(Letter to the Editor - Graphic Illustration/MetroCreativeConnection)

I write this as a person of faith who values Life — especially the abundant life of human persons referenced in the Gospel of John (10:10). For some, valuing human life is expressed by strict opposition to abortion. I do not hold such a view, and my objective in this letter is to explain why.

Opponents of abortion commonly express the belief that “(human) life begins at conception.” In one sense, my belief is more comprehensive: I believe the egg and sperm are independent, living cells prior to conception, and by virtue of their human DNA they represent human life. But I argue that defining human life is not the issue; it is important to differentiate between “human life” and “human person.”

The fact that a human capable of becoming pregnant is a human person is self-evident. Some people, claiming religious belief, would argue that the embryo or fetus that defines a pregnancy is also a human person; however, that belief is NOT universal. In my understanding, Judaism essentially assigns the taking of the first breath to mark the onset of the life of a human person — NOT the moment of conception. Clearly, many people disagree with the Jewish definition — even though this would have been the understanding in the time of Jesus.

A discussion of the concept of personhood is beyond the scope of this letter; however, to mandate restrictions on the health, liberty, and agency of a person on the basis of the theological beliefs of others is a violation of religious freedom in my opinion. In this vein, a number of recent lawsuits opposing abortion restrictions in Florida have been filed by clergy who claim their religious freedoms were infringed.

Some abortion opponents would deny exceptions in the case of incest and rape. I find the forced continuation of such pregnancies to be abhorrent and inhumane. A victim may freely decide to continue such a pregnancy, but it should be their decision, their “choice;” NOT the mandate of the State.

Pro-choice does not equal pro-abortion. It means the decision regarding pregnancy should ultimately be made by the person who is pregnant. I believe in policies that reduce the need for abortion such as comprehensive sex education, accessible contraception, and affordable healthcare. My support of these policies, as well as the support of like-minded political candidates, is consistent with my religious faith; not in spite of it.

Steven Peck

Washington, W.Va.