I have trouble with abortion for two reasons. First, I can't make up my mind which way I lean with regard to abortion. And second, the two competing interests are both compelling (at least I find them compelling).

I am a person who believes that people should be free to exercise their liberty to the fullest extent but I do support the right of the goverment to abridge absolute freedom when the exercise of that freedom materially interferes with the reasonable with the freedom of another.

For example, I am an ardent supporter of gay rights because although people have reasons why they don't like it, people simply cannot show how it materially interferes with their freedom to allow gays equal rights. On the other hand, people who oppose abortion can easily show that the unfettered right to abortions does materially interfere with the freedom (that is the freedom to life) or another (if you conclude that a fetus is a person at conception). It also tips the scale for me that women who get pregnant assume the risk that they will become pregnant by their actions. And adoption is always an option. One of the main reasons why I feel abortions should be allowed is that women will have them anyway and it is better to allow the procedure in a safe environment rather than a back room.

I honestly have days where I say I am pro-life and days when I say I am pro-choice. I usually admit to being on the fence.

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"George W. Bush surrounds himself with smart people the way a hole surrounds itself with a donut." —Dennis Miller