Scott Roeder has been convicted of first-degree murder in the death of Geroge Tiller.
I think this case proves an interesting point about the mindset of some of these apparent “Pro-Lifers.” First of all, I must state that I abhor the terms Pro-Life and Pro-Choice to define the sides of this debate. Having said that, I think the term Pro-Life shouldn’t be used within this debate. Last Friday (January 22, 2010), Washington saw the March for Life, a “Pro-Life” event. But the majority of these people, besides not fully understanding all the issues on both sides of this debate, simply aren’t Pro-Life: they are Pro-Birth.
Roeder has proven that he is not for life when he murdered Tiller. By his own admission, Roeder committed the crime in order to defend unborn children. Scott Roeder is Pro-Birth.
One might inquire to the difference, and it is substantial. The same people that are Pro-Birth sometimes also happen to be pro-Capital Punishment. Some of them, such as Roeder, are willing to commit violence in order to make their point. No one that has a true regard for the sanctity of life at all stages could support any act of violence against another human being.
Of course, being Pro-Birth reframes the entire argument, and that’s a good thing. The opposite side isn’t Pro-Death, and it’s still not Pro-Choice. Honestly, I’m not sure what it is… Pro-Leave-my-Body-Alone? Pro-Mind-your-own-Business? Pro-America-doesn’t-Afford-me-any-better-Options?
Speaking of better options, if the Pro-Birthers would like to reduce the number of abortions occurring, it’s not going to happen through trying to overturn Roe v. Wade. It’s also not going to change the course of our society by killing abortion doctors. Both of those kinds of actions only wastes time and money. What America needs to do is offer women a better option. Information. Free pre-natal care. Revamping foster care and child welfare services. Making it easier to adopt.
Until we push for these kinds of reforms, many Americans on both sides of this issue will continue to yell and shout and send their money to organizations that aren’t going to change the system, because as it is, the system helps them gain a whole lot of money. It’s a complicated issue that’s been boiled down to sound bites, bumper stickers and campaign posters. And that’s the worst thing that can happen to ensure that nothing is done at all.