The Aborted Legacy of Ted Kennedy

Listening to daytime conservative talk radio this morning for the first time since the election last November, I was reminded both of why I stopped listening and why I used to be a daily listener.

After about 5 minutes I was reminded that my frustration and blood pressure levels were heightened by my listening. But since I was out walking the dog I continued listening and was glad I did. It seems one misses a lot of interesting information that is conveniently omitted in the daily newspaper, radio, and television news reports.

Here is a letter written by Senator Ted Kennedy that I would have missed had I not tuned in this morning. It is in response to a constituent during the nascent years of the abortion rights movement.

Edward M. Kennedy
Massachusetts

United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

August 3, 1971

Mr. Thomas E. Dennelly
34 Baker Hill Road
Great Neck, New York 11023

Dear Mr. Dennelly:

I appreciate your letter containing your views on abortion. There are many moral and legal aspects arising from this complex issue which is gaining the acceptance of large numbers of women faced with unwanted pregnancies, while disturbing the consciences of a great many other Americans.

Opponents maintain that abortion is wrong from every theological, moral and medical aspect. Proponents are firmly convinced that the woman, alone, has the right to decide.

While the deep concern of a woman bearing an unwanted child merits consideration and sympathy, it is my personal feeling that the legalization of abortion on demand is not in accordance with the value which our civilization places on human life. Wanted or unwanted, I believe that human life, even at its earliest stages, has certain right which must be recognized - the right to be born, the right to love, the right to grow old.

On the question of the individual's freedom of choice there are easily available birth control methods and information which women may employ to prevent or postpone pregnancy. But once life has begun, no matter at what stage of growth, it is my belief that termination should not be decided merely by desire.

I share the confidence of those who feel that America is willing to care for its unwanted as well as wanted children, protecting particularly those who cannot protect themselves. I also share the opinions of those who do not accept abortion as a response to our society's problems - an inadequate welfare system, unsatisfactory job training programs, and insufficient financial support for all its citizens.

When history looks back on this era it should recognize this generation as one which cared about human beings enough to halt the practice of war, to provide a decent living for every family, and to fulfill its responsibility to its children from the moment of conception.

Sincerely,
Edward M. Kennedy

Since the generation of which he wrote and who controlled his vote fell a tad short, perhaps we can be the generation to bring this baby full term.

Thy will be done, Lord. Please deliver us from this evil.