Foes in abortion debate can unite for prevention

For more than 15 years my father, a retired United Methodist minister, has been a volunteer escort at an abortion clinic. Peacefully and protectively, he accompanies patients as they walk through a gauntlet of screaming, shouting and pushing protesters. My father says that, despite this terrorizing onslaught, he has never seen a single woman change her mind.

My father's experience reflects the state of our nation as we mark the 35th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark Roe v. Wade decision.

During the past three decades, anti-choice forces have tried to make abortion inaccessible, if not illegal. Their efforts have led to the establishment of mandated waiting periods, permissions and tests, and required "informed consent" scripts written by legislators. They have forced many clinics to close and they have demonized doctors and clinic workers, resulting in fewer medical professionals willing to provide services.

However, despite imposing more restrictions than many countries, the U.S. continues to have one of the highest abortion rates in the industrialized world. Clearly, increasing restrictions does not work to reduce abortions. In fact, a recent study by the World Health Organization and the Guttmacher Institute shows that abortion rates are just as high in countries where it is illegal as in countries where it is legal. Where it is illegal, however, women suffer higher rates of death and injury due to unsafe abortions.

Facts such as these explain why polls have consistently shown for the past 35 years that a majority of Americans support abortion rights. However, many are tired of the acrimony that surrounds this issue.

I propose three areas in which we might find agreement and a basis for cooperation:

Prevention. The key to reducing abortions is not by restricting or criminalizing it, but rather by preventing unintended pregnancy -- the primary reason for most abortions. Multiple studies have shown that the most effective way to prevent unintended pregnancy is by developing strong family planning programs, making contraception affordable and accessible, and improving sex education in our schools. We Hoosiers certainly have our work cut out for us: A Guttmacher Institute study ranked Indiana 49th in the nation in efforts to help women avoid unintended pregnancy. An example of proposed Indiana legislation that would support prevention is SB277, protecting the right of patients to have their birth control prescriptions filled.

Making parenting easier. The majority of U.S. women who have abortions are already mothers. According to a recent report in the Journal of Family Issues, most choose abortion because they don't have the resources to care for another child. Together, we could work for measures that would make parenting an easier "choice." Such measures could include health care for families and affordable child care. An example of proposed legislation that would support this goal is HB1041, a state Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit for working families.

Improving the public discourse. Let us all agree to oppose violence, violent rhetoric and coercion. Together, we can work to create a climate of mutual respect and understanding. Let us recognize and accept the fact that people of different faiths have varying beliefs on this topic while at the same time recognizing that abortion presents profound moral and ethical questions.

Imagine what could happen if anti-choice and pro-choice forces came together in common purpose, improving the public discourse and working to reduce abortions by preventing unintended pregnancies and by making parenting an easier choice. Now that's what I would call pro-life.

McSpadden is president, Indiana Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice.