To the editor:
One of the lead stories in the June 7 edition bore the headline: "Utah Demos walk thin line on abortion." It states that "state chairman Peter Billings Jr. says a delicate compromise is at work in the platform."The proposed compromise language, according to Ted Wilson, co-chairman of the state party's platform committee, would read:
"Abortion is a deeply felt personal issue, and there is not a consensus within the (state Democratic) party. However, a majority of Utah Democrats believe that reproductive decisions are profoundly personal, and such private decisions are best made by a woman, her family and her doctor, not the government."
Further, says Wilson, "We consider it a soft pro-choice stand."
Either sentence in the proposed language, standing by itself, would perhaps not generate much contention. But when linked together to suggest that abortion amounts to a "reproductive decision," the statement as a whole does indeed represent a "soft choice" - also soft-headed, irrational and illogical.
When the procreative act takes place, the "reproductive decision" has been made. If sperm meets egg and new life begins, it is my understanding that a pregnancy occurs, and further deliberation will not alter the fact.
If the woman concludes that the reproductive decision was ill-advised and wished to "reverse" it, then she must call in the wrecking crew - the abortionists. This is a brand new decision related not to reproduction and life, but rather to denial of life.
Mack Rogers
Provo