By Marie Moeller ‘15

Even after 41 years, the decision made in the landmark abortion case, Roe v. Wade, is still constantly argued over—between the national government and states as well as between individuals. This constant “tug-of-war” of differentiating views is a wasted argument. It is simply too complex of an issue to settle with a “black or white” law directly making abortion legal or illegal. Accordingly, people need to stop dealing and thinking of this issue—or any national debate for that matter—as such and find a way to a sufficient compromise.

Frankly, the first step towards any form of compromise is to get educated. A common misconception about the Roe v. Wade ruling is that it legalized abortion. The ruling is more complicated than that. The case specifically legalized abortion in the first trimester under the 9th amendment, which protects the right to privacy, and the due process clause of the 14th amendment. While the opinion of the Court stated that it favored abortion in the second trimester and prohibition of abortion in the third, the decision of legality was ultimately left to the states. However, the case did rule that whenever the life or welfare of the mother was in immediate danger, abortion was legal.

Knowing this information leads to the second step: keeping an open mind. As anyone can see, the answer to controversy over abortion is not simple and cannot be narrowed down to a choice between pro-life and pro-choice. According to Gallup polls, support is not strongest in favor of pro-life or pro-choice, but rather a middle category with 52 percent backing the legalization of abortion only under certain circumstances. By understanding the case and all of the factors involved in Roe v. Wade, hopefully extremists can find a shade of grey, in which they can recognize the opinions of the opposing viewpoints to generate a law that can best appease both parties.

As a catholic, I was taught that abortion was impious since life begins at contraception. However, personally, I put aside my faith for the sake and right of others. There are many of reasons why women would want an abortion. It is not my place to say what they can or cannot do with their bodies. Yet, this does not mean I cannot exercise my own beliefs in my personal actions.

Many pro-life supporters need to face reality and come to terms with that fact that they cannot prevent every abortion by making it illegal. Controlling everyone’s mind set simply cannot be done. In contrast, many pro-choice supporters need to realize that it is not possible to make abortion completely legal, taking action in increments so only certain aspects, such as the right to abortion in the first trimester, should be completely legalized at a time, instead of tackling the issue all at once. Being able to acknowledge this, allows one to complete the second step and work towards taking action in the community, the final step.

The annual March for Life, a demonstration in peaceful protest of Roe v. Wade, has numerous supporters and participants with the right idea in rallying together to spread their views, but instead of lobbying the government, the people are the ones who should be lobbied. Ultimately, the people have the choice—whether legal or not. Instead of spurring deadlock debates in the government and creating tension between the federal government and state governments, persuade others of your view; make speeches about the other options that exist outside of abortions or why aborting a fetus is in the best interest of the health of the mother. If you can convince the people then you have a much greater influence than when targeting the government. After all, induviduals always have a choice; they are the ones who can change their minds.