A recent column in the Register began and ended with tragedies. The beginning tragedy described a horrible case of incest, pregnancy, and a botched coat-hanger abortion. An awful picture of pain and depravity.

The ending tragedy was the false assertion that human life does not begin until the first breath, citing the Biblical creation of Adam as God breathing into dust to start the human race. We believe in Divine Creation. But the tragedy of the view expressed in the column is to apply it to ongoing life and birth processes and to use it as an excuse to view the unborn as not alive or not human.

We doubt that the column author or many this Christmas would assert that Jesus was not human until he first breathed. When we read scripture, we see references to the truth that God knows us as individuals “before the foundation of the world.” (Jeremiah 1:5). In this scripture, God pointedly spoke to the Old Testament prophet named Jeremiah, saying that He shaped him in his mother’s womb, knew him, and had plans and purpose for him.

The abortion debate in our society is emotionally personal, highly conflicted, divisive, and sobering. It deserves a thoughtful and caring conversation. It should not be decided on a view that says, “Oh well, a child is not human until first breath.” One of the tragedies of abortion is it devalues life, which is precious for both mother and child. 

Because life is a precious gift from God, we encourage you to join us in voting NO on Amendment G.