A lot of people on both sides bristle at the worlds "common ground" because they hear "distract you from the issue so the other side can triumph".

However, I've found that the majority of rank-and-file prochoice citizens find abortion to be distressing and would sincerely like to make the practice go away. These individuals are *not* trying to distract prolifers from preventing abortions. It's just that they've been taught that the *only* means of "prevention" is throwing contraceptives at people -- in other words, doing more of what's made the situation progressively worse.

So a question like, "Do you think most women having abortions are doing something they really want to do and are freely choosing?" can get them past the idea that once she's pregnant, abortion is inevitable. It also gets them past the idea that opposing abortion is opposing *women*. If you awaken the sympathy for the woman who feels trapped and wants another way, you've probably won 90% of the battle.
Christina | Homepage | 02.18.08 - 5:58 pm | #