Hill Case Sets Back Pro-Life Cause, Poll Shows

CNSNews.com ^ | 9/05/03 | Scott Hogenson

[kattracks]

(CNSNews.com) - The case of Paul Hill, the former minister who was put to death in Florida Wednesday for the murder of an abortionist and his bodyguard nine years ago, hurts the American pro-life cause, according to the results of an Internet survey.

The poll conducted by CNSNews.com - Cybercast News Service -- showed that 66 percent of the respondents thought Hill's actions "hurt the pro-life movement," while eight percent said they think it helped the movement.

Nearly a quarter of respondents believe Hill's actions will have no effect on pro-life efforts, according to the survey, which involved 769 respondents between the mornings of Sept. 3 and Sept. 4. The responses represent the opinions of those reading the Internet newswire and the survey is not considered scientific.

"These data are indicative of what we've been hearing in the pro-life community," said CNSNews.com Managing Editor David Thibault. "There are very few people who support Hill, and a vast majority of pro-life conservatives with whom we've talked about this agree it hurts their cause."

Hill was sentenced to death after the July 29, 1994 murder of Dr. James Britton and his bodyguard, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, near an abortion clinic in Pensacola, Fla. Hill was executed by lethal injection Wednesday, making him the first American to be put to death for violence linked to abortion.

Officials in Florida said Hill's last words were, "May God help you to protect the unborn as you would want to be protected."

Hill, a former Presbyterian minister, did not contest his sentence following the statutory appeals involved with death penalty cases in Florida. He had maintained that his murder of Britton saved the lives of unborn children, and Hill had urged other pro-life advocates to use whatever means were necessary to protect the unborn.

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[Arm_Bears]

I wonder what part of "Thou shalt not murder" this former pastor didn't get. What a schmuck.

[mtbrandon49]

"Hill Case Sets Back Pro-Life Cause, Poll Shows"
Until we have a national vote on abortion and the majority is no longer ruled by the minority, the Supreme Court will continue to create laws. The issue is not about freedom of choice as the courts and planned parenthood like to portray it but an issue of right or wrong. I don't agree with the actions of Mr. Hill but I don't agree with abortion either.

[2timothy3.16]

You're looking at this the wrong way, "while eight percent said they think it helped the movement. "

Think about it for a minute, eight percent of those who responded, and I didn't respond for fear of having my answer traced and recorded, say that what Rev. Hill did was right and they support it.

I will assure you that while many pro-lifers look at those numbers and think the pro-life movement is shrinking, the abortionist will look at those numbers and say; "8% support killing us.".

[basque69]

By the same rationale, John Brown's raid at Harper's Ferry "set back" abolitionism. Let us focus hard on this case so that 40 million murders are ignored.

[Noachian]

I dont see how Paul Hill's actions could either hurt or help the pro-life movement.

Whatever Hill's actions were an individual still has to decide is abortion murder or isn't it? The answer to that question will determine how an individual views the abortion industry.

It would be wise to remember that the Founding Fathers recognized the right to "...life , liberty, and the pursuit of happiness;" and you cannot have a life unless you are first conceived and go through the birthing process. If that process is stopped intentionally common sense says that's murder no matter what nine peope in black robes say.

When a pregnant woman decides to abort (stop his/her life cycle) her unborn baby, that woman is as guilty of murder as was Paul Hill, and in addition she also deprived that baby of the right to life guaranteed in the Constitution.

Paul Hill was wrong to commit murder, and he paid the price, but potential mothers commit murder every day and it is excused. There's a double standard being used for murder.

[livius]

He helped the abortionists by giving them a ton of free publicity and, what America loves best, victimhood. I live in Florida, and the day he was executed, Planned Parenthood and all the other abortion mills that live by aborting the babies of the University of Florida students were surrounded by police cars because they claimed to "fear attacks from religious fanatics." The press has had a field day with this, and is still publishing articles about the "courage" of abortionists. Thanks for nothing, Paul Hill.

[Keyes2000mt]

There's a difference between saying something is "helpful" and saying it's "right". Some might think it's helpful because it was a factor in the shrinking of abortionists (albeit, a small one), but still not agree with the morality of it.

I think it was unhelpful and just helped restrict pro-life speech.

[auboy]

Hill was sentenced to death after the July 29, 1994 murder of Dr. James Britton and his bodyguard, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel

Nine years plus ago. Nine friggin' years this nut was allowed to live and be Planned Parenthood's "Pro-Life face of evil". He killed one abortion doctor and his bodyguard. I bet it didn't take the clinic nine years to replace Dr. Britton. Thanks "reverend" Hill… and thank you Eric Rudolph. [end rant]

[basque69]

"Now if it is deemed necessary that I should forfeit my life for the furtherance of the ends of justice, and mingle my blood withh the blood of millions...whose rights are disregarded by wicked, cruel and unjust enactments, I say let it be done.." John Brown

[Noachian]

He helped the abortionists by giving them a ton of free publicity and, what America loves best, victimhood. I live in Florida, and the day he was executed, Planned Parenthood and all the other abortion mills that live by aborting the babies of the University of Florida students were surrounded by police cars because they claimed to "fear attacks from religious fanatics." The press has had a field day with this, and is still publishing articles about the "courage" of abortionists. Thanks for nothing, Paul Hill.

I understand that what you're saying is that Hill played into the hands of the abortion industry, and I agree. I also think that, although Paul Hill was a convient tool that the abortion indusrtry used on impressionable college students, the industry, and its backers in the media, would be doing what they're doing right now Paul Hill or no Paul Hill. I think we can both agree that the abortion industry is waiting for another Paul Hill to come along, or something else that will give them more free publicity and media face time. But, all of that is short term. College students may be impressional, but they have short attention spans.

The moral approach used by the pro-lifers hasn't had the impact it should have, and pro-life tactics should change to be more effective. Abortions are mainly done for selfish reasons, and an appeal to moral behavior doesn't seem to have the effect it use to have. But, health is more concrete. The unhealthy side-effects of abortion, including depression, and elevated risks of cancers, should be touted more by the pro-life side. If morality doesn't work the fear of disease will.