“My body, my choice” is an argument that many make to justify a woman’s right to end the life of her unborn child.
Today, many wonder if that argument is equally applicable in other decisions, like the one whether to receive a vaccine against the COVID-19 virus.
Yes. My body, my choice is an argument one can make. Everyone has the right to choose to do with their body what they wish.
Until, that is, the choice interferes with other people’s choices.
I guess there’s the rub.
We can’t force people to do anything for the greater good. Well, in America anyway; the Afghans are experiencing something different.
What is the greater good, anyway?
Moreover, what is the wisdom of guilting or shaming each other to do it?
A soul convinced against their will is of the same opinion still. ~ Mary Wollstonecraft
That’s why humans invented government, and some might say, why we invented God — to convince people to do what needs doing, and pay for it.
But, I don’t think God is an invention, or contrivance to bully people into submission; not the God I say I believe in. But so much of what I say I believe in is crumbling, contentious and confusing.
The prophet Habakkuk lived in such times —the Israelites were making all kinds of choices about the their bodies when he had a conversation with God I wish I could have. Well, I can have it if I just read the book. Or watch it.
These days, the argument about our choice is a powerful one; a persuasive one. And it is a costly one, for COVID causalities — not to mention the unborn. I hate admitting my part in getting swept up in the conflicts.
It’s painful to examine my part in this mess. It’s embarrassing and shameful to focus on my role— to dig deep and turn over the whispers that inform my actions. It feels a lot better to judge others. I’d prefer to point the finger and absolve myself of personal responsibility. (a facebook post by Katie Anderson)
In the meantime, one of my jobs is looking out for others, while trying not to become part of the problems that COVID-19 and its variants generate.
A friend and missionary serving today in France translated a quote from a 17th century Huguenot that neatly sums up my marching orders in the midst of the argument today:
“Man cannot stop being our neighbor unless he stops being human. As long as this nature remains, the union we have with him will also entirely remain, just as in families, accidents and weaknesses of particular people do not remove the family connection they have with those of the same descent.” ~ Jean Daille
A Better Argument