Letter to the Editor Loyola Maroon
May 8, 2013
Recently, we were made aware of an article that appeared in the Loyola Maroon in late April. In it Stewart Sinclair described in detail the abortion that his unnamed girlfriend suffered through after jointly deciding to terminate their unwanted pregnancy.
The first reaction was one of grief and compassion for the young girl. However the way the article was written appears not to seek compassion or sympathy but to make a political statement. The writer chooses to tell us that the abortion took place on Good Friday. Then he vows to put aside the position of his church and enthusiastically join with his” liberal friends” in their crusade to promote the “right to choose”. Since he complains about the cost, one is left to assume that he expects the university’s health care system or the public to pay for it regardless of their religious convictions.
Why does the Maroon grant center stage to this student to espouse his value system, which is diametrically opposed to that of the Catholic Church, without granting a rebuttal in the same publication? Obviously censorship by the university is not allowed nor do we encourage it. However good judgment in an inflammatory situation is a necessary requirement in every organization including the press. Since the next print publication is not until late August we feel compelled to offer a rebuttal now.
Since he does not identify the religion that he rejects we should not assume that he is Catholic since many Catholic universities have a high percentage of non-Catholic students. Ironically, in most cases both parents and students often acknowledge their admiration of the value system on campus as reason to choose a university. It must be emphasized that at a Catholic University that value system is grounded in Catholic theology.
Besides the political motivation, there are three serious flaws in his presentation. The first is his statement that both he and his girlfriend knew that they were ending ” a potential life”. From a scientific standpoint the unborn child was fully alive and is already in possession of the human DNA that was uniquely its own. This is not potential but reality. From the Catholic theological perspective life begins at conception. It is a gift from God and in the words of Augustine man’s heart will not rest until it rests with Him.
The second serious flaw is the decision making process that he and his girlfriend used to make their decision. Are we to assume that the two of them have reached such a state of maturity in their college years that they can make a decision of this magnitude without counsel from anyone? Those of us who have already lived through those years ourselves and helped our children through that period have reason to question that proposition. We understand that the university has counselors that can either directly assist or direct the girl in strict confidence to the appropriate specialist. The Archdiocese has many dedicated professionals and volunteers who deal with this situation. A desire for secrecy is the primary reason for hasty, ill-advised decisions. If so, why provide this explicit expose so soon after the event? What about their parents? If they are like all of the ones that we have known, they have either directed or shared in every major decision that these young adults have made in their lives including the financial obligations. Why are they excluded at a time like this?
The third issue involves the series of events and decisions that created this event. What prompted the decision to engage in out of wedlock sexual activity? Was it simply recreational sex, which is such big part of today’s secular culture? If it was because of a permanent commitment to each other then how could he question if she wanted him to be the father of her child? Only they can answer those questions. Will their answer bear any resemblance to the Christian tradition of a commitment between a man and a woman that expresses profound love and fidelity? It is in this context that human sexuality finds its fulfillment in the sacrament of marriage.
In closing, the unnamed girlfriend will be in the prayers of many who learn about her situation. There are numerous stories about women who suffered emotionally for a long time after an abortion in their youth. The permanent cure is Forgiveness. That is the meaning of Good Friday. We pray that she goes to her God either with guidance or in private and ask for that Forgiveness. Ask and you shall receive. That is the true power of the Cross.
Mary Jane Wherritt Becker
A&S Class of 1961
Alan C. Arnold
BBA Class of 1964
MBA Class of 1971
