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These same people who tell us we must defend the lives of…

“These same people who tell us we must defend the lives of the unborn-they are the same people who seem not so interested in defending anyone but themselves after the accident of birth is complete! These same people who profess their love of the unborn's soul-they don't care to make much of a…” quote by John Irving
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““These same people who tell us we must defend the lives of the unborn-they are the same people who seem not so interested in defending anyone but themselves after the accident of birth is complete! These same people who profess their love of the unborn's soul-they don't care to make much of a contribution to the poor, they don't care to offer much assistance to the unwanted or the oppressed! How do they justify such a concern for the fetus and such a lack of concern for unwanted and abused children? They condemn others for the accident of conception; they condemn the poor-as if the poor can help being poor. One way the poor could help themselves would be to be in control of the size of their families. I thought that freedom of choice was obviously democratic-was obviously American!””

John Irving

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The quote criticizes those who protect unborn life while ignoring the poor and oppressed, highlighting inconsistency in moral priorities.

In simple terms: People claim to value life but ignore the needy.

Key Takeaway

Align concern with all vulnerable lives.

Themes

ethics social justice hypocrisy

Mood

frustrated critical thoughtful

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • policy debates
  • charitable work
  • family planning
  • public health initiatives

Key Concepts

pro‑life activism poverty alleviation moral consistency

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we reconcile pro‑life advocacy with broader social responsibility?
  • What policies could address both unborn and disadvantaged children?
A Different Perspective

The argument may oversimplify complex personal beliefs and socioeconomic factors.

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