What do you mean by abortion era? You act as if they didn't happen before they were made legal. I'm certainly not a fan of abortion, but the anti-abortion people live in the stone age when it comes to sex. Sex education needs to be taught at young ages and cheap (or even free) contraception needs to be widely available to both men and women. If you want less abortions then you need more contraception.
An optimist would like History to have that sentiment. If we're the apex of human civilization, it's not bad for some people, but we can do much much better.
I'm not doubting that the Pope doesn't believe what he says regarding abortion but am just pointing out that this wasn't an issue he had shown much concern about as Pope. This is an issue though that concerned previous Popes and is a very large concern among the far right of the Church. In terms of throwing a bone to the far right taking this issue on and using such forceful language is what is more surprising.
For better or for worse this era continues to be supported as in this 11/2013 vote in my locale. http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/11/19/21533214-albuquerque-voters-reject-ban-on-late-term-abortions?lite
Exactly.... I will add that within the Catholic Church you have different factions with different priorities. There is a strong faction that believes abortion is a top priority of the Church... Others feel poverty and income inequality is... Even a minority that homosexuality is... Etc. Further the concept that ALL members of the Church or Priests feel or believe in the exact distribution of importance of an issue is absurd. I can draw from my own personal life, being raised by Jesuits. Simply stated, abortion was not even a passing concern to them. Indeed a number of them were pro choice. What did concern them was education, missionary work and historical research. From what I know of Pop Francis' background I have no reason to believe that abortion is a top priority to him. As unsavory as it is, even the Pope is above politics and doing what he must to keep the Church from splintering and on the same plane.
Though I don't agree on abortion. The Catholic Church has been consistently pro-life-- unlike lots of American "Christians" who though against abortion, are for the death penalty, support wars at the drop of a hat, value their version of the antiquated Amendment over innocent lives , value tax breaks for the rich over food stamps for the poor, and who for all intents and purposes make worship of the Market their guiding light on all policy issues.
In theory, I agree with Pope Francis. In practice, I am 100% pro-choice. Because in real life I look at America's policy towards those in need and doing their best to turn their backs, so I see what would happen to these babies should they be born. If America was a much more socialist country, I would very much be Pro-Life. From a world perspective, if a country like the US cannot truly care for unwanted babies, what chances do these children have in 3rd world or war torn countries?
