Introduction
Abortion remains a contentious issue that continues to attract the attention of many stakeholders, ethicists, and scholars. Within the past decade, numerous thoughts, principles, and laws have emerged that seek to either support or oppose this practice. Pope John Paul II is one of the global leaders whose contribution to the topic cannot be ignored. This paper tries to examine the abortion ethical dilemma from the lens of the Pope’s thoughts and proposals.
Explanation of Quotes
In most of his works, Pope John Paul II identified abortion as malpractice that had the potential to threaten the future of human life. Towards the end of the 20th century, new ideas and thoughts began to emerge in different parts of the world since many people wanted to have this malpractice legalized. In the quote “call things by their proper name”, Paul II is trying to guide Christian believers and his followers to become more practical and considerate when addressing the challenges and debates in their lives. For instance, the leader believes that individuals commit a serious mistake by claiming that an unborn child does not have the physical body, abilities, and faculties associated with human beings. Those who decide to abort do so trying while trying to rely on the existing laws and provisions that seem to allow them to pursue their natural freedoms. However, Paul II believes that any act of abortion is equivalent to murder. He goes further to assert that any other reason or opinion that different people present on this subject is wrong and deceptive. This kind of knowledge is what compels him to encourage more people to start calling things by their real names without the need to identify new opinions or arguments to justify their actions or goals.
The second quote focuses on the question of evil and good. The best interpretation for this thought can be obtained by examining the Pope’s views from a Christian perspective. Using this idea, this religious leader tries to caution those who try to change situations and deceive others in an effort to pursue what would be wrong or unacceptable in the eyes of God. Human beings are created in His image and they should be on the frontline to be part of His entire creation and protect life whenever possible. According to Pope Paul II, those who go further to put darkness for light will face God’s wrath during Judgment Day. This kind of malpractice appears to echo what this leader calls “structure of sin”. Many people have become victims of this form of disobedience since they pursue it as a way of maximizing their own experiences and gains while ignoring the life of the unborn child. When more individuals continue to be part of this sin, chances are high that they will be taking themselves closer to God’s wrath. The decision to allow abortion is, therefore, what Paul II refers to as calling evil good. Such malpractice is also against the teachings of Christ and God’s commandments.
Agreement with Pope’s Quotes
The selected quotes offer new insights and thoughts that human beings can utilize to get a new understanding of the abortion question. In the first one, Paul II encourages his readers and followers to embrace a new practice of identifying and defining actions appropriately. This kind of assertion is acceptable since people tend to consider loopholes and gaps in society to pursue actions that might be naturally wrong or unacceptable. For this kind of knowledge, I would agree with Paul II because any act of abortion is equivalent to murder. I understand that human life will only start at conception. This kind of assertion or fact explains why it is the responsibility of all stakeholders to take good care of the unborn child whose life is just taking shape. Without such a process, the entire human race would be at risk. The introduction of new laws aimed at promoting abortion or allowing people to make their personal choices regarding this question is erroneous.
The ideas of Paul II are relevant since they resonate with my understanding and stand when it comes to the abortion question. Fathers who might not be in a position to raise the targeted child need to consider new approaches to address their problems. Similarly, victims of rape or abuse who end up conceiving should understand that the life of the unborn child is different from their own. As part of the wider creation, they are mandated to offer the best care and protection to babies before and even after birth. Legislators who go further to implement new laws aimed at legalizing abortion should also be aware of the opinions and views Paul II presents. When all people accept the fact that abortion amounts to murder, the global community will be halfway towards addressing this ethical dilemma.
In the second quote, Paul II manages to outline the mistakes of those who deceive others to abort and the rewards they stand to reap after the end of the world. From a religious perspective, the message is clear that human beings should be ready to use the natural gift of knowledge to differentiate what is evil from good. They will need to examine their positions in the wider system as part of God’s creation. This observation will guide them to accept that God’s intentions and expectations. Consequently, they should be ready to protect all creatures, support one another, and follow the presented commandments and teachings. Focusing on the abortion debate, it is evident that the leader tries to encourage more Christians to stop disguising evil acts as holy or permissible behaviors.
Similarly, the notions of ethics and morality reveal that abortion is wrong since it does not promote the welfare and happiness of the entire human race. Instead, it results in death and makes it impossible for unborn children to experience life in accordance with God’s plan. Personality, I support Paul II since his suggestions are acceptable and resonate with both religious and ethical values. Human beings are required to consider such attributes to redefine abortion as murder and implement personal philosophies and strategies that can protect life despite the existing circumstances.
Conclusion
The above discussion has identified abortion as one of the controversial issues facing humanity today. The presence of divergent views promoting and condemning malpractice has made it an ethical dilemma. Fortunately, the quotes and arguments Paul II offers are informative and capable of guiding more people to tackle this question successfully. Personally, I support this religious leader’s views and encourage more individuals to consider new ways of avoiding abortion to protect the integrity of human life.