We begin with constitutional principles. Although the Supreme Court discovered a right to privacy in our Constitution, it could not agree on whether the right resides in the Ninth or 14th Amendment. Perhaps this is because the Constitution is, in fact, silent on this issue.

Nevertheless, it is only through verbal chicanery and logical leaps that one can conclude that the sphere of privacy covers any private consensual act. If a woman's control over her body were paramount, then we could not explain restrictions against drug use, organ sales, prostitution and suicide.

The staff maintains it is remaining neutral on a personal, private issue. In reality, the staff has resolved to protect the right to choose abortion at any time, for any reason and over any other cries for justice. A just society, however, will weigh the "right" to abortion against other legitimate concerns, including the right of another developing life. It will then consider how to nurture that life--both in the womb and after birth--through proper education, medical insurance and child care.

While exceptions might be drawn in extenuating circumstances, the right to life should be given preference over the right to privacy. Without life, all other rights are irrelevant.