The entire basis for the anti-abortion movement is the idea (with which I disagree, for both spiritual and scientific reasons) that 'life begins at conception' and therefore an abortion is 'murder.' Exceptions for rape or incest are tantamount to legitimizing murder of persons conceived in this way. What's 'pro-life' about that?
There really isn't any way to reconcile these things. Either killing ANY embryo or fetus is murder, or it isn't. Since I don't believe that 'life begins at conception' (an aside, in case anyone asks - the primary reason I don't believe this is that bazillions of 'conceived' embryos never implant and become full blown pregnancies, and I have a hard time believing that all of those conceptions that we never even knew about are dead persons invested with souls), I can't accept the 'murder' rationale for all abortions. If I did, however, I simply cannot see how one can argue for 'exceptions' based upon the manner of conception.
Homicide. Some homicides (e.g. self-defense) are justifiable.
Since I don't believe that 'life begins at conception' (an aside, in case anyone asks - the primary reason I don't believe this is that bazillions of 'conceived' embryos never implant and become full blown pregnancies, and I have a hard time believing that all of those conceptions that we never even knew about are dead persons invested with souls)
Do we have to "know" people in order for there to be souls? What a strange criteria. If God wishes to ensoul being who live for only a short time, what concern is it of ours?
Your position is not consistent. Why choose implantation? Many babies are lost through miscarriage after implantation. Often before the mother even realizes she is pregnant. Do you also find it hard to believe that they are "dead persons" with souls? No one ever "knows" them.
I can't accept the 'murder' rationale for all abortions. If I did, however, I simply cannot see how one can argue for 'exceptions' based upon the manner of conception.
One can't argue that in a consistent position. "Rape and incest" is an excuse, a political dodge, a claim of difficult circumstances to test a position.
The only morally and logically defensible exception is the one to save the life (not "lifestyle") or the mother. Self-defense is a justification for homicide.
SD