BELIEFS THAT MATTER:

Pro-Choice for Life: A Balanced Perspective on the Right to Life

Few topics are as polarizing as the debate between being Pro-Life or Pro-Choice. The clash between the sanctity of life and a woman’s right to make choices about her body has become a dividing line in our society. For me, however, I believe that this debate is fundamentally focused on the wrong issue. The current discourse often revolves around taking a right away from one being to potentially give it to another. Instead of fueling the division, I think it’s important to find a compassionate compromise. This is why I identify as a “Pro-Choice for Life” proponent—a position that balances both the sanctity of life and the autonomy of women.

What is “Pro-Choice for Life”?

Being “Pro-Choice for Life” means holding a nuanced view that respects both the complexity of pregnancy and the right of women to make autonomous decisions. It acknowledges the sacredness of life, the responsibility that comes with free will, and the right of every woman to make informed decisions in consultation with her doctor and her personal beliefs. This balanced perspective is grounded in a few key principles:

1. Autonomy and Responsibility

I believe that free will is a gift from God, and with that gift comes the right to make choices about our own bodies. A woman, as an autonomous being, has the right to choose whether to carry a pregnancy to term. This decision should be made in consultation with her doctor, based on her health, circumstances, and beliefs.

However, free will doesn’t exist in isolation—it comes with responsibility. The choices we make shape not only our own lives but also those around us. A decision as significant as whether to continue a pregnancy carries emotional, physical, and spiritual consequences that must be weighed carefully. This is why it’s so important that women are empowered with the information they need to make decisions rooted in responsibility and informed by the realities of both life and their autonomy.

2. Divine Timing and the Role of Spirit

One of the mysteries that science has yet to explain is the significance of the spirit. At what point does a fetus become a living being with a spirit? I believe that God, at some point during pregnancy, breathes the breath of life into the fetus. This moment, known only to God, transforms the fetus into a living being. It’s a divine mystery, and because no one can definitively determine when this occurs, it’s important to give women the space to listen to the voice of God within themselves as they consider their options.

While science provides valuable insights into pregnancy, it does not have all the answers—especially when it comes to the spiritual significance of life. I believe that when women are given clear, honest information and the opportunity to reflect, they are capable of making decisions that align with their values and with God’s timing.

3. Honesty About Emotional Costs

From the moment a woman knows she is pregnant, she is aware that something new exists within her—a potential life. Ignoring or downplaying this reality is disingenuous and fails to acknowledge the emotional complexity of pregnancy. Whether a pregnancy ends due to miscarriage, abortion, or delivery, it can bring significant emotional and psychological struggles. Every woman has the right to be fully informed of these potential consequences before making her decision.

This means that doctors and medical professionals have a responsibility to engage in open, honest conversations with women about the potential emotional, psychological, and spiritual impacts of ending a pregnancy. In doing so, women can make informed decisions based on all the facts, and they can better prepare for the emotional journey ahead, regardless of how the pregnancy ends.

4. Trust and the Right to Induce Labor

If a pregnancy reaches a stage where the fetus is viable outside the womb, and the woman is considering terminating the pregnancy, I believe she should be offered the option to induce labor rather than terminate the life of the fetus. Inducing labor provides the opportunity for the fetus to survive, offering a chance at life through adoption or other means. This option respects both the woman’s autonomy and the potential for life, allowing her to make the choice to end the pregnancy without ending the life of the fetus.

This approach fosters trust—trust in medical expertise, trust in the woman’s judgment, and trust that her decision can honor both her autonomy and the life that exists within her.

Free Will and Responsibility: Balancing Choice with Accountability

At the heart of the “Pro-Choice for Life” stance is the recognition that free will is both a right and a responsibility. God has given us the freedom to make choices, and with that freedom comes the responsibility to understand the weight of our decisions. Autonomy is important, but so is the recognition that our choices have consequences—not just for ourselves but for the lives we influence.

This means we must approach the right to choose with care. The choices we make about life, particularly in the context of pregnancy, are profound and should not be taken lightly. They must be made with consideration of the spiritual, emotional, and physical consequences, as well as the responsibilities we bear as individuals with free will.

Conclusion: Compassionate Compromise

Being “Pro-Choice for Life” means advocating for a woman’s right to make autonomous decisions about her body while recognizing the potential for life from the moment of conception. It respects the complexity of pregnancy, the emotional and spiritual dimensions of choice, and the belief that when women are given full information and the opportunity to listen to divine guidance, they will make decisions that reflect their values and their responsibilities.

This perspective is not about taking rights away from one being to give them to another. Instead, it’s about finding a compassionate balance that honors both the sanctity of life and the autonomy of women. It’s about trusting that with free will comes responsibility, and with responsibility comes the need for grace—grace for ourselves, for others, and for the lives we are entrusted with.

In the end, I believe that when we shift the focus away from division and toward compassion, we create space for better conversations, deeper understanding, and more thoughtful choices. Free will, life, and responsibility are deeply intertwined, and it’s through this lens of compassion that we can best navigate the complexities of the “Pro-Life vs. Pro-Choice” debate with grace and integrity.

OTHER ARTICLES IN THIS SERIES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING POSTS: