COLUMN: Freedom to choose in the pro-choice debate

From Daniel Septimus', "I Know My Last Name is Septimus," Fall '00 From Daniel Septimus', "I Know My Last Name is Septimus," Fall '00Last week, Al Gore left the campaign trail and rushed back to D.C. in order to be present at a Senate vote. The Senate was voting on a bill that would prevent violent abortion protesters from declaring bankruptcy to avoid paying fines.From Daniel Septimus', "I Know My Last Name is Septimus," Fall '00Last week, Al Gore left the campaign trail and rushed back to D.C. in order to be present at a Senate vote. The Senate was voting on a bill that would prevent violent abortion protesters from declaring bankruptcy to avoid paying fines. Gore wanted to be present if a tie-breaking vote was necessary. The bill passed by an 80-17 margin. In the 1980s, Gore made comments which reflected an anti-abortion sentiment. In 1984 he wrote: "It is my deep personal conviction that abortion is wrong.? Innocent human life must be protected." Now, however, Gore -- like any good Democratic presidential hopeful -- claims to be pro-choice. To make up for his nefarious past, Gore put his pro-choice passion on display. It is clear that Gore is among the infamous group of human beings who have "changed their minds." Apparently, Bill Bradley believes that a "mind changer" is less suitable to be president, as he has built an ad campaign around the fact that he is the only candidate who "has been pro-choice for everyone all the time." Republicans have an even harder time dealing with abortion issues. Their obligation to appease the conservative Christian right often makes anything less than a full repudiation of Roe vs. Wade unacceptable. Prior to the New Hampshire primary, John McCain seemed a bit confused about his position on abortion. Asked whether he would tell his 15-year-old daughter, Meghan, to get an abortion if she became pregnant, McCain replied, "No.? But the final decision would be made by Meghan with our advice and counsel." In other words, Meghan has the right to choose whether or not to have an abortion. Right? Well, maybe not. Within an hour, McCain withdrew his original comment, stating: "What I believe I was saying and intended to say is that this is a family decision. The final decision will be made by the family and not by Meghan alone." In other words, Meghan does not have the right to choose whether or not to have an abortion. Get it? Unfortunately, things don't seem much clearer in the Bush camp. On January 22, prior to the Iowa caucus, George W. Bush made comments supporting a plank in the Republican platform that calls for the passage of a constitutional amendment that would outlaw all abortions without exception. And yet, on February 4, the Associated Press quoted Bush as saying that he supports, "the goal of a Human Life Amendment with exceptions for rape, incest and to save the life of the mother." Our presidential hopefuls are not providing us with sensible, consistent positions on abortion. Let's sort out the issues for ourselves. Beginning in the 19th century, most states criminalized abortion. These mandates were repealed, however, in 1973, when the Supreme Court ruled that the Constitution provided a fundamental right for women to obtain abortions. Most talk about abortion surrounds the question: What is life? Or, more precisely, when is life? Let's ask a different question: What is choice? The dictionary definition of choice is "the ability voluntarily to decide to perform one of several possible acts or to avoid action entirely." The significance of choice has grown over the last 50 years. Birth control, air travel and the Internet have given us more choices to make and have made our choices potentially more influential. According to sociologist Peter Berger, choice is the defining characteristic of modern social life: "modern consciousness entails a movement from fate to choice." Our presidential candidates must learn that choice is the ability "to decide to perform? or to avoid action entirely." It does not necessitate anything; that is what makes it choice. Being pro-choice is not the same as being pro-abortion. Being pro-choice means recognizing the moral ambiguity of the abortion issue. No one suggests that abortion is ideal, but sometimes it is the best option. Mr. Gore, don't worry, it's OK to change your mind, but don't get too hung up on proving that you have changed yours. Mr. Bradley, congratulations, you're the only candidate who has always been pro-choice. Unfortunately, you have to realize that a significant part of choice is the option to change one's mind. According to your logic, it would be better for all those who are pro-life to stay that way. If you truly believe in your cause, you should be happy to welcome converts like Gore. Mr. McCain and Mr. Bush, it's clear that you're both pro-choice -- you choose what you're going to say depending on who is listening. Realize that supporting choice is not the same as supporting abortion. Choice allows for one to "avoid action entirely" if that is the best option. However, by supporting choice and refusing to be pigeon-holed on a tough issue, you'll be leaving your options open and might not have to contradict yourself next time you talk about abortion. Candidates, choice is fundamental to our country and consciousness. A lot of people have chosen to die so that this would be true. It's about time we embrace the power of choice and learn how to use it responsibly.