Thomas Peters–who *shameless plug alert* is a contributor to The Church and New Media–has done some great analysis of the most recent Gallup Poll on abortion. The survey results are interesting. In 2010, the majority of Americans described themselves as “pro-life.” But in 2011, “pro-choice” has once more become the dominant title (why is this?).
But one of the graphs left me in a stupor. I’m completely confused by this: 51% of Americans believe abortion is morally wrong, yet only 22% think abortion should be illegal. Assuming that the 51% believe abortion is wrong because it is murder–and I don’t know any other reason why it would be morally wrong–then that statistical gap is terrifying.
It means that the majority of our society doesn’t think murder should be legislated, that each person should choose for themselves, taking into account their own personal situations and desires, whether another person should live. I can’t imagine a more slippery slope. Or a more deadly one.
However, all is not bad. Thomas draws three conclusions from the data that should help politicians turn the tide of this battle toward life:
1. “Most Americans dislike abortion, and for thirty years we’ve been trying to reduce the number of abortions the wrong way – by giving more money to abortion providers. That’s why we have more abortions now than ever. Let’s send our tax money and private funds to organizations that have a proven track record of helping women make pro-life choices.”
2. “The majority of Americans believe abortion is morally wrong. That means that we should support organizations and groups that agree that abortion is morally wrong, and do everything in our power to help women make the right choice –the pro-life choice –easier.”
3. “Most Americans believe abortions should really be rare. And the only group that has actually made progress in making abortion rare is the pro-life movement. We have to seriously listen to their solutions and proposals first, because the pro-choice side has had a generation to figure this out and has failed to deliver.”