"Abortion is a Blessing"

Just when I try to give the Episcopalians a pat on the back, something like this comes along.

The Stand Firm site for Traditional Anglicans brings us the story of Katherine Ragsdale, an Episcopalian minister recently appointed as the president and dean of the Episcopal Divinity School.

For the folks who try to demean the term "pro-abortion" by saying there is no such thing, perhaps you should take a look at Ms. Ragsdale's words:

How will we know when our work is done? I suspect we’ll know it when we see it. But let me give you some sure indicators that it isn’t done yet:

- When doctors and pharmacists try to opt out of providing medical care, claiming it’s an act of conscience, our work is not done.

Let me say a bit more about that, because the religious community has long been an advocate of taking principled stands of conscience – even when such stands require civil disobedience. We’ve supported conscientious objectors, the Underground Railroad, freedom riders, sanctuary seekers, and anti-apartheid protestors. We support people who put their freedom and safety at risk for principles they believe in.

But let’s be clear, there’s a world of difference between those who engage in such civil disobedience, and pay the price, and doctors and pharmacists who insist that the rest of the world reorder itself to protect their consciences – that others pay the price for their principles.

Frightening, is it not? Basically, Ragsdale says that if you think that abortion is morally wrong, you shouldn't go into the field of women's health. Why not? Because women's health means being able to have abortions. And you should be forced to provide them. Abortion is an unlimited right that trumps any of your own petty concerns. You know, like babies dying or worrying about your soul burning in hell.

It gets even more nightmarish, though:

Finally, the last sign I want to identify relates to my fellow clergy. Too often even those who support us can be heard talking about abortion as a tragedy.

Then follows, of course, the rationalization of rape-necessary abortions. Then babies with birth defects. Then abortions "needed" because the woman lacks "social supports." These deaths are all blessings. Then, the coup de grace:

And when a woman becomes pregnant within a loving, supportive, respectful relationship; has every option open to her; decides she does not wish to bear a child; and has access to a safe, affordable abortion – there is not a tragedy in sight -- only blessing. The ability to enjoy God’s good gift of sexuality without compromising one’s education, life’s work, or ability to put to use God’s gifts and call is simply blessing.

In other words, abortions just for the hell of it/because I said so.

These are the two things I want you, please, to remember – abortion is a blessing and our work is not done. Let me hear you say it: abortion is a blessing and our work is not done. Abortion is a blessing and our work is not done. Abortion is a blessing and our work is not done.

And for all those who are assisting in abortions, whether doctor, nurse, receptionist, etc.

You’re engaged in holy work.

She actually said that. Ponder for a moment what sort of person it would take to make this statement. Then pray for that person's soul.