RAPE and ABORTION

There exists many views on abortion, especially when the unwanted child is a product of RAPE. Emotions flare on such issues. Some say: "the lady has a right to choose the fate of the bastard", others say: "allowing the child will bring unthinkable emotional and psychological trauma to the mum". Here's a little story that may change your view of the matter.



Rebecca Kiessling's story: Author of the Heritage House '76 pamphlet "Conceived in Rape: A Story of Hope"

I was adopted nearly from birth. At 18, I learned that I was conceived out of a
brutal rape at knife-point by a serial rapist. Like most people, I'd never
considered that abortion applied to my life, but once I received this information,
all of a sudden I realized that, not only does it apply to my life, but it has to do
with my very existence. It was as if I could hear the echoes of all those people
who, with the most sympathetic of tones, would say, “Well, except in cases of
rape. . . ," or who would rather fervently exclaim in disgust: “Especially is cases
of rape!!!” All these people are out there who don’t even know me, but are
standing in judgment of my life, so quick to dismiss it just because of how I was
conceived. I felt like I was now going to have to justify my own existence, that I
would have to prove myself to the world that I shouldn’t have been aborted and
that I was worthy of living. I also remember feeling like garbage because of
people who would say that my life was like garbage -- that I was disposable.

Please understand that whenever you identify yourself as being “pro-choice,” or
whenever you make that exception for rape, what that really translates into is you
being able to stand before me, look me in the eye, and say to me, "I think your
mother should have been able to abort you.” That’s a pretty powerful statement.
I would never say anything like that to someone. I would never say to someone, “If I
had my way, you’d be dead right now.” But that is the reality with which I live. I
challenge anyone to describe for me how it's not. It’s not like people say, “Oh
well, I’m pro-choice except for that little window of opportunity in 1968/69, so that
you, Rebecca, could have been born.” No -- this is the ruthless reality of that position, and I can tell you that it hurts and it’s mean. But I know that most people don’t put a face to this issue. For them, it’s just a concept – a quick cliché, and they sweep it under the rug and forget about it. I do hope that, as a child of rape, I can help to put a face and a voice to this issue.

I've often experienced those who would confront me and try to dismiss me with quick quips like, “Oh well, you were lucky!” Be sure that my survival has nothing to do with luck. The fact that I’m alive today has to do with choices that
were made by our society at large, people who fought to ensure abortion was illegal in Michigan at the time – even in cases of rape, people who argued to protect my life, and people who voted pro-life. I wasn’t lucky. I was protected.
And would you really rationalize that our brothers and sisters who are being aborted every day are just somehow "unlucky"?!!

Although my birthmother was thrilled to meet me, she did tell me that she actually went to two back-alley abortionists and I was almost aborted. After the rape, the police referred her to a counselor who basically told her that abortion was
the thing to do. She said there were no crisis pregnancy centers back then, but my birthmother assured me that if there had been, she would have gone if at least for a little more guidance. The rape counselor is the one who set her
up with the back-alley abortionists. For the first, she said it was the typical back-alley conditions that you hear about as to why "she should have been able to safely and legally abort" me -- blood and dirt all over the table and floor. Those
back-alley conditions and the fact that it was illegal caused her to back out, as with most women.

Then she got hooked up with a more expensive abortionist. This time she was to meet someone at night by the Detroit Institute of Arts. Someone would approach her, say her name, blindfold her, put her in the backseat of a car, take her and then abort me . . . , then blindfold her again and drop her back off. And do you know what I think is so pathetic? It’ s that I know there are an awful lot of people out there who would hear me describe those conditions and their response would just be a pitiful shake of the head in disgust: “It’s just so awful that your birthmother should have had to have gone through that in order to have been able to abort you!” Like that’s compassionate?!! I fully realize that they think they are being compassionate, but that’s pretty cold-hearted from where I stand, don’t you think? That is my life that they are so callously talking about and there is nothing compassionate about that position. My birthmother is okay – her life went on and in fact, she's doing great, but I would have been killed, my life would have been ended. I may not look the same as I did when I was four years old or four days old yet unborn in my mother’s womb, but that was still undeniably me and I would have been killed through a brutal abortion.

According to the research of Dr. David Reardon, director of the Elliot Institute, co-editor of the book Victims and Victors: Speaking Out About Their Pregnancies, Abortions and Children Resulting From Sexual Assault, and author of the article "Rape, Incest and Abortion: Searching Beyond the Myths," most women who become pregnant out of sexual assault do not want an abortion and are in fact worse-off after an abortion. http://www.afterabortion.org. So most people's position on abortion in cases of rape is based upon faulty premises: 1) the rape victim would want an abortion, 2) she'd be better off with an abortion and 3) that child's life just isn't worth having to put her through the pregnancy. I hope that my story, and the other stories posted on this site, will be able to help dispel that last myth.

I wish I could say that my birthmother was with the majority of victims and that she didn't want to abort me, but she had been convinced otherwise. However, the nasty disposition and foul mouth of this second back-alley abortionist, along with a fear for her own safety, caused her to back out. When she told him by phone that she wasn't interested in this risky arrangement, this abortion doctor insulted her and called her names. To her surprise, he called again the next day to try to talk her into aborting me once again, and again she declined and was hurled insults. So that was it -- after that she just couldn’t go through with it. My birthmother was then heading into her second trimester – far more dangerous, far more expensive to have me aborted.

I’m so thankful my life was spared, but a lot of well-meaning Christians would say things to me like, “Well you see, God really meant for you to be here!” Or others may say, "You were meant to be here." But I know that God intends for every unborn child to be given the same opportunity to be born, and I can’t sit contentedly saying, “Well, at least my life was spared.” Or, “I deserved it. Look what I’ve done with my life.” And millions of others didn’t? I can’t do that. Can you? Can you just sit there and say, “At least I was wanted . . . at least I’m alive . . . ,” or just, “Whatever!”? Is that really the kind of person who you want to be? Cold-hearted? A facade of compassion on the exterior, but stone-cold and vacated from within? Do you claim to care about women but couldn't care less about me because I stand as a reminder of something you'd rather not face and that you'd hate for others to consider either? Do I not fit your agenda?

In law school, I’d also have classmates say things to me like, “Oh well! If you’d been aborted, you wouldn’t be here today, and you wouldn’t know the difference anyway, so what does it matter?” Believe it or not, some of the top pro-
abortion philosophers use that same kind of argument: “The fetus never knows what hits him, so there’s no such fetus to miss his life.” So I guess as long as you stab someone in the back while he’s sleeping, then it’s okay, because he
doesn’t know what hits him?! I’d explain to my classmates how their same logic would justify “me killing you today, because you wouldn’t be here tomorrow, and you wouldn’t know the difference anyway, so what does it matter?" And they’d just stand their with their jaws dropped. It’s amazing what a little logic can do, when you really think this thing through – like we were supposed to be doing in law school – and consider what we’re really talking about: there are lives who are not here today because they were aborted. It’s like the old saying: “If a tree falls in the forest, and no one is around to hear it, does it make a noise?” Well, yeah! And if a baby is aborted, and no one else is around to know about it, does it matter? The answer is, “YES! Their lives matter. My life matters. Your life matters and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!

The world is a different place because it was illegal for my birthmother to abort me back then. Your life is different because she could not legally abort me because you are sitting here reading my words today! But you don’t have to have an impact on audiences for your life to matter. There is something we are all missing here today because of the generations now who have been aborted and it matters.

One of the greatest things I’ve learned is that the rapist is NOT my creator, as some people would have me believe. My value and identity are not established as a “product of rape,” but a child of God. Psalm 68:5,6 declares: “A father to
the fatherless . . . is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families.” And Psalm 27:10 tells us “Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.” I know that there is no stigma in being adopted. We are told
in the New Testament that it is in the spirit of adoption that we are called to be God’s children through Christ our Lord.
So He must have thought pretty highly of adoption to use that as a picture of His love for us!

Most importantly, I’ve learned, I’ll be able to teach my children, and I teach others that your value is not based on the circumstances of your conception, your parents, your siblings, your mate, your house, your clothes, your looks, your
IQ, your grades, your scores, your money, your occupation, your successes or failures, or your abilities or disabilities – these are the lies that are perpetuated in our society. In fact, most motivational speakers tell their audiences that if they could just make something of themselves and meet this certain societal standard, then they too could “be somebody.” But the fact is that no one could ever meet all of these ridiculous standards, and many people will fall
incredibly short and so, does that mean that they’re not “somebody” or that they’re “nobody?” The truth is that you don't have to prove your worth to anyone, and if you really want to know what your value is, all you have to do is look to
the Cross – because that’s the price that was paid for you life! That’s the infinite value that God placed on your life! He thinks you are pretty valuable, and so do I. Won't you join me in affirming others' value as well, in word and in
action?

For those of you who would say, "Well, I don't believe in God and I don't believe in the Bible, so I'm pro-choice," please read my essay, "The Right of the Unborn Child Not to be Unjustly Killed -- a philosophy of rights approach." I assure
you, it will be worth your time.

For Life,
Rebecca Kiessling
please read my essay, "The Right of the Unborn Child Not to be Unjustly Killed -- a philosophy of rights approach." I assure you, it will be worth your time.
For Life, Rebecca Kiessling
www.rebeccakiessling.com

Clinical student - How to survive this stage.

How to survive as a clinical student

Laura Quinton offers some practical hints.

There are times in life when we need to put theory into practice, where 'the rubber hits the road.' For a medical student on the brink of the start of clinical placements this is such a time. Many, like me, may feel a nervous excitement. Being a clinical medical student is very different from the life of a pre-clinical student. It is good to consider what will be required to live for Christ on the wards and use the gifts he has given you before you are actually let loose! I offer some pointers to help you not just survive, but enjoy and excel in your clinical years.

Clinical studies may be your first glimpse of what the life of a hospital doctor is like. Many of your expectations and beliefs about clinical life will no doubt be confirmed but be prepared for more than a few surprises! Spending time on the wards, in clinic and teaching sessions with doctors of varying grades (and other health care professionals) is the mainstay of life as a clinical medical student (not forgetting the numerous interspersed coffee breaks!).

One the major differences you will encounter on placement is the smaller group size - you will not see the full year group every day. This can be both a reward and a challenge. It does give you a good opportunity to get to know the other people in your group who you may not have spoken to before. At other times loneliness can be an issue as often timetables involve being by yourself in a different place, with different doctors, every day.

How to prepare
organisation

Obtain a diary or organiser if you do not already have one. With a constantly changing timetable, sometimes with random teaching and clinics interspersed during the week, this is an invaluable purchase to keep you sane and on the right track. It is also a good plan to write in your diary when you are going to do self directed learning and student selected components so that you are not working through the night just before the hand-in day. Get the contact details for other people in your group on the first day of placement. This means that it is easy to find out from them what you are meant to be doing if you are unsure or if you need to pass a message on to the whole group from your consultant who might assume that you all know each other really well.

know your goals

At the beginning of the placement you should have an induction or explanation of how that firm works, what you should be doing, and who everyone is. This does not always happen! Find out exactly what you need to have done by the end of the placement. Knowing what is expected and how you will be assessed is very important and means that there are no unpleasant surprises further down the line. Make sure you have determined what you personally want to get out of the placement, for example, becoming better at taking histories or becoming more confident at a skill like phlebotomy or venous cannulation. Once determined, think about how you can achieve these goals and then go for it!
don't be afraid to ask

Most placements will be in hospitals where staff are used to students being around on the wards. Most are very willing to help, and you should never be afraid to ask a question. Foundation year 1 doctors can be especially helpful because they have just finished the process of being a medical student and have a good idea of what sort of standard you should be at. If they graduated from your medical school you have even more in common and they may be a very useful allies on the wards - do ask them for any tips they have. Nurses are also often happy to help with any of their skills that you need to learn - but may be very busy themselves at times, and have their own students to train.

Be enthusiastic

This is not always easy. However, it is true that the more you put into something, the more you will get out of it. If you consistently turn up to your placement, look interested and are willing to do things asked of you, you are more likely to be able to watch or perform procedures. This increases both your skills and your confidence for which you will thank yourself in the long run.

Know where to get help

Make sure you know before you start who to talk to at the medical school should anything go wrong with a placement. If personal issues arise that may affect your studies it is important to seek help sooner rather than later as much more can be done to help you at an earlier date.

Keep a balanced life

Make sure your entire life does not revolve around medicine. Though it is important to have close medic friends for companionship and camaraderie, having friends who are not medics is vital as they keep you in the real world and make your life more rounded and whole. During exam periods make sure that you make time to see these non-medic friends and enjoy a space where no-one but yourself understands what OSCE or MTAS stand for. They may also be good people on whom to practise medical examinations as they will not pre-empt your next move, making them more realistic patient substitutes!

How can I be a good Christian medical student?
worship in all you do

Remember that everything we do should be worship to God, using the gifts he has given us to bring him glory. When you remember this your perspective does really change. I find that it can be so easy, especially during exam time, to focus upon myself and my own abilities. This is where it is important to remember that you are doing these exams as a way of glorifying God. It is not about proving yourself, but rather about using gifts that God has given to you.
remember God's provision

One of the names used to describe God in the Bible is Jehovah Jireh which is translated as the Lord will provide. In the gospels Jesus emphasises that our heavenly Father will provide for our needs. These needs are not just material but also relational. The Lord gives us people to form close relationships with, to help and mentor us and to give us general encouragement. We must remember to trust in his provision knowing that He helps us whenever it is needed.One of the main ways I have experienced God's provision is by receiving peace from Him during exam periods. We must be encouraged by God's promise that we will never be given more than what we can cope with. We need to pray for his strength and help, knowing he is faithful to answer.

made in God's image

We must remember that everyone is made in God's image, created and loved by Him. Every patient who comes through the doors of the hospital or GP surgery is in some ways a picture of God. It is all too easy to forget this, even though we have the privilege of learning how to treat their body. There will always be patients on a ward who you wish were not there because they are drunk or abusive or unhelpful. However, remembering that they are made in the image of God reminds you to treat them to his standards, regardless of their behaviour towards you. Let us rejoice that God does not treat us as our behaviour demands and attempt to follow his example of unconditional love and care. Jesus taught that whenever we help somebody who needs it we are helping Him. Working in a hospital gives a chance to live this out every day, and experience God giving you his heart of love for the patients you come into contact with.
make church a priority

Throughout your clinical years make sure you are involved in a church, as well as any local christian group. This is fundamental for growing as a Christian and for personal and pastoral support. Attending church should be a high priority throughout the year. Joining a small group helps to keep you involved, and provides you with people to support you and to anchor you into the church. But just like medicine, church can take over your life. It's good to serve in church, but if you are doing worship one week followed by children's work the next, and doing youth every Wednesday as well as attending a small group, it is easy to neglect your studies, and paradoxically not spend enough time with your Creator. Although medicine should not take up your whole life, some input of time is needed. Learning to say no is an important skill for both medical and church life.
spend time with God

Having regular quiet times is something a lot of people struggle with, and being a clinical student can make it even harder. Routines are more difficult as you can have a busy timetable which is constantly changing.

However, time with God needs to be a priority; he is the reason we live, the reason we are here and the reason we are doing medicine, and if we are going to live for him we need to be spending time with Him. Either leave time in the morning or make sure that you have time when you get home. There may also be time in a break during the day where you can find a quiet spot in the hospital to spend time with God.

Use situations you have come across during the day to prompt you in your prayer. Pray for the patients you have seen in clinic or on the ward round that day or week and pray for the other students you are on placement with.
be an ambassador for Christ

Paul talks about us being Christ's ambassadors which means that we have been chosen to represent God to everyone we meet. We are sent into the hospital as representatives of God, so must act in a way that pleases Him. Be someone who shows a glimpse of what God's love is like, who stands out from the crowd, who has integrity in all they do.

Laura Quinton is a final year medical student in Leeds.
references

1. Romans 12:1
2. Genesis 22:14
3. Matthew 6:25-34
4. Genesis 1:26-28
5. Matthew 25:40
6. 2 Corinthians 5:20
www.cmf.org.uk

क्रिश्चियन मेडिको- वेल्कोमे!

Hurray!
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