Right to Life

Roborian wrote:

This is a much more micro-level issue, and it really is impossible to determine how much effect, if any, it had on the outcome, but this could be seen as some level of possible commentary on the rhetorical choices of the referendum, specifically 'Value Them Both' as a slogan.

Morally, I see no problem with the phrase at all, but strategically, I am somewhat skeptical of it. It seems to automatically put itself on the defensive, sort of assuming the argument that pro-lifers otherwise do not value women, and I think doing so makes it come off as weaker, feeling as if it is trying to deflect criticism rather than advance a cause. As a general rule, effective social movements win through boldness in rhetoric rather than moderation, and I think a direct focus on the issue itself is a better strategy.

I think you are quite correct in this. I remember the term "value them both", or something very near to it, was used in Ireland by the No campaign during the referendum on the 8th Amendment. More than anything it felt like a status quo remark, attempting to justify that everything was fine up to that point and no change was necessary, despite massive public concern to the contrary. It also offered nothing new to the debate than what was already there, while the Yes campaign offered a platform of change, something new, a solution to a perceived problem. This as we all know was the message that resonated with the people.

If the pro-life movement wants to win votes like this it needs to be radical in its messaging, offering a message of change rather than going back to the old.

Indiana Abolishes Abortion!

Excellent news. Indiana's legislature has passed a bill to ban abortions in the state.

According to the legislature's website, there are three exceptions:

1. "the abortion is necessary to prevent any serious health risk of the pregnant woman or to save the pregnant woman's life;

2. "the fetus is diagnosed with a lethal fetal anomaly; or

3. "the pregnancy is a result of rape or incest."

http://iga.in.gov/legislative/2022ss1/bills/senate/1

Indiana has nine abortion providers, including six abortion clinics. Each year, about 7,000 to 8,000 abortions have been performed in the state.

Christian States of Arcopol wrote:

God is Great! Say yes to life!

I just wish that conservatives would fight this hard to preserve life after birth. In most cases I feel like we say “protect the unborn! (But after that, who cares!)” and I don’t like that

Os Adoradores de Deus wrote:

I just wish that conservatives would fight this hard to preserve life after birth. In most cases I feel like we say “protect the unborn! (But after that, who cares!)” and I don’t like that

That definitely exists in conservative and Republican circles. But it's not as if no one has or continues to advocate for dignified treatment of all human beings. This story came to mind:

https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/pro-abortion-democrat-tries-trolling-pro-lifers-by-requiring-dads-to-provide-for-moms-unborn-babies/

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=HB3129&Session=2200&Tab=0

This guy proposed a bill that would require the father of an unborn child to pay up to 50% of the mother's pregnancy expenses. His reasoning was essentially, "If a woman is forced to carry an unwanted child, the father should also be forced to pay for it."

https://www.twitter.com/ForrestBennett/status/1484643409130397702

After the bill received enthusiastic support from pro-life organizations and criticism from abortion advocates, he issued a lengthy public apology and said he wouldn't be moving forward with the bill "as written". Since then, it has gone no further, and he has proposed no replacement. I guess there is no point in passing a bill to help vulnerable women if you can't use it to affirm your own beliefs. With Republican support, this bill might actually pass and empower more women to keep their babies. That would deal a blow to the abortion industry and anger your donors. Much better to just sweep it under the rug and assure everyone that you still support "abortion access" and that you've realized what a bad idea this bill was.

https://www.okhouse.gov/Members/District.aspx?District=92

https://www.twitter.com/ForrestBennett/status/1484950972480823304

Phydios wrote:

Os Adoradores de Deus

More to the point, here's an article that you might like to read:
https://secularprolife.org/2022/06/responding-to-16-pro-choice-claims-about-dobbs-the-pro-life-movement-and-abortion-bans/

Interesting