Materialistic Discourses on Abortion

 

Materialistic Discourses on Abortion

Marco Milani

In the conclusion of The Spirits' Book (SB), part II, we find the statement that Spiritism is the most formidable antagonist of materialism. This opposition becomes evident when speeches on various issues are grounded.

Abortion is one of the topics that, despite being clearly addressed in the teachings of the Spirits (see SB-358, for example), still stirs controversy among those who embrace materialistic arguments to defend it.

The only doctrinal exception that would justify induced abortion would be when the continuation of pregnancy jeopardizes the life of the mother (SB-359).

Due to their disbelief in anything beyond matter, materialists justify the assertion that induced abortion is a matter of the pregnant woman's choice, as they assume that the developing being is part of the woman's own body (matter), and there is no independent Spirit linked to the reincarnational process. Thus, the baby would be nothing more than an extension of the mother's body.

Another materialistic claim is that abortion is a public health issue, assuming that the developing being is disposable according to the mother's greater desire to expel it from her body, using procedures that do not endanger her own life. Under this narrative, it would be the responsibility of the state to offer better health safety measures for the expulsion of the developing being. A recurring pro-abortion argument on this topic is that wealthy women would be safer in terminating pregnancies than poor women, so, for the sake of "social justice," the same conditions should be provided to the less privileged.

The sacrifice of beings with some kind of malformation or severe pathological characteristics is also acceptable for materialists who foresee the difficulties that will be imposed on the responsible parties for accommodation, expenses, and necessary care. They even argue that it would be better for the child not to be born (i.e., to be eliminated) than to live in suffering, disregarding all the spiritual causes that led to this situation.

Lengthy medical and legal discussions revolve around the determination of when life actually begins. There is debate about whether it starts at conception or at other stages of bodily development. Materialists, employing conceptual acrobatics, relativize intrauterine existence.

When the spiritual element is introduced, the perspective of analysis broadens, as the reincarnating being is considered an independent individual, entitled to life (SB-880), continuing its evolutionary process alongside those who, by affinity, will participate in its earthly journey. By protecting the survival of the unborn, life is valued.

One of the characteristics of Spiritism is reasoned faith; therefore, its adherents are expected to believe based on valid arguments and assume stances consistent with doctrinal principles and values. Certainly, the level of maturity and understanding of these principles and values will vary and reflect in the public and private expressions of each individual.

Regarding the topic of abortion, Kardec clearly indicates the consequences for all involved, proportional to their knowledge, intention, and responsibility regarding the act. The principle of free will is never disregarded, and with emphasis, he highlights the merit of those who overcome the most painful situations to preserve life.