Lets cook the cow by plugging the stove into the waterfall. Lets build a house out of acorns...
It seems to me that the essence of the argument for the right to abortion is contained in the reference link below.
As well, the "chomp-chomp" argument is really the source of much of the angst that informs the passion for the pro-life position.
Most people recognize, if only at a subconscious level, the interconnectedness and contingency of all life, and there is a natural abhorrence to cutting off ones own nose. I don't say that all people are that subtle, and of course--it is a matter of degree.
The idea that life is a position for the living to take is a natural and oft-times a very sensitve one. However, necessity has forced humankind to make a choice as to which life forms have rights. We have decided in favour of ourselves. It is kind and compassionate to grant priviledge to animals and so forth, as we now do--but these are not rights. We may always kill the cow to sustain our own life...until the day the cow out-thinks us.
I am glad there is a pro-life contingent. Ideas without opposition can become very dangerous. I am glad that people look at different life forms and say: "This has potential value." But what they are also saying in the case of the embryo is: "Does this have potential value for me...or does it not?"
Many people miss the fact that there is no natural end to the false argument re: "potential=actual." Every minute enough sperm die to populate the universe. Eggs are continuously perishing. Everything I eat or don't is potentially sperms, potentially zygotes, potentially embryos...potentially (I suppose) anything--that might exist--anywhere in the universe, at anytime.
Potential is not actual. Potentials cannot enjoy rights. Embryos can never enjoy rights. In the case of ones own DNA, there is a natural biological imperative that makes many people desire that the potential become actual. And for them, the giving of birth is a joy and a blessing. This may not be a blessing for humankind, as the potential, when actualized, may end up murdering millions of actual human beings in ovens (as David and Hitler did). If we had prescience, I suppose society would be pretty much pulling in the same direction as regards those abortions...
Having said that, compassion for life, in any form, should never become a trite or neglected sentiment. All individuals live only at the whim of the collective, as it has expressed itself in the rule of law. This is a start. Certainly, if all potentials conceived within the last 6 months were found (due to a world-wide contact with cosmic dust) to be carrying a lethal virus activated by their first breath as an ACTUAL--society would have no trouble reaching consensus...
When most people can avoid killing except to the degree necessary for survival, without being constrained by wise and compassionate lawmakers, but only by their own awareness and respect for their home, the universe, and the mutual interdependence of life--then we shall no longer be constrained (or enjoined) by a flawed God--but shall walk a higher path of awareness and compassion.
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