I believe in the sanctity of human life. Abortion is a most serious matter and those who have suffered rape, incest, or whose lives or health are endangered by pregnancy or whose fetus has been determined to suffer debilitating defects should seek council with their doctor, their faith, and their family.
State legislators continue to test the Supreme Court's "Roe v. Wade" decision, but I believe legal prohibition of abortion would require a constitutional amendment and such amendments have failed time and time again. Instead of attempting to control individuals through constitutional amendments, let's control the demand for abortion with the sensible use of contraception, education, and abstinence.
Those who would seek elective abortion for personal or social convenience should be given other legitimate options such as support systems for single mothers and adoption. Family values demand that we value families, and that includes reducing child and infant mortality as part of a general health care program, making sure working parents have safe and affordable child care, and that all workers receive a fair and living wage.
Rather than legislating morality, the federal government should join with responsible communities and families to reduce elective abortion. Recently, Midvale, Utah has made great strides in reducing teen pregnancy through use of community development block grants teaching personal responsibility both before and after conception of a child. Let us work together and promote this model program nationwide.