Scott Roeder's Conviction
It took jurors only 37 minutes to convict Scott Roeder of first degree murder in the death of George Tiller, resolutely engaged in late-term abortions. Roeder admitted shooting the physician as a last resort. Demonstrators had previously failed to dissuade the late doctor or modify public policy.
As for context, the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision (1973) allowed abortion up to the time of viability: 28 weeks being the standard, and 24 weeks the exception. It was later ruled that abortion could be performed after viability if in the interests of the mother’s health. Health was defined in comprehensive terms: so as to include physical, emotional, psychological, familial, and age considerations. As well documented, it not uncommonly occurs under duress.
As a result, it is reported that more lives have been terminated as an aftermath of this highly controversial decision than the combined casualties from all our military engagements. Old Testament scholar James Hoffmeier also concludes that "the practice of infant sacrifice might be considered the Canaanite counterpart to abortion" (Abortion: A Christian Understanding and Response, p. 53). In particular, both allow for a ready disposal of unwanted children.
Former president Bill Clinton observed that most Americans want abortions to be safe, legal, and seldom. Conversely, the current policy serves to greatly increase its practice. In this regard, crisis pregnancy centers report that the women they serve have seldom been appraised of their alternatives.
All this creates a moral dilemma for a person with Scott Roeder’s sanctity of life convictions. It recalls Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s agonizing reaction to Adolph Hitler’s execution of Jews and others. While having a pacifistic leaning, he concluded that the ruler must be thwarted. This eventually led to his own execution. "In the almost forty years I worked as a doctor, I have hardly ever seen a man die so entirely submissive to the will of God," the attending physician reflected (Zimmerman and Smith, eds., I Knew Dietrich Bonhoeffer, p. 232). Whether justified or not, Roeder seems similarly at peace with his decisive action.
Meanwhile, it appears urgent that we reconsider our public policy, and hopefully bring it into line with the collective conscience of the people. Otherwise, the abortion issue will continue to arouse partisan hostility and violence. As aptly expressed by Abraham Lincoln, "A house divided against itself cannot stand."
Article submitted Tuesday, February 09, 2010 & read 353 times.
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