Ask a Pro-Life Agnostic: Kerry Swanson
Once a month or so, the Secular Pro-Life blog features a short interview with a pro-life atheist or agnostic. (See the full series of interviews here.) Although Secular Pro-Life is not exclusively for atheists and agnostics, historically they have played a key role in the organization. As they become more prominent in the pro-life movement generally, we’re excited for the opportunity to share their stories. This month, we welcome agnostic Kerry Swanson
How did you arrive at the anti-abortion position?
I had my own experience about feeling pressured towards abortion when I was facing a potential crisis pregnancy in my 20s after a traumatic assault. I was on the fence about abortion and was leaning pro-choice until I transparently shared my crisis experience to a group mostly composed of pro-choicers. I was immediately approached and told that I was wrong for linking up feelings of distrust for abortion with my past experience. My friend talked to me as well and tried to convince me to be fully pro-choice. Their responses made me get curious about the issue. I looked into their arguments and wasn’t satisfied with all of their conclusions. During this time, I found SPL and their content really resonated since I’m not religious. Ultimately, after re-examining the issue, I became whole heartedly pro-life although I’m very much a non-traditional liberal.
How did you arrive at the agnostic position?
Over time. There’s no evidence of god and clearly religion isn’t working. I realized I was only going to church occasionally for one of my parents and that believing in god or not doesn’t make you a good or bad person, your intentions and actions are what determine that.
How do you contribute to the cause of saving lives in the womb?
Donating money to pro life advocacy.
What words of wisdom do you have to share?
Once you realize that we’re all a little brainwashed and that shame and flawed reasoning exist on both sides of the issue, you can get to the heart of it. I don’t actually think the root issue is abortion most of the time, but I do think that abortion is not the right solution.
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