Abortion vs. Health Care Reform

I may regret writing this, but I'm just wondering how many people out there are vehemently against abortion, but use condoms, birth control pills or surgical sterilization? Aren't these also "forms" of abortion? If life "begins at conception," then the sperm and the egg must be "alive" in order to spark a new life.

In the past three weeks, I've had dozens of people tell me they are against the proposed health care reform because, "I don't want my tax dollars paying for abortion." (For the record, I DO NOT think tax dollars should be used to pay for abortions.) I realize abortion is a touchy subject and everyone has their own opinions. I also think there is a small percentage of these people who very hypocritical.

Case in point - I personally don't believe in abortion, but I am a strong supporter of pro-choice. And no, I'm sorry, being pro-choice does not make you pro-abortion. Coming from a health care background, I've seen 11 and 12 year olds raped by a family member, I've seen women raped by strangers and I've seen mother's lives on the brink of death because of a pregnancy. I think there are exceptions to every rule. I would not want one of my daughters having an abortion and I would work with her to find an appropriate solution, but if her decision was abortion, I would respect that decision. I may not be happy about the decision, but I would respect the decision.

I have a lot in common with the sensible pro-lifers, but it is the "fringy" pro-lifers I have a problem with. The ones who say abortion is killing, but use birth control, which in essence is also killing a life. The ones who say abortion is killing, but have no sympathy for the 11 year old who was raped by her father. The ones who say abortion is killing, but overlook all the abused children in our country and pretend the orphanages are not overflowing.

Sorry, but this has been on my mind too much lately ...