Reply #37: I am a consistent pro-life progressive, supporting what

[DemBones DemBones]

is called the "seamless garment of life." That means that I oppose abortion, infanticide, capital punishment, war, homicide, euthanasia, assisted suicide, and suicide. I do not believe that anyone has the right to take a life, including their own or that of their child of any age. I do believe that everyone has the right to refuse medical treatment to extend his/her life by extraordinary means.

I support the right of anyone to use contraceptives but not birth control devices. Contraceptives (condoms, diaphragms, spermicidal foams) prevent conception from occurring while birth control devices (IUDs, so-called "emergency contraceptives" or "morning after pills") prevent birth by preventing implantation of an embryo, making them in effect a form of abortion. Birth control pills work by suppressing ovulation, making them contraceptives.

I also believe that we each have a moral obligation to help other people who need food, water, clothing, shelter, or medical care, because those are all necessary to preserve life. Being a progressive, I support government helping to provide for people's needs, ensuring fairness in the market, providing public education, etc.