Commentary: Use of fetal tissue is truly being ‘pro-life’

I feel compelled to write regarding Lynne Riddle’s commentary on Planned Parenthood (“Planned Parenthood getting a bad rap,” July 31) and the responses from other letter writers.

Without getting into the veracity of the current accusations against Planned Parenthood, I find it alarming that the women who wrote in response automatically assumed that Planned Parenthood is guilty as charged. In addition, they feel that the collection of fetal tissue is a barbaric and vile practice and must be stopped. It should be noted that Planned Parenthood has denied doing anything illegal, and in fact there is no evidence that the group is profiting off the fetal tissue.

It should also be noted that Center for Medical Progress, which released the undercover videos of Planned Parenthood employees, is a joke — a total sham. It is neither medical nor progressive. It has one goal: to shut down every abortion provider in the United States.

Whether or not one believes in abortion is a moot point. Like it or not, abortion is legal in the United States, as it is in most developed countries. Moreover, abortion has existed as long as pregnancy has existed, including in biblical times.

The donation of aborted human fetal tissue is a long-standing practice that has been vitally important in medical research. We may never know how it has saved or greatly improved lives through advancements in the treatment of horrific diseases and injuries.

Talk about pro-life. Those of us who truly care about people want this to continue.

Planned Parenthood does so much more than perform abortions. It is the first line of healthcare — especially for reproductive issues — for both men and women who have nowhere else to turn.

As a reminder, the government for a number of years has not funded abortion. So the “defund Planned Parenthood” drumbeat is not about abortion. It is about taking away critical healthcare for the poorest among us.

Last, I am offended by the term pro-life, since I see nothing pro-life about forcing a woman to have a child she does not want or cannot afford. The world is full of unwanted children — who end up in jail, on the streets or on drugs. Just talk with a teacher.

Many of us consider the source when we hear the words pro-life. These are the same people who never raise a voice or lift a finger to advocate for children who do not have enough to eat, who are denied an adequate education, who do not have a home or who are dying or suffering because of the lack of affordable and accessible healthcare. Many of these people also consistently oppose all birth control and get hysterical when the issue of sex education in public schools is discussed.

The term pro-life is truly offensive because it is so hypocritical. These people do not focus on life issues but are consumed with the fetus. This is about controlling women. Nothing more.

They could prove to the rest of us that they really are pro-life by addressing the societal issues that destroy living, breathing men, women and children. Perhaps if they did that they would have more credibility and get more support.

SHIRLEY LORENZ lives in Irvine.