Pro-choice vs. pro-life

     When I was a young Republican I used to oppose Planned Parenthood.  One day a woman took me aside and asked if I really knew what Planned Parent does.  She was calm and sounded reasonable.  So I listened.  Planned Parenthood does abortions.  The Planned Parenthood in my area did counseling for and provided low-cost health care.  Oh!  They also provided free vasectomies for men.  That was a service that I was interested in.  Imagine never having to use a condom again.  Well that is what I thought when I was in my 20's.
     I never protested at Planned Parenthood again.  I was very lucky that a calm person took the time to educate me.
     Now let's look at the political parties in America.  The Republicans are against government interference in their lives.  Yet they favor telling women that they can't abort babies.  The Republicans try to make it inconvenient or embarrassing for the women seeking abortions.  A lot of Republican-inspired laws get struck down by the court system.
     Libertarians are against restrictions on abortions.  They are against most laws and most government agencies.  They don't want the government to pay for any health services.  Poor women would be out of luck if the Libertarians ever became more than a fringe party.
     Democrats are in favor of abortions.  Democrats are in favor of all sorts of social services.  You would think that Democrats would be extremely popular.  Who wouldn't like free  government programs?  Yet, Democrats are quick call anybody sexist or misogynist or racist if they express any qualms about abortions.  I am probably in trouble for even raising this topic.
     Bringing religion  into the discussion on abortion is a red herring.  Our country is a democracy, not a theocracy.  I want this country to be run by the US constitution, not by the Bible or the Koran.
     Our country is split 50/50 on most issues.  I favor the individual liberties espoused by the Republican party.  I admire the Democrats desire to help people.  I believe women should decide what they want to do with their own bodies.  I don't mind Republicans passing out anti-abortion literature.  I am in favor of peaceful protest.  Anybody who blocks or restricts access to abortion clinics is acting un-American.