Strengthening Constitutional Self-Government

No Left Turns

"Safe, legal, and rare"

E. J. Dionne, Jr. shines the spotlight on a "courageous" Democrat. Nassau (N.Y.) County executive Thomas R. Suozzi appears to have given a thoughtful speech, described by Bishop William Murphy as "important and, on the whole, very helpful." As Dionne notes, however, "Abortion rights groups were more ambivalent, worrying, wrongly I think, that anyone suggesting abortion is a problem somehow undercuts the pro-choice position."

My problem is precisely with the language of choice and what it implies about the relationship between mother and child. And while I’m all for any measure that will make it more likely that women carry their babies to term, I will not be persuaded of anyone’s bona fides on the "safe, legal, and rare" position unless he or she is willing legally to involve parents when an underage minor is pregnant and to give a voice to the father of the baby. My suspicion is that these rather modest requests will be sticking points for most of those who use the "safe, legal, and rare" language, in large part because they really think that the woman’s choice is what matters most of all.

Discussions - 6 Comments

Of course "Safe, legal, and rare" is nothing but a rhetorical sop, and should fool no one. The phrase will go down as one of Bill Clinton’s less-successful scam efforts.

If abortion is not wrong and it is safe and it is legal, why should it be rare? Shouldn’t it be encouraged as a positive good?

I hate to admit this, but I’ve been pondering for at least two months now and still cannot think of any activity that is "safe, legal, and rare".

Anyone have suggestions?

Comment 3 by Steven [E-Mail]

I hate to admit this, but I’ve been pondering for at least two months now and still cannot think of any activity that is "safe, legal, and rare". Anyone have suggestions?

Answer:

Education

Another answer in today’s world - a beautiful marriage that endures.

I lost a great deal of respect for Bishop Murphy in this political transaction. It is absolutley no wonder that Suozzi is trying to have his cake and eat it too with this thoughtful hoax.

Why is it a hoax?

People who follow Nassau County politics have known for years that Suozzi has been well funded by leftist abortion supporters such as the A.C.L.U. and their legion of abortion lemmings.

Bishop Murphy just doesn’t know enough to stay out of this debate. Would Murphy still support Suozzi if he knew Suozzi would not allow Parental Notification for pregnant women under the age of 18 to come before the Nassau County Legislature?

That would make abortion "rare".

If Bishop Murphy is unsure of his mistake all he needed to see was how Newsday praised him for appearing with Suozzi.

Murphy maybe a theologian, but political leadership is not his strongest suit.

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