I THINK…THEREFORE I AM PRO-LIFE

Life Matters —The Newsletter of the Respect Life Office of the Diocese of Rockford
December 2002

By Patricia Pitkus Bainbridge
Associate Director, Respect Life Office

French philosopher Descartes is probably best known for his statement, “Cogito, ergo sum—I think, therefore I am.” Over the years many individuals have added various words to complete Descartes’ declaration. Many of these additions have represented rather inane ideas.

A noted exception is a bumper sticker recently observed in the Rockford area that stated, “I Think…Therefore I Am Pro-Life.” This message offers both pro-lifers and those who advocate abortion an opportunity to reflect on why they believe what they do about abortion.

Most abortion apologists (including the majority of the dominate media culture) continually attempt to portray pro-lifers as unthinking, emotional, uneducated religious fanatics who just blindly follow what their religious leaders tell them without really thinking for themselves. What these pro-choice for abortion individuals fail to recognize or in some cases refuse to acknowledge is that authentic pro-life people do think and have valid reasons for their positions. Some pro-life individuals are self-described atheists and agnostics—hardly following the lead of religious leaders. Others are faithful to the Church’s teaching recognizing the wisdom and rationality in its unambiguous pro-life stance.

The truth is that the pro-choice for abortion individuals are the ones guilty of not thinking rationally. The arguments offered to support abortion are emotionally charged, illogical and simply cannot be defended on the basis of sound analysis! There are a number of abortion apologists who are very articulate speakers—they sound very convincing in their attempts at defending abortion. However, an honest and dispassionate look at the scientific evidence coupled with sound and consistent reasoning leads intellectually honest people to come down on the side of life for the pre-born.

In all fairness, there are individuals who are unable to adequately articulate or even fully understand why they are pro-life and this is unfortunate. We encourage anyone who wants to learn more about the life issues to contact the Diocesan Respect Life Office.

Copyright, 2002