Aborting A Child Of Rape Is Unjust
Posted: September 13, 2012
Dwayne Martin says that genetics help determine character (“GOP Believes A Pregnancy Shows No Rape Occurred,” Sept. 4). He implies that the child of a rapist will become a criminal because of his father’s genes. This is absurd and unjust because your genes have very little to do with your character.
Current research is upsetting our assumptions about genes. We are finding that environment is the key to turning genes off and on. Martin equates physical characteristics with moral character. It is obvious that environment, how you are raised, affects moral character more than your genes.
It is unjust to punish the children of criminals for their parents’ crimes.
It is not kindness and comfort to give a rape victim an abortion. The child in her womb is half her child and she has maternal feelings. Abortion often causes feelings of grief and depression because it too is an act of violence. It doesn’t erase the trauma of the rape.
Current research is upsetting our assumptions about genes. We are finding that environment is the key to turning genes off and on. Martin equates physical characteristics with moral character. It is obvious that environment, how you are raised, affects moral character more than your genes.
It is unjust to punish the children of criminals for their parents’ crimes.
It is not kindness and comfort to give a rape victim an abortion. The child in her womb is half her child and she has maternal feelings. Abortion often causes feelings of grief and depression because it too is an act of violence. It doesn’t erase the trauma of the rape.
Susan Finlay
Luray
Luray