Abortion Quote by R.J. Rushdoony
“It is significant that, as innocent babies are killed, and capital punishment is withheld from their murderers, the same men who plead for the murderer's life also demand the “right” to abortion. Usually, the same picketers that carry a sign one day, “Abolish Capital Punishment,” also carry “Legalize Abortion” another day. When this is called to their attention, their answer is, “There is no contradiction involved.” They are right: the thesis is “condemn the innocent and free the guilty.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Moral Foundations of a Free Society by R.J. Rushdoony, 1975
The quote points out a perceived inconsistency: people who oppose capital punishment for murderers but support abortion, which also ends innocent lives, claim no contradiction.
In simple terms: People claim no conflict between opposing death for murderers and supporting abortion.
Recognize and examine moral inconsistencies.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- public policy debates
- protest activism
- legislative lobbying
- personal moral reflection
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you see a logical conflict in these positions?
- How should society address such moral contradictions?
The argument assumes all abortions involve innocent lives, which is contested.