Barney Frank once said, “Life begins at conception and ends at birth.” 

He was commenting on those who support banning abortion but do not address the needs of children or mothers after the birth. Many people defend the rights of embryos but do not consider their needs or the needs of their mothers once they are born.

For example, Alabama’s Senate recently approved legislation that would ban nearly all abortions in the state but refused to consider amendments that would provide health care for the mothers who are denied abortions.  

Embryos are idealized but are often found to be a problem when they grow up. They are ignored after birth when they show up in emergency rooms and along our borders, when they need food, refuge, health care or compassion.

They may grow up to be LGBTQ teenagers who aren’t worthy of protection and instead receive contempt, are the brunt of jokes, refused service or not allowed to use a public restroom.

Embryos who one day need government assistance are no longer valued. If they grow up Muslim, they are branded as terrorist sympathizers.

There is a difference between anti-abortion and pro-life. Pro-life means having compassion for embryos and for migrant children; school shooting victims; sick toddlers; young black men; Muslim families; poor families; LGBTQ teenagers; and the environment.

— Roger Hull 

China Grove