Several years ago Robert P. George, McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence at Princeton University, published his important work, The Clash of Orthodoxies: Law, Religion, and Morality in Crisis. He argues that on every issue of law pertaining to public morality, from abortion and stem cell research to pornography and gay marriage, reason itself is on the side of the Judeo-Christian orthodoxy. What George also demonstrates is the slippery slope nature of the abortion issue. If we devalue life in the womb, it leads to the broader devaluing of life outside the womb. Abortion also has profound implications for so many other things in our culture. Several important thoughts on abortion and the slippery slope of unintended consequences:

Last week, the President of the United States, during an interview with ABC?s Robin Roberts, declared that ?I?ve just concluded that for me personally it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same-sex couples should be able to get married.? Simply put, the President has agreed to a radical redefinition of the most fundamental institution of civilization. President Obama?s views on this subject have, in his words, been ?evolving.? Although Obama?s declaration does not affect public policy per se, to have the President of the United States so boldly redefine marriage is stunning! Several key thoughts:

Recent developments both within the United States and outside our nation point to the astounding confusion about the value and worth of a human life. What gives value to life? Is a baby growing in its mother?s womb of value and worth? Is China?s repugnant one-child policy, which despite denials is still, practically speaking, the policy of China, acceptable or ethically wrong? How should we even think about the contraception issue that surfaced as a result of President Obama?s health care law? These are three interrelated categories that I seek to address on this edition of Issues.

?Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall.
Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.
All the king?s horses and all the king?s men
Could not put Humpty Dumpty together again.?

Although the origin of this nursery rhyme is much disputed?the point for us is well taken: Once something is broken, it is most difficult/nearly impossible to fix or restore.