By Paul Caprio -
It’s very disappointing to me that in the midst of the turmoil created by the unfortunate remarks by Congressman Todd Akin regarding rape victims and abortion that no one has stepped forward to clarify why the pro-life community opposes a so-called “rape-incest exception.”Let me clarify why we do:
We believe that all human life begins at the moment of conception. We further believe that every human being is created in the image and likeness of God. We believe that rape is a heinous crime and a serious criminal act which should be prosecuted to the fullest. We believe there are two victims that are the result of this crime, both the woman and the unborn child. We believe, however, that the result of this terrible crime should not be the taking of an innocent life. Our hearts go out to the women who have endured this traumatic experience and transgression. That’s why Family-Pac has strongly supported crisis pregnancy centers which assist rape victims at this critical and difficult time. We also support faith-based adoption and foster care options when mothers choose or are unable to properly raise the child. The past actions of the pro-life community in supporting both crisis pregnancy centers and faith-based adoption and foster care options speak loud and clear of our sincere commitment to helping rape victims make the right decisions and to support their decisions at this critical time in a woman’s life. For us, this issue is not about Todd Akin’s political future, it’s about a clear defense of why pro-lifers and people of faith do not support a so-called “rape-incest exception” for abortion. I sincerely hope this clarifies matters for everyone.
