Respect Life Essay Contest Winners - 2024
Lydia Brown
First Place, Junior Division
Grade 6 - Homeschool
Imagine standing before God, before the creator of the whole entire universe, in heaven and God telling you, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.” Every single child is very precious and important to God. They are all made in his own image and God has a plan for every single one of them.
When women are considering abortion, they might be afraid and not believe that they really have a child inside of them. If women are in a crisis pregnancy, they don’t have to turn to abortion. There are so many people and groups out there willing to step in and help them. Some of those groups are Bethlehem House, Embrace Grace, and Birthright. Each group supports women in crisis pregnancies by buying them all the baby accessories they need, talking to them, and telling them that they are not in this alone! Some groups even provide places that pregnant women can stay in!
No one should ever abort their baby or feel forced to do so. According to Catholic Online, St. Gianna Molla is an example of someone who respected and treasured the amazing gift of life! Gianna was pregnant with her fourth child when a tumor was found. She was given options. The options were: abortion, a total hysterectomy, or to try and remove the tumor, the riskiest of them all. St. Gianna chose none of those. She continued with the pregnancy and made it clear that if there were problems during the delivery they should save the child’s life rather than her own. She gave birth to a baby girl, but St. Gianna died eight days later due to the complications of the delivery. The baby girl, named Gianna Emanuela, grew up to be a physician herself and is living a wonderful life because of her mom’s selfless sacrifice!
The Catholic Bishops of Northern Ireland reminds us: “All christians and people of goodwill are obliged in conscience not to cooperate formally in abortion services even if permitted by civil legislation.” Even after the overturn of Roe v Wade, people still are choosing abortion over the life of their child. Even though the laws are changing, we still need to pray for hearts to change and women and families to feel loved. We are called to be a voice for the voiceless.
Jesus created all of us out of love and delights in us. May we always remember how much Jesus values every person, no matter how small! As Catholics, we know that from the moment of conception, life is to be protected and defended. “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.” Jeremiah 1:5
First Place, Junior Division
Grade 6 - Homeschool
Imagine standing before God, before the creator of the whole entire universe, in heaven and God telling you, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.” Every single child is very precious and important to God. They are all made in his own image and God has a plan for every single one of them.
When women are considering abortion, they might be afraid and not believe that they really have a child inside of them. If women are in a crisis pregnancy, they don’t have to turn to abortion. There are so many people and groups out there willing to step in and help them. Some of those groups are Bethlehem House, Embrace Grace, and Birthright. Each group supports women in crisis pregnancies by buying them all the baby accessories they need, talking to them, and telling them that they are not in this alone! Some groups even provide places that pregnant women can stay in!
No one should ever abort their baby or feel forced to do so. According to Catholic Online, St. Gianna Molla is an example of someone who respected and treasured the amazing gift of life! Gianna was pregnant with her fourth child when a tumor was found. She was given options. The options were: abortion, a total hysterectomy, or to try and remove the tumor, the riskiest of them all. St. Gianna chose none of those. She continued with the pregnancy and made it clear that if there were problems during the delivery they should save the child’s life rather than her own. She gave birth to a baby girl, but St. Gianna died eight days later due to the complications of the delivery. The baby girl, named Gianna Emanuela, grew up to be a physician herself and is living a wonderful life because of her mom’s selfless sacrifice!
The Catholic Bishops of Northern Ireland reminds us: “All christians and people of goodwill are obliged in conscience not to cooperate formally in abortion services even if permitted by civil legislation.” Even after the overturn of Roe v Wade, people still are choosing abortion over the life of their child. Even though the laws are changing, we still need to pray for hearts to change and women and families to feel loved. We are called to be a voice for the voiceless.
Jesus created all of us out of love and delights in us. May we always remember how much Jesus values every person, no matter how small! As Catholics, we know that from the moment of conception, life is to be protected and defended. “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.” Jeremiah 1:5
Joanna Staab
Second Place, Junior Division
Grade 6 - Regina Elementary School
One way kids my age can help make abortion unthinkable is by donating clothes to help moms (and their children) in need. Kids can do this by talking to their parents and going through old clothes that don’t fit them anymore. Then, after finding old clothes, the families can donate them to organizations that help support mothers in need. Then mothers might understand that there are people out there that are trying to help and support them and their child.
Another way kids can help stop abortion is by making blankets and buying items for babies. This activity would give the same level of support as donating clothes. To make the blanket, the family would simply buy materials then either use a sewing machine or make a tie blanket. It could also be a fun activity for children to go shopping with their parents for things like diapers, baby toys, and baby food. Both activities would be a fun way for families to bond while helping to stop abortion.
Another way kids my age could help is by volunteering to help educate people at the Johnson County Fair. While the kid might find this activity boring at first, it is actually quite fun. How do I know this? From experience, of course! At the booth that I helped out in, there was a screen that showed pictures of what different aged babies looked like in the womb. There was also a telephone that you could pick up and when you did you would hear what a baby’s heartbeat sounded like! We also got to pass out little baby dolls to people. I think it was a fun activity that you should try.
Another way children my age can help mothers is by praying for them and trusting that God will help those mothers. The will of God is a powerful thing, and the more that we trust and pray, the more likely it is that God will help them. We can ask God to help the mothers make the right decision for their families and trust that if it is right He will do it. Even if God only helps one person, it is still one more person who gets to see this world. We trust God that He will help us to make abortion unthinkable for others.
Lastly, families can also go on the March for Life and stand in front of an abortion center. This activity would help mothers who are considering getting an abortion to know that there are people out there praying for them. It might also encourage them not to get an abortion if they get to see how nice young children are to be standing up for their rights and trying to help them make the right decision.
These are some of the things we can do to help make abortion unthinkable. I hope you will now go out and try to do some of these things to go and help more babies live!
Second Place, Junior Division
Grade 6 - Regina Elementary School
One way kids my age can help make abortion unthinkable is by donating clothes to help moms (and their children) in need. Kids can do this by talking to their parents and going through old clothes that don’t fit them anymore. Then, after finding old clothes, the families can donate them to organizations that help support mothers in need. Then mothers might understand that there are people out there that are trying to help and support them and their child.
Another way kids can help stop abortion is by making blankets and buying items for babies. This activity would give the same level of support as donating clothes. To make the blanket, the family would simply buy materials then either use a sewing machine or make a tie blanket. It could also be a fun activity for children to go shopping with their parents for things like diapers, baby toys, and baby food. Both activities would be a fun way for families to bond while helping to stop abortion.
Another way kids my age could help is by volunteering to help educate people at the Johnson County Fair. While the kid might find this activity boring at first, it is actually quite fun. How do I know this? From experience, of course! At the booth that I helped out in, there was a screen that showed pictures of what different aged babies looked like in the womb. There was also a telephone that you could pick up and when you did you would hear what a baby’s heartbeat sounded like! We also got to pass out little baby dolls to people. I think it was a fun activity that you should try.
Another way children my age can help mothers is by praying for them and trusting that God will help those mothers. The will of God is a powerful thing, and the more that we trust and pray, the more likely it is that God will help them. We can ask God to help the mothers make the right decision for their families and trust that if it is right He will do it. Even if God only helps one person, it is still one more person who gets to see this world. We trust God that He will help us to make abortion unthinkable for others.
Lastly, families can also go on the March for Life and stand in front of an abortion center. This activity would help mothers who are considering getting an abortion to know that there are people out there praying for them. It might also encourage them not to get an abortion if they get to see how nice young children are to be standing up for their rights and trying to help them make the right decision.
These are some of the things we can do to help make abortion unthinkable. I hope you will now go out and try to do some of these things to go and help more babies live!
Ashlyn Bentler
Third Place, Junior Division
Grade 6 - Homeschool
Helping Women with Embrace Grace
Embrace Grace is an organization that helps single, pregnant women that do not know what to do. They recently started an Embrace Grace group in Iowa City. They have two leaders and around six other rolls that help with things like planning baby showers and princess day, which is when they take the mother on a special, fun outing. They can have a hard time finding a woman to work with because some women are scared and feeling alone with no help or comfort. So if a pregnancy center finds someone who might need something like Embrace Grace they will ask them if they are willing to try it out. And if she is willing to try, they will contact a local Embrace Grace group. The whole process is ten to twelve weeks and in that time, they have meetings, and they have a Bible verse that fits with her story and what she struggles with. They encourage her to love God and to know that she is loved.
You can volunteer to help with things like planning baby showers and making food or anything they might need help with. Embrace Grace also has something called a Love Box that they donate for free to pregnancy centers. The Love Box is given to young ladies that just found out they are pregnant and are scared and thinking about abortion. The Love Box has a onesie that says Best Gift Ever and encouraging stories from other young women that have gone through the Embrace Grace process. It also has a journal that has encouraging notes written by other young ladies.
This has changed the prospective for some young women and makes them feel like they have a place in the world. I really enjoyed researching and learning more about Embrace Grace and I would love to help Embrace Grace when I am older so that these young women do not even think about having an abortion or doubting themselves.
Third Place, Junior Division
Grade 6 - Homeschool
Helping Women with Embrace Grace
Embrace Grace is an organization that helps single, pregnant women that do not know what to do. They recently started an Embrace Grace group in Iowa City. They have two leaders and around six other rolls that help with things like planning baby showers and princess day, which is when they take the mother on a special, fun outing. They can have a hard time finding a woman to work with because some women are scared and feeling alone with no help or comfort. So if a pregnancy center finds someone who might need something like Embrace Grace they will ask them if they are willing to try it out. And if she is willing to try, they will contact a local Embrace Grace group. The whole process is ten to twelve weeks and in that time, they have meetings, and they have a Bible verse that fits with her story and what she struggles with. They encourage her to love God and to know that she is loved.
You can volunteer to help with things like planning baby showers and making food or anything they might need help with. Embrace Grace also has something called a Love Box that they donate for free to pregnancy centers. The Love Box is given to young ladies that just found out they are pregnant and are scared and thinking about abortion. The Love Box has a onesie that says Best Gift Ever and encouraging stories from other young women that have gone through the Embrace Grace process. It also has a journal that has encouraging notes written by other young ladies.
This has changed the prospective for some young women and makes them feel like they have a place in the world. I really enjoyed researching and learning more about Embrace Grace and I would love to help Embrace Grace when I am older so that these young women do not even think about having an abortion or doubting themselves.
Andrew Brown
First Place, Senior Division
Grade 11 - City High/Homeschool
“I call heaven and earth today to witness against you: I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Choose life, then, that you and your descendants may live.” (Deuteronomy 30:19)
Life is the most precious gift God has given us, therefore we must strive to protect this fragile gift that is being torn apart by abortion. From the time of conception, the baby must be respected as any other human should be treated. Pope Francis says it very well, “Even the weakest and most vulnerable, the sick, the old, the unborn and the poor, are masterpieces of God’s creation, made in his own image, destined to live forever, and deserving of the utmost reverence and respect.” Making abortion unthinkable starts with powerful prayer, offering mothers comfort and support, and standing up and being a voice for the unborn.
Prayer is so powerful and is one of the most important ways in helping make abortion unthinkable. We must ask God to give us the grace to proclaim that there has never been a moment in which anyone has ever had the authority to destroy life. Prayer is so strong and if we call on God to help us end abortion, we will win the fight. Saint Padre Pio says, “Pray, hope and don’t worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer. Prayer is the best weapon we have; it is the key to God’s heart.”
Another important way to help make abortion unthinkable is to comfort and support the mother. Mothers are often scared and forced into challenging decisions. We must be there for the mothers to support, strengthen, and comfort them, and supply them with other life saving options like Embrace Grace or Bethlehem House to name a couple. Some mothers might be led to believe that their baby is only tissue and not a human being; unfortunately this makes them more likely to abort their baby. We must educate and help mothers understand that the “tissue” in their womb is a perfectly designed human being made by the hand of God. Mothers properly informed about their life-saving options for the baby and feeling supported can say no to abortion and safely have their baby.
Finally, the last important way in helping make abortion unthinkable is to stand up and be a voice for the unborn. As Pope Saint John Paul II says so profoundly, “You are called to stand up for life! To respect and defend the mystery of life always and everywhere, including the lives of the unborn babies, giving real help and encouragement to mothers in difficult situations. You are called to work and pray against abortion.” Our voice matters and we must not be scared to stand up even if we get criticized and rejected. Bravery is found while praying on the sidewalk in front of an abortion clinic. The constant verbal harassment and insults thrown at those who are praying is hard and challenging. Pope Saint Benedict XVI said, “Find the courage to proclaim Christ… and the unchanging truths which have their foundation in Him. These are the truths that set us free! They are the truths which alone can guarantee respect for the inalienable dignity and rights of each man, woman and child in our world - including the most defenseless of all human beings, the unborn child in the mother’s womb.”
As long as abortion is in the world, we must continue to fight for life and protect the unborn. Prayer, giving mothers comfort and support, and standing up and being a voice for the unborn will help in making abortion become unthinkable. Life is beautiful and no one deserves to have this amazing gift taken away from them, so choose life! “I call heaven and earth today to witness against you: I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Choose life, then, that you and your descendants may live.”(Deuteronomy 30:19)
First Place, Senior Division
Grade 11 - City High/Homeschool
“I call heaven and earth today to witness against you: I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Choose life, then, that you and your descendants may live.” (Deuteronomy 30:19)
Life is the most precious gift God has given us, therefore we must strive to protect this fragile gift that is being torn apart by abortion. From the time of conception, the baby must be respected as any other human should be treated. Pope Francis says it very well, “Even the weakest and most vulnerable, the sick, the old, the unborn and the poor, are masterpieces of God’s creation, made in his own image, destined to live forever, and deserving of the utmost reverence and respect.” Making abortion unthinkable starts with powerful prayer, offering mothers comfort and support, and standing up and being a voice for the unborn.
Prayer is so powerful and is one of the most important ways in helping make abortion unthinkable. We must ask God to give us the grace to proclaim that there has never been a moment in which anyone has ever had the authority to destroy life. Prayer is so strong and if we call on God to help us end abortion, we will win the fight. Saint Padre Pio says, “Pray, hope and don’t worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer. Prayer is the best weapon we have; it is the key to God’s heart.”
Another important way to help make abortion unthinkable is to comfort and support the mother. Mothers are often scared and forced into challenging decisions. We must be there for the mothers to support, strengthen, and comfort them, and supply them with other life saving options like Embrace Grace or Bethlehem House to name a couple. Some mothers might be led to believe that their baby is only tissue and not a human being; unfortunately this makes them more likely to abort their baby. We must educate and help mothers understand that the “tissue” in their womb is a perfectly designed human being made by the hand of God. Mothers properly informed about their life-saving options for the baby and feeling supported can say no to abortion and safely have their baby.
Finally, the last important way in helping make abortion unthinkable is to stand up and be a voice for the unborn. As Pope Saint John Paul II says so profoundly, “You are called to stand up for life! To respect and defend the mystery of life always and everywhere, including the lives of the unborn babies, giving real help and encouragement to mothers in difficult situations. You are called to work and pray against abortion.” Our voice matters and we must not be scared to stand up even if we get criticized and rejected. Bravery is found while praying on the sidewalk in front of an abortion clinic. The constant verbal harassment and insults thrown at those who are praying is hard and challenging. Pope Saint Benedict XVI said, “Find the courage to proclaim Christ… and the unchanging truths which have their foundation in Him. These are the truths that set us free! They are the truths which alone can guarantee respect for the inalienable dignity and rights of each man, woman and child in our world - including the most defenseless of all human beings, the unborn child in the mother’s womb.”
As long as abortion is in the world, we must continue to fight for life and protect the unborn. Prayer, giving mothers comfort and support, and standing up and being a voice for the unborn will help in making abortion become unthinkable. Life is beautiful and no one deserves to have this amazing gift taken away from them, so choose life! “I call heaven and earth today to witness against you: I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Choose life, then, that you and your descendants may live.”(Deuteronomy 30:19)
Michael Bentler
Second Place, Senior Division
Grade 9 - Homeschool
What is Abortion and What Does It Do?
What is Abortion? This is a question that many people, young and old, these days, ask themselves. Is the fetus human? Is it truly murder? Is it worth it for the sake of the mother? In what time of pregnancy does this become unacceptable? However, despite all objections, and in all reality, abortion is a terrible sin, and a violation of human rights. And here I shall explain why.
What is abortion? Abortion is the terminating of a human fetus. Already this is setting off some red flags. “And God saw everything that he had made, and behold it was very good… (Gen 1:31).” The fetus in question is truly a human fetus, as opposed to a monkey fetus or squirrel fetus. This already gives it dignity, in the fact that it is of our species. “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness… (Gen 1:26).” Life is sacred, and the terminating of any man or woman is a grave thing. “You have heard that it was said to the men of old, ‘You shall not kill; and whoever kills shall be liable to judgment’ (Matthew 5:21).”
But is this truly murder? Regardless of whether it is counted as murder, any killing of a person is grave matter, and unsightly in the eyes of God. “You shall not kill (Exodus 20:13).” The criteria for an act to be considered murder, in the eyes of the Church and of the law are as follows; the action must have taken a human life, it must have been purposeful, and the murderer must have known what he or she was doing. Depending on the circumstances, abortion may meet some or all these criteria, in the case of both the mother, the abortion doctor, and all parties involved. However, regardless of whether it is murder, it is indeed killing, and therefore should be avoided at all costs. “There are six things the Lord hates, seven which are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue and hands that shed innocent blood (Proverbs 6:16-17).”
Is it worth it for the sake of the mother? Never! As I have explained, killing is a horrible sin and should be avoided at all costs, especially in a situation in which any discomfort with pregnancy is so easy to fix. Despite what modern thought and popular culture try to tell us, being a mother is one of the most dignified and beautiful things that a woman can do. “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her (Proverbs 31:28).” Nothing embodies the strengths and power of a woman better than motherhood. For is this not what they were bid to do by God? “And God blessed them, and God said to them, Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it… (Gen 1:28).” Truthfully this should not be done outside of the holy bond of matrimony, “You shall not commit adultery (Exodus 20:14).” But all things can be forgiven by the Lord. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).”
But when does this become unacceptable? From the very moment of conception! For as God said to Jerimiah, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born, I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations (Jerimiah 1:5).” Any baby, from the moment that they are conceived, is a human, and has human rights. The ancient Israelites recognized the dignity and humanity of the unborn, “For thou didst form my inward parts, thou didst knit me together in my mother’s womb (Psalms 139:13).”
In conclusion, abortion is a terrible, unthinkable sin. But there is hope. For if we strive for holiness, strive for a culture of life and of love, and union of all people in the holy Church of Jesus Christ, then we will succeed. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as you teach and admonish one another in all wisdom, and as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in our hearts to God (Colossians 3:16).” For all people deserve a chance, born and unborn, sinners and righteous. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…(Matthew 28:19).”
Second Place, Senior Division
Grade 9 - Homeschool
What is Abortion and What Does It Do?
What is Abortion? This is a question that many people, young and old, these days, ask themselves. Is the fetus human? Is it truly murder? Is it worth it for the sake of the mother? In what time of pregnancy does this become unacceptable? However, despite all objections, and in all reality, abortion is a terrible sin, and a violation of human rights. And here I shall explain why.
What is abortion? Abortion is the terminating of a human fetus. Already this is setting off some red flags. “And God saw everything that he had made, and behold it was very good… (Gen 1:31).” The fetus in question is truly a human fetus, as opposed to a monkey fetus or squirrel fetus. This already gives it dignity, in the fact that it is of our species. “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness… (Gen 1:26).” Life is sacred, and the terminating of any man or woman is a grave thing. “You have heard that it was said to the men of old, ‘You shall not kill; and whoever kills shall be liable to judgment’ (Matthew 5:21).”
But is this truly murder? Regardless of whether it is counted as murder, any killing of a person is grave matter, and unsightly in the eyes of God. “You shall not kill (Exodus 20:13).” The criteria for an act to be considered murder, in the eyes of the Church and of the law are as follows; the action must have taken a human life, it must have been purposeful, and the murderer must have known what he or she was doing. Depending on the circumstances, abortion may meet some or all these criteria, in the case of both the mother, the abortion doctor, and all parties involved. However, regardless of whether it is murder, it is indeed killing, and therefore should be avoided at all costs. “There are six things the Lord hates, seven which are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue and hands that shed innocent blood (Proverbs 6:16-17).”
Is it worth it for the sake of the mother? Never! As I have explained, killing is a horrible sin and should be avoided at all costs, especially in a situation in which any discomfort with pregnancy is so easy to fix. Despite what modern thought and popular culture try to tell us, being a mother is one of the most dignified and beautiful things that a woman can do. “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her (Proverbs 31:28).” Nothing embodies the strengths and power of a woman better than motherhood. For is this not what they were bid to do by God? “And God blessed them, and God said to them, Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it… (Gen 1:28).” Truthfully this should not be done outside of the holy bond of matrimony, “You shall not commit adultery (Exodus 20:14).” But all things can be forgiven by the Lord. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).”
But when does this become unacceptable? From the very moment of conception! For as God said to Jerimiah, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born, I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations (Jerimiah 1:5).” Any baby, from the moment that they are conceived, is a human, and has human rights. The ancient Israelites recognized the dignity and humanity of the unborn, “For thou didst form my inward parts, thou didst knit me together in my mother’s womb (Psalms 139:13).”
In conclusion, abortion is a terrible, unthinkable sin. But there is hope. For if we strive for holiness, strive for a culture of life and of love, and union of all people in the holy Church of Jesus Christ, then we will succeed. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as you teach and admonish one another in all wisdom, and as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in our hearts to God (Colossians 3:16).” For all people deserve a chance, born and unborn, sinners and righteous. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…(Matthew 28:19).”
Madelyn Alexander
Third Place, Senior Division
Grade 10 - Homeschool
Because of the push of abortion, feminist movements, and overall disrespect for the unborn, many women still experience fear and uncertainty when faced with pregnancy. I believe one of the biggest causes of this fear and uncertainty that causes women to consider abortions is a lack of support for pregnant mothers and parents at the local and national level.
A few countries, like Germany and Spain, make it less expensive to have a baby and give many weeks of maternity leave with full time pay so that the mother or the parents can take care of their babies. Sweden gives around 480 day parental leave with 80% full time pay! Finland (1, 2) even sends parents home with a baby box (that can be used a cradle), giving them resources they need for the first few months to take care of their baby. (3)
To help make abortion unthinkable, I can research what other countries do to support pregnant mothers and families with children. I can contact my legislation, governor, and state representatives on a local and national level, and encourage them to implement laws that are similar to those of the countries that support women and children. I can let them know that many mothers experience fear and uncertainty because they are afraid to lose their jobs or income if they have children, because their employer doesn’t provide maternity leave or paid time off.
This lack of support reinforces the lie that our society is telling women: that they cannot be successful if they have children. Many mothers can be successful, and even change the world. Consider Marie Curie, who had two children. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, and the only person to win one in two scientific fields. Another example is Anne Morrow Lindbergh, (4) who was a mother of six children. She was a successful writer and aviator. United States (5) Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett has seven children. This idea that women cannot be (6) successful and have children has been proven wrong countless times, but the opposite is hard to believe when our employers, states, and our nation refuse to support pregnant women and families.
If we want to make abortion unthinkable, pregnant women and families need support. Every child is made in God’s image, and every child is precious. No child should be a burden, and no families should ever go without the support to take care of their children. Local programs, laws requiring maternity and paternity pay and leave, and national programs and resources would provide the support needed. I can be active and speak out about these problems and propose plans to make it happen.
https://www.businessinsider.com/best-countries-for-mothers-maternity- 1
leave-2019-4#:~:text=The countries were ranked based, three best countries for mothers.
https://www.vox.com/2015/2/17/8054297/best-countries-new-moms 2
https://www.vox.com/2015/2/17/8054297/best-countries-new-moms 3
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marie_Curie#Nobel_Prizes 4
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anne_Morrow_Lindbergh 5
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amy_Coney_Barrett 6
Third Place, Senior Division
Grade 10 - Homeschool
Because of the push of abortion, feminist movements, and overall disrespect for the unborn, many women still experience fear and uncertainty when faced with pregnancy. I believe one of the biggest causes of this fear and uncertainty that causes women to consider abortions is a lack of support for pregnant mothers and parents at the local and national level.
A few countries, like Germany and Spain, make it less expensive to have a baby and give many weeks of maternity leave with full time pay so that the mother or the parents can take care of their babies. Sweden gives around 480 day parental leave with 80% full time pay! Finland (1, 2) even sends parents home with a baby box (that can be used a cradle), giving them resources they need for the first few months to take care of their baby. (3)
To help make abortion unthinkable, I can research what other countries do to support pregnant mothers and families with children. I can contact my legislation, governor, and state representatives on a local and national level, and encourage them to implement laws that are similar to those of the countries that support women and children. I can let them know that many mothers experience fear and uncertainty because they are afraid to lose their jobs or income if they have children, because their employer doesn’t provide maternity leave or paid time off.
This lack of support reinforces the lie that our society is telling women: that they cannot be successful if they have children. Many mothers can be successful, and even change the world. Consider Marie Curie, who had two children. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, and the only person to win one in two scientific fields. Another example is Anne Morrow Lindbergh, (4) who was a mother of six children. She was a successful writer and aviator. United States (5) Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett has seven children. This idea that women cannot be (6) successful and have children has been proven wrong countless times, but the opposite is hard to believe when our employers, states, and our nation refuse to support pregnant women and families.
If we want to make abortion unthinkable, pregnant women and families need support. Every child is made in God’s image, and every child is precious. No child should be a burden, and no families should ever go without the support to take care of their children. Local programs, laws requiring maternity and paternity pay and leave, and national programs and resources would provide the support needed. I can be active and speak out about these problems and propose plans to make it happen.
https://www.businessinsider.com/best-countries-for-mothers-maternity- 1
leave-2019-4#:~:text=The countries were ranked based, three best countries for mothers.
https://www.vox.com/2015/2/17/8054297/best-countries-new-moms 2
https://www.vox.com/2015/2/17/8054297/best-countries-new-moms 3
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marie_Curie#Nobel_Prizes 4
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anne_Morrow_Lindbergh 5
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amy_Coney_Barrett 6
Martha Hamilton
First Place, College Division
The University of Mary
With the overturn of Roe vs. Wade on June 22, 2022, the United States has come to a new era in her stance concerning the protection of life in the womb. Until 2022, the United States recognized the “right” to abortion in the Constitution, and this “right” legally allowed innocent and defenseless lives to be taken in all fifty states for over fifty years. While the scourge of abortion took countless lives, it left countless others spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally wounded. This “right” has produced unimaginable wrong, pain, and hurt in the minds and hearts of the American people. However, with the decision to legalize or ban abortion being left to the states, the time has come to bring about a new era of life, love, peace, and healing. The time has come to proclaim the beauty, goodness, and value of each and every human person. The time has come to proclaim the saving truth of the Gospel, and that Jesus Christ has already conquered every sin and misery that has ever, or will ever, be committed. The time has come to make abortion unthinkable.
To those who are deeply committed to, and know the dignity of the human person, abortion is seen for what it is: a horrible tragedy. But, in the eyes of a culture that has been so distorted with lies about humanity, abortion is seen as healthcare, or even a quick fix to an unwanted problem. If abortion is to be made unthinkable, the lies of the culture about the human person need to be uncovered, and replaced with the truth. But what are the lies and who are they from? The lies of the culture of death are many, but foundationally spring from the belief that life is not created good, and these false beliefs ultimately come from the devil, the “father of lies” (John 8:44).
To begin, it’s important to ask the question, why does the culture push so hard for abortion to be legalized? It is because the culture believes that human life is replaceable. It believes that a person’s value is something that can be earned or lost. Now, these ideas may not seem so at first glance, but they are incredibly dangerous, because their ultimate end is death. Think about it. What else would drive a person to commit suicide or euthanasia if for no other reason than for believing deep down that their life is replaceable? What else would make a mother take the life of her own child than by being pressured by the lie that neither she nor the baby inside has any value? Even if these beliefs do not cause a person to succumb to any of these physical deaths, they will eventually lead a person to a different kind of death, the death of hope. If a person lives by the false idea that their life has no value, that they are just another number, face, or statistic, then the result won’t be anything less than feeling worthless and discouraged, even to the point of despair. This is the death of hope.
However, the truth is that these beliefs are false beliefs. Sacred Scripture, the infallible, living, and effective word of God, counters these beliefs with a different kind of message. A message of hope. The message is that life is good. In fact, your life is “very good” (Genesis 1:31). God is all goodness, and He cannot create anything bad. Now, that means that every single life is good right down to its very core. This is totally contrary to the culture’s belief that one’s life, worth, and goodness are something that can be gained or lost. From womb to tomb every life is worth living because from all of eternity--and that’s a long time--every life, your life, was in the heart of God the Father. God loves you, and He loves your life not for anything good or bad you have done, but simply because you are very good and unimaginably precious to Him.
Now, it is one thing to know this truth in one’s mind, but an entirely different thing to believe it in one’s heart. Remember, the false ideas of the culture of death are from the devil. But Jesus Christ, in taking on a human body, conquered the devil through His death and resurrection. In doing this, God the Father has proclaimed to each person that their life is worth it. Every person can have confidence, through Jesus, that their life is completely good and worthy of love. In the name of Jesus Christ, the name that causes the devil to tremble, each person can renounce the lies of the culture of death. And, by rejecting these lies, each person can recognize their own unshakeable goodness, see this same goodness in others, and proclaim the message of life and love to others. I believe that this is how all people can work together to make abortion, or any other practice against life, truly unthinkable.
The time has come to make abortion unthinkable, and to proclaim the life-giving truth of the Gospel. In helping others recognize the lies of today’s culture, mothers, fathers, children, and people of all ages will come to realize the beauty of their own lives, and of the lives of those around them. Further, by accepting the truth and love of Jesus Christ, people of all ages can reject the lies that hold them bound in fear, causing them to make decisions that lead to death. The time has come to courageously share the truth that every human life, born and unborn, is so very good. The time has come to let this truth be poured over our own hearts and to pour it out upon everyone around us. It is time to declare, with Jesus the Lord of all stages of life, that we have come so every human being “may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10).
First Place, College Division
The University of Mary
With the overturn of Roe vs. Wade on June 22, 2022, the United States has come to a new era in her stance concerning the protection of life in the womb. Until 2022, the United States recognized the “right” to abortion in the Constitution, and this “right” legally allowed innocent and defenseless lives to be taken in all fifty states for over fifty years. While the scourge of abortion took countless lives, it left countless others spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally wounded. This “right” has produced unimaginable wrong, pain, and hurt in the minds and hearts of the American people. However, with the decision to legalize or ban abortion being left to the states, the time has come to bring about a new era of life, love, peace, and healing. The time has come to proclaim the beauty, goodness, and value of each and every human person. The time has come to proclaim the saving truth of the Gospel, and that Jesus Christ has already conquered every sin and misery that has ever, or will ever, be committed. The time has come to make abortion unthinkable.
To those who are deeply committed to, and know the dignity of the human person, abortion is seen for what it is: a horrible tragedy. But, in the eyes of a culture that has been so distorted with lies about humanity, abortion is seen as healthcare, or even a quick fix to an unwanted problem. If abortion is to be made unthinkable, the lies of the culture about the human person need to be uncovered, and replaced with the truth. But what are the lies and who are they from? The lies of the culture of death are many, but foundationally spring from the belief that life is not created good, and these false beliefs ultimately come from the devil, the “father of lies” (John 8:44).
To begin, it’s important to ask the question, why does the culture push so hard for abortion to be legalized? It is because the culture believes that human life is replaceable. It believes that a person’s value is something that can be earned or lost. Now, these ideas may not seem so at first glance, but they are incredibly dangerous, because their ultimate end is death. Think about it. What else would drive a person to commit suicide or euthanasia if for no other reason than for believing deep down that their life is replaceable? What else would make a mother take the life of her own child than by being pressured by the lie that neither she nor the baby inside has any value? Even if these beliefs do not cause a person to succumb to any of these physical deaths, they will eventually lead a person to a different kind of death, the death of hope. If a person lives by the false idea that their life has no value, that they are just another number, face, or statistic, then the result won’t be anything less than feeling worthless and discouraged, even to the point of despair. This is the death of hope.
However, the truth is that these beliefs are false beliefs. Sacred Scripture, the infallible, living, and effective word of God, counters these beliefs with a different kind of message. A message of hope. The message is that life is good. In fact, your life is “very good” (Genesis 1:31). God is all goodness, and He cannot create anything bad. Now, that means that every single life is good right down to its very core. This is totally contrary to the culture’s belief that one’s life, worth, and goodness are something that can be gained or lost. From womb to tomb every life is worth living because from all of eternity--and that’s a long time--every life, your life, was in the heart of God the Father. God loves you, and He loves your life not for anything good or bad you have done, but simply because you are very good and unimaginably precious to Him.
Now, it is one thing to know this truth in one’s mind, but an entirely different thing to believe it in one’s heart. Remember, the false ideas of the culture of death are from the devil. But Jesus Christ, in taking on a human body, conquered the devil through His death and resurrection. In doing this, God the Father has proclaimed to each person that their life is worth it. Every person can have confidence, through Jesus, that their life is completely good and worthy of love. In the name of Jesus Christ, the name that causes the devil to tremble, each person can renounce the lies of the culture of death. And, by rejecting these lies, each person can recognize their own unshakeable goodness, see this same goodness in others, and proclaim the message of life and love to others. I believe that this is how all people can work together to make abortion, or any other practice against life, truly unthinkable.
The time has come to make abortion unthinkable, and to proclaim the life-giving truth of the Gospel. In helping others recognize the lies of today’s culture, mothers, fathers, children, and people of all ages will come to realize the beauty of their own lives, and of the lives of those around them. Further, by accepting the truth and love of Jesus Christ, people of all ages can reject the lies that hold them bound in fear, causing them to make decisions that lead to death. The time has come to courageously share the truth that every human life, born and unborn, is so very good. The time has come to let this truth be poured over our own hearts and to pour it out upon everyone around us. It is time to declare, with Jesus the Lord of all stages of life, that we have come so every human being “may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10).
Emma Hutchinson
Second Place, College Division
University of Iowa
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you a prophet to the nations I appointed you.” Jeremiah 1:5.
Pro-life, as defined by the Oxford English Dictionary, is “an ideological position which opposes abortion on the grounds of the inviolable rights of the fetus as a moral subject.” It is simply an adjective, or a descriptor. Those who debate the topic of abortion often dwell on definitions of words such as, ‘personhood,’ ‘fetus,’ ‘conception,’ and ‘abortion,’ among others. While dictionary definitions provide helpful clarifying language in order to navigate a topic–creating a boundary for the context in which we use our words–they can also create an incomplete picture, if taken at face-value. In this vein, I would like to discuss the definition of the word pro-life.
As a female student at a public university, I have discovered that to my professors and my peers, to be pro-life is synonymous with an extensive list of words, including but not limited to: misogynist, bigot, supremacist, and extremist. I believe that being pro-life is built into our human nature. Built into every human is a set of natural defense mechanisms. Taking a look at our biological makeup, it is irrefutable that humans have a fundamental tendency to preserve life. What was once simply an innate desire to ‘survive,’ by eating, sleeping, and seeking shelter has advanced with technology: we now wear seatbelts, helmets, masks to protect ourselves, or to preserve our lives. The preservation of life is written into our bodies. The human body has been created in a unique light, different from any other species on earth. The ability to create life is not only a blessing, but a miracle. Sadly, this miracle has been misconstrued, abused, and fought by millions, triggering the loss of millions of lives due to the act of abortion.
To be pro-life is not to simply be anti-abortion. This misconception seeps itself into the lives of many, creating a ‘box-checking’ attitude. To be pro-life, one must uphold the attitude through all stages of life, not just the first nine months. To be pro-life means to wear the helmet, buckle that seatbelt, and fuel one’s body in order to flourish here on Earth. I believe that if more mothers understood this implication, they could realize why abortion is truly unthinkable.
This statement is not to shame, but rather to convict those who feel scared, confused, or angry due to the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Our loving Father does not call us to be shamed, but he does call us to be convicted–or to see oneself as God sees him (CCC). Most people can agree that a true friend wants to see us succeed, or rather, as Saint Thomas Acquinas stated, to truly love is to “will the good of another'' (Neal). To be pro-life is to love.
For the lost, the fearful, the angry, the hurt, and the broken, I urge you to remember this: abortion is the opposite of love, contrary to our instinct, and simply, against our very human nature. While we are all called to be pro-life, there is no sin that God cannot forgive, for His standards are high, but so is his mercy (“The Mercy of God,” Bishop Robert Barron). 4
References
Catholic Church. Catechism of the Catholic Church. 2nd ed., Our Sunday Visitor, 2000.
Neal, Tom. “To Will the Good of the Other.” Word on Fire, 24 Feb. 2016,
www.wordonfire.org/articles/to-will-the-good-of-the-other/. Accessed 6 May 2024.
“THE MERCY of GOD | Bishop Robert Barron.” www.youtube.com,
youtu.be/hliQzpI_c50?si=ATygX0mr6MRlSIZw. Accessed 5 May 2024.
Second Place, College Division
University of Iowa
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you a prophet to the nations I appointed you.” Jeremiah 1:5.
Pro-life, as defined by the Oxford English Dictionary, is “an ideological position which opposes abortion on the grounds of the inviolable rights of the fetus as a moral subject.” It is simply an adjective, or a descriptor. Those who debate the topic of abortion often dwell on definitions of words such as, ‘personhood,’ ‘fetus,’ ‘conception,’ and ‘abortion,’ among others. While dictionary definitions provide helpful clarifying language in order to navigate a topic–creating a boundary for the context in which we use our words–they can also create an incomplete picture, if taken at face-value. In this vein, I would like to discuss the definition of the word pro-life.
As a female student at a public university, I have discovered that to my professors and my peers, to be pro-life is synonymous with an extensive list of words, including but not limited to: misogynist, bigot, supremacist, and extremist. I believe that being pro-life is built into our human nature. Built into every human is a set of natural defense mechanisms. Taking a look at our biological makeup, it is irrefutable that humans have a fundamental tendency to preserve life. What was once simply an innate desire to ‘survive,’ by eating, sleeping, and seeking shelter has advanced with technology: we now wear seatbelts, helmets, masks to protect ourselves, or to preserve our lives. The preservation of life is written into our bodies. The human body has been created in a unique light, different from any other species on earth. The ability to create life is not only a blessing, but a miracle. Sadly, this miracle has been misconstrued, abused, and fought by millions, triggering the loss of millions of lives due to the act of abortion.
To be pro-life is not to simply be anti-abortion. This misconception seeps itself into the lives of many, creating a ‘box-checking’ attitude. To be pro-life, one must uphold the attitude through all stages of life, not just the first nine months. To be pro-life means to wear the helmet, buckle that seatbelt, and fuel one’s body in order to flourish here on Earth. I believe that if more mothers understood this implication, they could realize why abortion is truly unthinkable.
This statement is not to shame, but rather to convict those who feel scared, confused, or angry due to the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Our loving Father does not call us to be shamed, but he does call us to be convicted–or to see oneself as God sees him (CCC). Most people can agree that a true friend wants to see us succeed, or rather, as Saint Thomas Acquinas stated, to truly love is to “will the good of another'' (Neal). To be pro-life is to love.
For the lost, the fearful, the angry, the hurt, and the broken, I urge you to remember this: abortion is the opposite of love, contrary to our instinct, and simply, against our very human nature. While we are all called to be pro-life, there is no sin that God cannot forgive, for His standards are high, but so is his mercy (“The Mercy of God,” Bishop Robert Barron). 4
References
Catholic Church. Catechism of the Catholic Church. 2nd ed., Our Sunday Visitor, 2000.
Neal, Tom. “To Will the Good of the Other.” Word on Fire, 24 Feb. 2016,
www.wordonfire.org/articles/to-will-the-good-of-the-other/. Accessed 6 May 2024.
“THE MERCY of GOD | Bishop Robert Barron.” www.youtube.com,
youtu.be/hliQzpI_c50?si=ATygX0mr6MRlSIZw. Accessed 5 May 2024.
Andrew Simaz
Third Place, College Division
University of Iowa
To argue that an action is "unthinkable" in a progressively secular world, it's instructive to examine actions already classified as such due to their infringement on human dignity and rights, such as racism, slavery, abuse, murder, and unjust discrimination. These are widely condemned by Americans, making them a reference point for discussing contentious issues like abortion. The crux of the abortion debate hinges on two fundamental inquiries: the essence of the unborn and the nature of abortion itself. A thorough exploration of these questions uncovers a profound truth: abortion fundamentally breaches the human dignity and rights of society's most vulnerable.
Science unequivocally demonstrates that the unborn are human from conception, marked by the emergence of a new organism belonging to the human species. However, the pivotal question isn't about the commencement of human life but about the onset of personhood—when does this new human life attain personhood? Is it at birth, upon the detection of a heartbeat, or with the emergence of consciousness? These are not questions science can resolve, as they delve into the philosophical realm.
In addressing personhood, I adopt the definition by Trent Horn, a pro-life apologist and author of "Persuasive Pro-life," who describes a person as "an individual member of a rational kind." This definition aligns with common perceptions of personhood, unlike other prevalent theories that exhibit significant shortcomings.
First, let's examine the Cognitive Theory, which attributes personhood to cognitive abilities such as consciousness, reasoning, problem-solving, decision-making, and potentially self-awareness. Prominent philosophers like Daniel Dennett and Peter Singer advocate for this view, defining a person as an entity capable of complex cognitive functions. However, this theory encounters significant issues, as it might exclude individuals with certain cognitive impairments while inadvertently including some non-human animals. For instance, individuals with severe disabilities, who may lack the ability to reason or make decisions, are still regarded as persons by societal standards. Moreover, certain animals, like rats and pigs, exhibit consciousness and problem-solving abilities, raising questions about their inclusion under this definition. Thus, by potentially excluding some humans and including non-humans, the Cognitive Theory proves to be an inadequate measure of personhood.
Next, we consider the Social Theory, which views personhood as a societal recognition based on an individual's engagement in social networks, relationships, and structures. Advocated by psychologist Kenneth J. Gergen, this theory emphasizes the role of social interaction and community recognition in defining personhood, moving beyond mere intrinsic qualities. However, like the Cognitive Theory, it falls short by potentially excluding individuals with severe disabilities who may not actively participate in social structures and by possibly including animals like domesticated dogs that do engage in complex social interactions. Thus, the Social Theory also struggles to provide a comprehensive definition of personhood, failing to adequately distinguish between humans and non-humans.
Lastly, we delve into the Consciousness Theory, popularized by Steven Bonnell, also known as "Destiny." This theory centers on consciousness-related attributes such as self awareness, the capacity for emotional experiences, and existential awareness as the hallmarks of personhood. While consciousness is a critical aspect, its application, particularly its onset during pregnancy, remains uncertain, often estimated at around 20-24 weeks. However, this theory shares the limitations of the previous ones, as it might exclude individuals in comatose states, who lack conscious experiences yet are still considered persons, and might include non-human animals like pigs and rats that demonstrate higher levels of consciousness and self-awareness. The Consciousness Theory, therefore, struggles to articulate what uniquely defines human consciousness, rendering it another insufficient framework for personhood. While other personhood definitions exist, they often replicate the errors of the aforementioned theories. Revisiting Horn's definition, it stands out for its inclusivity of all humans based on their membership in a rational kind, irrespective of their cognitive abilities, and its exclusion of non-human animals, sidestepping the contentious debate on animal rationality. To deem abortion "unthinkable," we must contextualize it within the framework of personhood and the act's implications. Among various theories, Horn's definition emerges as superior, encompassing all human life from conception. Abortion, viewed through this lens, is the unjust termination of an innocent human being's life, truly a person. Thus positioning it as an "unthinkable" violation of the most defenseless members' dignity and rights in our society.
Work Cited
Dennett, D. C. (1978). "Brainstorms: Philosophical Essays on Mind and Psychology". MIT Press.
Singer, P. (1993). "Practical Ethics". Cambridge University Press.
Gergen, K. J. (2009). "Relational Being: Beyond Self and Community". Oxford University Press.
Horn, Trent (2020). “The Problem of Personhood”. Catholicanswers.com.
Third Place, College Division
University of Iowa
To argue that an action is "unthinkable" in a progressively secular world, it's instructive to examine actions already classified as such due to their infringement on human dignity and rights, such as racism, slavery, abuse, murder, and unjust discrimination. These are widely condemned by Americans, making them a reference point for discussing contentious issues like abortion. The crux of the abortion debate hinges on two fundamental inquiries: the essence of the unborn and the nature of abortion itself. A thorough exploration of these questions uncovers a profound truth: abortion fundamentally breaches the human dignity and rights of society's most vulnerable.
Science unequivocally demonstrates that the unborn are human from conception, marked by the emergence of a new organism belonging to the human species. However, the pivotal question isn't about the commencement of human life but about the onset of personhood—when does this new human life attain personhood? Is it at birth, upon the detection of a heartbeat, or with the emergence of consciousness? These are not questions science can resolve, as they delve into the philosophical realm.
In addressing personhood, I adopt the definition by Trent Horn, a pro-life apologist and author of "Persuasive Pro-life," who describes a person as "an individual member of a rational kind." This definition aligns with common perceptions of personhood, unlike other prevalent theories that exhibit significant shortcomings.
First, let's examine the Cognitive Theory, which attributes personhood to cognitive abilities such as consciousness, reasoning, problem-solving, decision-making, and potentially self-awareness. Prominent philosophers like Daniel Dennett and Peter Singer advocate for this view, defining a person as an entity capable of complex cognitive functions. However, this theory encounters significant issues, as it might exclude individuals with certain cognitive impairments while inadvertently including some non-human animals. For instance, individuals with severe disabilities, who may lack the ability to reason or make decisions, are still regarded as persons by societal standards. Moreover, certain animals, like rats and pigs, exhibit consciousness and problem-solving abilities, raising questions about their inclusion under this definition. Thus, by potentially excluding some humans and including non-humans, the Cognitive Theory proves to be an inadequate measure of personhood.
Next, we consider the Social Theory, which views personhood as a societal recognition based on an individual's engagement in social networks, relationships, and structures. Advocated by psychologist Kenneth J. Gergen, this theory emphasizes the role of social interaction and community recognition in defining personhood, moving beyond mere intrinsic qualities. However, like the Cognitive Theory, it falls short by potentially excluding individuals with severe disabilities who may not actively participate in social structures and by possibly including animals like domesticated dogs that do engage in complex social interactions. Thus, the Social Theory also struggles to provide a comprehensive definition of personhood, failing to adequately distinguish between humans and non-humans.
Lastly, we delve into the Consciousness Theory, popularized by Steven Bonnell, also known as "Destiny." This theory centers on consciousness-related attributes such as self awareness, the capacity for emotional experiences, and existential awareness as the hallmarks of personhood. While consciousness is a critical aspect, its application, particularly its onset during pregnancy, remains uncertain, often estimated at around 20-24 weeks. However, this theory shares the limitations of the previous ones, as it might exclude individuals in comatose states, who lack conscious experiences yet are still considered persons, and might include non-human animals like pigs and rats that demonstrate higher levels of consciousness and self-awareness. The Consciousness Theory, therefore, struggles to articulate what uniquely defines human consciousness, rendering it another insufficient framework for personhood. While other personhood definitions exist, they often replicate the errors of the aforementioned theories. Revisiting Horn's definition, it stands out for its inclusivity of all humans based on their membership in a rational kind, irrespective of their cognitive abilities, and its exclusion of non-human animals, sidestepping the contentious debate on animal rationality. To deem abortion "unthinkable," we must contextualize it within the framework of personhood and the act's implications. Among various theories, Horn's definition emerges as superior, encompassing all human life from conception. Abortion, viewed through this lens, is the unjust termination of an innocent human being's life, truly a person. Thus positioning it as an "unthinkable" violation of the most defenseless members' dignity and rights in our society.
Work Cited
Dennett, D. C. (1978). "Brainstorms: Philosophical Essays on Mind and Psychology". MIT Press.
Singer, P. (1993). "Practical Ethics". Cambridge University Press.
Gergen, K. J. (2009). "Relational Being: Beyond Self and Community". Oxford University Press.
Horn, Trent (2020). “The Problem of Personhood”. Catholicanswers.com.