COLUMN: A mother's wisdom

On March 13, in response to an item written by a Dr. StormoGipson as to when life begins, etc., The Press ran a rebuttal opinion, written by Stephanie Murphy, which I felt was one of the most sensitive items I have ever had the privilege to read on the subject.

During my legal career spanning nearly 30 years as a trial lawyer and judge, I was often confronted with issues dealing with the termination of lives of the unborn. Despite my research, reading of books and articles coupled with numerous discussions with various church leaders and Theologians over the years, I was never able to really find a lot of “common ground” among them.

Ms. Murphy’s response was a wonderful mix of love, compassion and common sense, something that has been, in my opinion, seriously lacking in abortion debate. Regardless of whether you are pro-choice or pro-life, one needs to read this article. It is truly an eye opener for all (Political opinions excluded except as to her accuracy on alleged statements attributed to political candidates).

Her common sense challenge to Dr. SG has to open the eyes of those who think science is an absolute and perhaps the only “answer” to the abortion issue.

Some will challenge her as having responded out of pure emotion. Others will do so on the basis she is “uneducated” as to the so called medical and science issues. Perhaps one can argue a bit of that was involved in her response. However, how does one challenge her description of the development or the unborn child? How does one challenge the abortion process entailing the literal destruction of a small baby being carried in the womb?

The unborn infant is literally torn apart to remove it from the womb during abortion proceedings and she is right as to the unborn feeling pain. I defy any doctor to deny that.

This lady is to be applauded for her wonderful article. It took a mother to write it… a person who truly knows the pain of nine months and the blessings of birth. Her children’s lives will be greatly enriched from her love, compassion and wisdom.

I personally would like to see the article go national for all to read and think about.

No doubt there are those who will question how I can reach such an opinion as to Ms. Murphy. Simple. Nearly 56 years ago, I was fortunate to marry such a lady to share my life. The love and guidance she gave our five children cannot be measured. It has been passed on to our grandkids and now onto our great-grandkids. The return on her “investment” is immeasurable.

So will it be with the family of Stephanie Murphy. God bless Moms! They are really a lot wiser than they are given credit for! I know! I live with one!

JIM BALLEW

Coeur d’Alene