“Choose Life” License Plates

March 17th, 2006 | by Sean |

Today, the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the state of Tennessee over its controversial “Choose Life” anti-abortion license plates. That is, the court allows Tennesee to sell the plates on first ammendment grounds.

For the record, I am pro-choice.

At first glance, I was appalled at the state of Tennessee would do such a thing. I thought it was irresponsible of the state to argue only one side of a contentious political issue in the public square, as if the entire state had taken a anti-abortion stance (there are no “Choose Choice” plates available). This was the heart of the ACLU’s case Tennessee.

With a little more thought, I decided that these plates may be irresponsible on the face; but underneath the obvious partisan stance, I believe these plates may prove to be a good thing. The state plans on spending the additional revenue from the sale of these plates to help pregnant women put their babies up for adoption. I believe this is a good idea and sends the right message.

Whether or not you’re pro-choice or anti-choice, I believe the ultimate goal of both camps is to reduce the number of abortions. Abortions are undesirable and, in my opinion, are reflective of poor education and access to proper contraceptive methods. However, I don’t believe banning abortion will stop them from happening (just like prohibition “banned” alcohol). I think the best we can hope for is to whittle away at it through education and programs designed to help women cope with unwanted pregnancies. I believe the best way to prevent abortion is to educate men and women on proper contraception, how the body works vis a vis sex, and to provide support in case of accidental pregnancy.

I think this Tennessee program is designed with this in mind: prevent abortions by providing support to women with unwanted pregnancy.

(disclaimer: I wrote this fast since it was fresh in my mind, but I have a final in an hour that I should review for! Pardon any grammar, spelling, or argumentation errors. :-) )

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