The Universality of Life’s Value

Pro-life proponents often cite the joy and emotional fulfillment that parents experience when they learn of an upcoming baby. This joy is valuable and significant in its own right. There is no room for judgment in the happiness of parents, even if those circumstances were difficult. This argument emphasizes that every human life is precious and should be cherished, from conception onwards.

The Stages of Life and the Family Unit

The concept of the developing human is often described as a multifaceted journey from fetus to adult. As a fetus, the same individual develops through various stages: fetus-infant, fetus-child, fetus-youth, and finally fetus-adult. This development does not occur in isolation but is integral to the family unit, which views these individuals and their roles as essential components of their lives. The argument posits that time, though an illusion, is a vital factor in the growth and development of the individual within a loving family structure.

Ethical Responsibility and the Absence of Justifiable Exceptions

Pro-life advocates argue that unless one can demonstrate unequivocally that an abortion would have been the compassionate and just choice for a particular individual, the decision to terminate a pregnancy should be avoided. This argument centers around the ethical imperative to treat every human life with respect and dignity, regardless of the circumstances. It suggests that the absence of a clear and justifiable justification makes abortion ethically indefensible.

Agency, Virtue, and the True Purpose of Life

Agency and bodily autonomy are important aspects of human rights, but they are not sufficient on their own to justify certain actions, including abortion. The idea of virtue suggests that actions should be judged not only by their autonomy but by the moral character and intentions behind them. Pro-life advocates argue that the true purpose of life is not to be happy but to care for life in a kind, thoughtful, and compassionate way. The reward for this virtuous living is not fleeting happiness, but a lasting joy derived from the meaningful contributions and lives one touches.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the pro-life perspective is grounded in principles that highlight the value of life at every stage, the importance of ethical responsibility, and the pursuit of a culture of virtue. Through this article, we have explored how rights, ethics, and philosophy support the pro-life stance. The argument is clear: unless there is a justified and virtuous reason, the sanctity of life should be upheld and protected.