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Abortion a legal, moral battlefield

Definition of when life begins pivotal to debate

By JIM HUGHES
As published in today's Sun chain newspapers

TORONTO, December 17, 2007 (LifeSiteNews.com) - With the Morgentaler acquittal on Jan. 28, 1988, the Supreme Court of Canada eliminated Section 251 of the Criminal Code, because it was not equally applied across the country, thus removing all protection for unborn babies. The court also stated that it was within the purview of Parliament to enact new abortion legislation, if it so desired, providing that it met the criteria of the court.

Today, in Canada, any pregnant woman could legally have her unborn child aborted for any reason or for no particular reason, at any time during the pregnancy, right up to delivery.

The Morgentaler decision ensured that the Canadian pro-life movement would continue to focus attention on the killing of pre-born babies in their mothers' wombs -- today totalling more than three million.

With the introduction of DNA testing, it is possible to show that from the time of conception (fertilization) a new human life was in existence.

The fact is that those who oppose the killing of pre-born babies cannot, and will not, give up the struggle in defence of the dignity of all human life from conception until natural death. Supporters continue to take their pro-life message to the streets through a variety of methods. Life Chain takes place in North American cities and towns across the continent on an annual basis and continues to grow here in Canada.

Ten years ago, the National March for Life was inaugurated on Parliament Hill.

In 2007, it resulted in almost 7,000 people marching through the streets of our nation's capital demanding protection for the unborn.

Each year, the number has continued to grow, especially among young people. In 2007, about 65% of the marchers were under the age of 25 and the sold-out Rose Dinner with 1,100 in attendance, attracted over 50% who were under 25 years.

Today, two-thirds of Canadians want a halt to the indiscriminate slaughter of unborn children through abortion. The pro-life movement has changed in the last 20 years, developed a thicker skin, so to speak, and entrenched itself for the duration, as our voices continue to be heard and the voices of the "pro-choice" supporters decline.

Contrary to the claims of former prime minister Jean Chretien, Canada does not have social peace on the issue. Quite the contrary, more and more women and men have been coming forward to tell their stories about how they have been hurt by abortion.

The project initiated in Calgary by the Canadian Centre for Bio-Ethical Reform, to illustrate the slaughter by means of showing graphic images on trucks, of aborted babies, is raising a new awareness.

The Internet is now used to educate young people by providing direct access to information about crucial life issues. Political activity continues to change minds in favour of the dignity of human life.

Today, the pro-life movement continues to evolve, encompassing a larger number of advocates, and includes those who have been personally damaged by their direct involvement with abortion.

From the beginning, the overall attitude of the pro-life movement towards those who seek abortion has been to show them love. Prayers for both, the mother and abortionist, goes hand in hand with rejection of the act of abortion.

The movement promotes a culture of hope, while re-committing itself to never give up until there is true peace on the issue -- respect for all human beings, born and unborn, handicapped or whole, wanted or marginalized.
 

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