By: Claire, THL Contributor
It is a common misconception that if you’re a Libertarian, you are also pro-choice. Granted, many are. However, that isn’t the way it has to be. In fact, I want to tell you why I believe being pro-life is an obvious Libertarian stance.
As Libertarians, we believe in not infringing on the rights of others, whether they are economic or personal rights. We believe in John Locke’s, and then Thomas Jefferson’s adaptation of Locke’s theory in the Declaration of Independence - all humans are entitled to the certain unalienable rights of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.The first of these is Life – for all humans.
I believe that a child is a human at the moment of conception, not just at the moment of birth. This is my scientifically based opinion. A child’s DNA is determined at conception, making them the unique person that they are. Isn’t the basic human right of life then guaranteed to this person? Even before they exit the womb?
A child has an adult’s basic rights, even if it has not yet been born. Libertarians would never want to infringe on someone’s right to life, and so I believe that a good libertarian should fight for the inalienable rights of all people, including unborn children.
There are some Libertarian groups out there presenting this view to both sides of the argument, and I think the Libertarians for Life is one the most outstanding groups excelling in this area.
Check out their site for more information on being a pro-life Libertarian.
Editor's note: Please welcome Claire to the blog. This is her debut post. She is a colleague and schoolmate of mine whose writing I noticed in the campus libertarian/conservative newspaper. There's more on the abortion issue and libertarianism to come! -W. E. Messamore
