Like Mitt Romney, Abby Johnson, People Can Change on Abortion

Opinion   |   Christina Martin   |   Dec 5, 2011   |   5:11PM   |   Washington, DC

There has been much debate recently on the question of whether Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney is sincerely pro-life. Romney recently interviewed with Brett Baier of Fox News. When questioned about changing his positions on various issues he denied the accusations, except concerning the issue of abortion.

Romney stated;

“And there’s no question, but that people are going to take snippets and take things out of context and try and show that there are differences, where in some cases, there are not,” Romney said. “But one place I changed my mind with regard to the government’s role relating abortion. I am pro-life. I did not take that position years ago. And that’s the same change that occurred with Ronald Reagan, with George W. Bush, with some of the leaders in the pro-life movement.”

Romney’s change of heart appears to have sprung from an in depth conversation he had with William Hulbert, a professor of bio-medical ethics at Standford University Medical School. There was a debate brewing in Massachusetts over stem cell research while Romney was governor. He had to make a decision regarding a state law that protected embryos from research. He called in Hulbert and they talked for hours about stem cells, conception and the value of human life. That conversation changed everything.  Kathleen Parker, an opinion writer for the Washington Post talked with Hulbert about Romeny’s conviction.

Hulbert felt it was sincere stating:

“Several things about our conversation still stand out strongly in my mind. First, he clearly recognized the significance of the issue, not just as a current controversy but as a matter that would define the character of our culture way into the future. Second, it was obvious that he had put in a real effort to understand both the scientific prospects and the broader social implications. Finally, I was impressed by both his clarity of mind and sincerity of heart. . . . He recognized that this was not a matter of purely abstract theory or merely pragmatic governance, but a crucial moment in how we are to regard nascent human life and the broader meaning of medicine in the service of life.”

Whether Mitt Romney had an authentic change of heart or not, is a question none of us can answer. Yet the topic brings to light a great question. Is it possible for people to have true changes of heart concerning the issue of abortion? The liberal media portrays those who change their minds as if they’ve lost all reason or become prone to delusion. Yet there are countless people who once supported abortion and now realize the grave error they were in.

Evangelist Ray Comfort’s recent documentary on abortion; the 180 movie, was a sign that there is hope for change. He interviewed people who claimed to be pro-choice but were unaware of what that choice entailed. When confronted with the truth of abortion as murder, they no longer desired to support it.

I don’t applaud or condemn Romney or his politics. Yet I do believe his confession of change is encouraging. I believe many leaders in our government and society will soon follow suit. To answer the question I posed earlier, it is totally possible for hearts to change. People can change, whether there presidential nominees, or a Planned Parenthood directors like Abby Johnson. The reason more don’t change is because they won’t look at the truth. The truth behind abortion is not pretty. The death toll is overwhelming, the stories heartbreaking, and the consequences for the earth, irrevocable. In 2011 we are without excuse. The research has been done, the facts are clear; the fetal development of a baby can be seen within seconds of an Internet search. If we want to search for truth, it is waiting to be found.

Jesus said we shall know the truth and the truth shall set us free. I pray the reality of abortion will be exposed in this day. May we all examine our hearts and choose the road that is right. It may not be popular, but it will prove to be true.

LifeNews.com Note: Christina Martin writes at the Bound4Life blog.