Ask a Pro-Life Atheist: Ashlyn K.
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.) Although Secular Pro-Life is not exclusively for atheists and agnostics, historically, they have played a key role in the organization. As non-religious pro-lifers become more prominent in the pro-life movement, we’re excited for the opportunity to share their stories.
This month, we welcome pro-life atheist Ashlyn K.
How did you arrive at the anti-abortion position?
I arrived at my position after leaving my life-long faith and pursuing my degree. I completed a minor in religion and found that even after abandoning my faith, I still found human life to be valuable, regardless of the associated conditions. I found myself in a weird niche of people who believe life is valuable from a humanist perspective, rather than being able to justify it solely on religious beliefs.
How did you arrive at the atheist position?
I was raised in Mormonism and was a faithful and active member until I left at the age of 19. I abandoned most of my religious beliefs in my pursuit of knowledge, but still found that I firmly believed in the rights of unborn children, despite my lack of belief in souls/afterlife.
How do you contribute to the cause of saving lives in the womb?
I contribute by being an adoptive and biological mother to medically complex children. I volunteer at my local organizations, and I have worked professionally with victims of domestic violence, sexual violence, and poverty/underprivileged areas for the last 10 years. I am uniquely aware of the difficulties faced by mothers from vastly different backgrounds, and I still choose to support life over the “rights” of any mother.
What words of wisdom do you have to share?
Abortion only kills babies. It does not solve any of the problems associated with abortion. It does not solve rape, poverty, addiction, etc; it only kills babies. Mothers need support at all stages of motherhood.
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