Public Morality

I referenced this article from a member of the clergy who counseled public officials to remember they represent individuals, not God. This resulted in a long thread, in large part because of the contribution of a Catholic making pro-life arguments and annoying various regulars. As I noted last time, there is a range of beliefs here, as Roe v. Wade noted:

It should be sufficient to note briefly the wide divergence of thinking on this most sensitive and difficult question. There has always been strong support for the view that life does not begin until live' birth. This was the belief of the Stoics. It appears to be the predominant, though not the unanimous, attitude of the Jewish faith. It may be taken to represent also the position of a large segment of the Protestant community, insofar as that can be ascertained; organized groups that have taken a formal position on the abortion issue have generally regarded abortion as a matter for the conscience of the individual and her family.

To add something else from my various comments there.  There is a debate at one point (some vitriol mixed in) regarding the morality behind our secular law. I'm unsure where this takes us. "Morality" as "principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behavior," yes, there is some overall morality. A basic point there being not harming persons who are not harming you.  This can be thought of as "public morality" as compared to the private morality ("our own moral code") sometimes referenced in Supreme Court opinions.  So, it is not that "morality" has no role in public policy though sometimes one might get that idea.  "Morality" is not simply "religious belief." 

As noted by some (this goes to the merits), the embryo is harming -- it is using a person's body. This cannot be done against their will under our laws. Or, rather, stopping it from being addressed is wrong. (The state here, not the embryo, has will after all.) It is basically "immoral" under our political philosophy. Some have religious or otherwise beliefs that holds there is an obligation to care for the embryo anyhow. Many, especially in various cases (and this includes many people who think of themselves as Catholics), think otherwise. Of course, many consent to the pregnancy, many honored earlier this week. 

The choice is left to the individual under our secular law.  The confusion over the term "morality" can lead to more confusion than light here. But, it isn't too complicated.  Also, people are going to be motivated in some part by personal morality.  This still has to be channeled in such a way that the rules of secular law are not violated.  Public morality requires this.