mamagotcha | You offended me. I'm not playing anymore.

The response: Katje, I'm not going to respond directly to your question because it is pointless and will only provoke yet-another offensive pro-life bashing rant from you. Anyone who has been on (forum) more than a month probably knows my feelings on the issue of abortion. If you feel threatened because I pray for people - born and unborn - then that is not my problem. I am trying to stay respectful in this discussion while expressing the voice of one who was very much opposed to Tiller's work.

My response to the response: Asking you to consider the heartbreaking choices facing mothers carrying dying children is offensive and not a valid point in this discussion?

It was a serious question. I don't think you, or anyone else, can presume to pass judgment on a decision between a woman and her doctor... at least, not without demonstrating a superior knowledge of the ethics and medicine that led them to that decision. Asking you to justify the imposition of your belief upon others seemed appropriate.

No, I certainly don't feel threatened by your prayers. Prayer is a wonderful tool to help people sort out their feelings and motivations. Honest prayer seeking clarity and compassion can be a powerful source of personal growth. I encouraged you to practice MORE prayer, in fact.

I don't bash pro-lifers... I truly respect their position and in many ways, I share it. However, I do bash anyone who presumes to limit liberties and impose values without a significant compelling public interest, and who fall back on religious faith instead of fact and reason for their impetus.

You are refusing to engage in a debate that you yourself chose to ignite (with your "tragic" comment). I know full well that debate will never change anybody's mind... but it can be a useful method to create mutual understanding and seek common ground. It's hard to cling to an absolute universal value when shades of gray are introduced.

Educate, communicate, emulate... but, as when you practice AP (attachment parenting) and gentle discipline with your children, you cannot force or compel behavior if you truly want to change the underlying motivations for it. The sooner the pro-lifers figure this out, the faster we'll be able to join forces to effect social change in a positive direction.