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The topic the Democrats are using most effectively against Kari Lake and other Republicans remains abortion.  Numerous media ads proclaim, “Vote against the abortion ban,” by supporting Proposition 139.

But there is no abortion ban.  There is, instead, a restriction against abortion after 15 weeks, a reasonable cut-off point wherein the baby is likely to feel pain.

Women have all kinds of choices about when to get pregnant and by whom.  They have a complete selection of a wide range of medications and devices to avoid pregnancy.  Involuntary pregnancy, such as rape and incest, is a tiny portion of abortions, but it is always trotted out.

The law in Arizona seems quite reasonable.  If birth control fails and pregnancy results, all that is being asked is to take action before the baby feels pain.  Many abortions tear the baby limb from limb, so it seems reasonable not to cause a developing human such pain.

Many supporters of abortion seem more concerned with animal welfare and rights than those developing human babies. We find that hard to fathom.

Yes, a developing human is not a clump of cells. At first, it may look like a guppy, but it will never be a guppy.

When the sperm penetrates the egg, human DNA from mother and father, and likely even more distant relations, is embedded in the fetus.  That baby is a product of human reproduction and will only develop into a human being.  It will not become a cucumber or a wombat.  In time, it will be capable of independent life.

Although the baby in its early stages may be undeveloped human life, it is human life, and it, therefore, deserves attention and protection.  But as our photo suggests, if a developing baby in its early stages can derive comfort from sucking its thumb, might it not reasonably feel pain?

While residing in the mother, it is not a part of the mother’s body.  Hence, it has nothing to do with the mother having “control” of her body.  She had that control of her body (or lack thereof) prior to becoming pregnant, but once the baby is there, another human life is now in the equation.

Any parent will tell you the wonder of knowing that you have created a new life. Even entirely secular people know something very special and extraordinary is taking place.

Ironically, Psalm 139, is the same number as the Proposition that wants unlimited and unrestricted ability to kill human life.  In part, the Psalm reads:

I could ask the darkness to hide me
    and the light around me to become night—
¹²   but even in darkness I cannot hide from you.
To you the night shines as bright as day.
    Darkness and light are the same to you.

¹³ You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
    and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴ Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
    Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
¹⁵ You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
    as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.

¹⁶ You saw me before I was born.
    Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
    before a single day had passed.

For the religious, conception is the first contact we have with the Almighty, who formed all of us in the womb in utter seclusion.  And yes, we are all “wonderfully complex.”

This is not a chicken gizzard to be thrown in the trash.  This is a human being.

Prop 139 is an extreme measure, overriding the legislature in a one-time vote to alter the Constitution of the State.  In so doing, it precludes rational and humane discussion about when and under what circumstances we should take the life of the baby.

Public opinion today is in favor of allowing abortions.  We accept that reality. However, they should be conducted in a way that respects life and minimizes cruelty and pain.  Thus, there should be reasonable limitations on the procedure. In that regard, Arizona’s abortion law is reasonable. We know that is insufficient for many, but that is where we are politically.

More assistance should also be given to women who can’t keep the baby because of life circumstances. Many couples are looking to adopt.

However, Prop 139 is an extreme and unnecessary measure.  The Prickly Pear urges you vote NO against this measure.

So, when thinking about Prop 139, read the words of Psalm 139.  Which do you think is more respectful of precious life and humane in its outlook?