AboutDavid Spector Expertise I can answer questions about Quakerism and the Religious Society of Friends from a Universalist (non-Evangelical, unprogrammed) point of view, particularly questions about Quaker religious practice.
Experience I have been a practicing Friend since approximately 1998 and have been active in attending and helping to organize Friends' activities, such as retreats run by our Meeting.
Organizations I belong to I am a member of Friends Meeting at Cambridge (Massachusetts, USA).
Expert: David Spector Date: 3/20/2007 Subject: Quakers and Abortion
Question QUESTION: I almost fell off my chair when a girlfriend told me Quakers allow abortion! Is this true? How can you say that killing in war is morally wrong and the death penalty is wrong, but leave it up to a women to decide whether or not she wants to kill her unborn child?
Personally I believe NO church belongs in our vaginas or wombs!
Any insight you can give me would be appreciated!
ANSWER: Jacqueline, Thank you for your question.
Your girlfriend is poorly informed. Read http://www.fum.org/QL/issues/9904/MacNair.htm to find out the actual position of one portion of Quakerism: Friends United Meeting. You will see that they condemn abortion as violence and killing, contrary to the will of God.
Individual Quakers may not necessarily agree that abortion is to be condemned as any other form of killing (they may be equally concerned, for example, about honoring the desires of a woman not to be forced to give birth through the violence of rape). Quakerism does not force any beliefs on individual Quakers as is done in some other religions.
I hope this brief answer has helped. Please feel free to submit followup questions, if needed.
David Spector
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QUESTION: Thank you David for your speedy reply. I was raped at knifepoint (1978) and had an abortion. I still feel the guilt even thought it wasn't my fault.
I live in the NYC area and would be very interested in finding out more about the Friends. I love the fact that there are no power trips in your church! Everyone is equal, as it should be. I love the fact that Quakerism does not force any beliefs on individual Quakers. I love you guys!!
How can I find out more?
Answer Jacqueline,
I have been reading a book the discusses abortion in a way that I believe you would find relevant and compelling. I recommend the chapter "The Ethical Dilemma of Abortion" in "Jesus Rode A Donkey: Why Republicans Don't have the Corner on Christ" by Linda Seger, Th.D. This book should be easily available at book stores, online, or in libraries.
If you decide to follow up on this, I hope this discussion is of help to you in your struggle with the issues involved in abortion.
