Candidates’ Viewpoints on When Human Life Begins Revealing

Both of the presidential candidates and both of the vice-presidential candidates have now weighed in on when they believe human life begins. Their responses are a world apart for what is now an indisputable scientific fact — that each human life begins at fertilization (conception).

Starting with Obama, he said the answer to that question was “above his pay grade.” Yet, as Dr. Morton Throckmorton has so astutely observed, Obama did answer the question when he voted and spoke against legislation as an Illinois State Senator that would have provided treatment for babies who survive late-term abortion attempts. Obama argued then that a baby who survives an abortion is “previable” and not deserving of lifesaving measures.

McCain was straightforward in response to the question, stating “at the moment of conception.”

Biden resorted to turning the question into a theological one, stating he knew when human life began for him but he wouldn’t impose his views on others.

Late last week, Palin got her turn in response to a question about abortion from reporter Charlie Gibson. Because Palin stated she opposes legal abortion except when the mother’s life is in danger, her answer is obvious — that life begins at fertilization.

For those who think the question is irrelevant, let’s put the Obama and Biden responses into a different context.

For Obama, answering a question about assisted suicide and euthanasia could be above his pay grade, meaning that vulnerable people at the end of the life spectrum and those with disabilities could be denied human rights.

For Biden, those at risk from assisted suicide and euthanasia would be ones he might protect, but he doesn’t want to impose his views on others.

Sound far-fetched? The Obama and Biden responses are already part of the public debate on end of life issues. Their views on protecting human life should be considered with great trepidation.

Barbara Lyons