The Abortion Debate - Sarah Palin Makes It Personal

I want to call your attention to a wonderful, thought provoking op-ed piece in The Daily Collegian, Penn State University's college newspaper.

The article is written by Jessica Turnbull, a senior majoring in journalism.

She writes that Sarah Palin broke through all of the politically motivated sniping when, during a speech to a pro-lie group in Indiana, she made a very personal admission about briefly considering an abortion when test results came back when she was carrying her youngest son

Trig was born with Down syndrome when Palin was 44, and she said it was one of the hardest decisions she has ever made.

She said that, after tests showed the baby's blood had abnormalities, she considered having an abortion because no one would have known.

"Oh, dear God, I knew, I had instantly an understanding for that fleeting moment why someone would believe it could seem possible to change those circumstances," she said during her speech. "Just make it all go away and get some normalcy back in life. Just take care of it."

Her bravery in admitting her weakness to a crowd that is pro-life speaks volumes about the type of woman Palin is.

She chose to give birth to Trig at the age of 44 because she personally believes that there was no other option. Palin has been a pro-life advocate for years. Yet, many times during the abortion debate, it is easy to forget that many pro-lifers struggle with the same emotions and decisions as people who support abortion.

Many women who are pro-life have considered abortions or actually had one.

That is what makes Palin's pro-life argument so difficult to counter. It is personal argument versus a religious or moral one.

The abortion debate can become heated and personal. Yet, in an ironic twist, the personal can be lost. We lose people's humanity and struggles and paint the issue as black and white.

Palin's honesty brings humanity into the argument, which is good for both sides.

That is just part of Jessica's column. I urge you to read it by clicking here.

Won't in be a breath of fresh air to have someone like Jessica Turbull as part of the Main Stream Media? If you want to contact Jessica, he email is jlt5044@psu.edu.