×

Letters to the Editor

All life matters

To the Journal editor:

The nearly universal realization that life has value is a relatively new concept in the course of human existence. Almost 160 years ago began the struggle for freedom from slavery for many Americans.

The founding father’s thesis of inalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness has taken centuries to take hold. Women’s suffrage and the civil rights movement to name a few brought us to the fundamental truth that life has value and everyone has an equal value before their creator.

What valid argument could stand today justifying slavery or unequal rights for people of different race, ethnicity or gender? Is a short person’s life less valuable than a tall person’s? Wasn’t the world riveted with the rescue of the 12 boys and their soccer coach from the flooded caves of Thailand? Why was so much expense and effort invested from countries around the world except life has value and it is worth saving.

In 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion began the struggle to save the lives of the unborn children. This decision sharply brought attention to the plight of many women with unexpected pregnancies. Emerging from this tragedy are a host of pregnancy centers and care clinics focused on maintaining the health and well being of both the mother and the child.

No one can deny that an unborn child’s life has value nor can one ignore the difficulties encountered by the mother. Just as other discriminations of the past required a fight to overcome the injustice, the pursuit of life for unborn children will continue until collective recognition that life of the newborn has value and must be preserved.

Matthew Songer

Marquette

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today