Ending the Debate or Ending the Hate? (Theory Posting)

Abortion is a multi-faceted issue to say the least. It affects people around the world in different ways and for wildly differing reasons. For some, it is an extremely emotional topic; it is a choice they are forced to confront personally or to personally witness the effects of. Some feel strongly about the issue because they view it as the center piece of some moral injustice or legal dilemma. Some are radical in their beliefs favoring one side, pro-life/outlaw of abortion or pro-choice/legalization of abortion. Some strongly hold an opinion in the middle, such as those who support legalization but with heavy restrictions. The debate as a whole, however, rages on with intensity no matter the reasoning or perspectives of those involved.
How can this debate be brought to an end? That fact is: I don't believe it can. People will always disagree on this issue. Why? Perhaps because it has such a moral and ethical undertone. When we talk about abortion, we are considering the potential murder of thousands of lives. We are discussing the denial of the right to make life-altering decisions that should not be denied without proper cause. Most people believe what they believe on the basis of personal moral conviction, if not for religious reasons. The abortion debate, through it's history, has become tied to religious identification. The catholic church, for instance, has always been quick to voice their opinion publicly through the Vatican. The debate has also gained political reigns. Abortion debates have found themselves screeched through megaphones and recorded through microphones. Politicians instill their position on abortion into their election platforms. The pro-life position of abortion is linked directly with the United State's republican party and the pro-choice position is a part of the identity of the more liberal United States democratic party. With such strong ties to politics as well as religion, the abortion argument has become a part of our culture as well. it is a common topic of discussion across cultural, economic, and age demographics. It is in the media and in the home. The argument has infiltrated numerous aspects of human thought. This religious, political, and cultural infiltration is the reason why the abortion debate has become so heated.
If it won't end, what can be done? I believe the most important step that needs to be taken is a step in understanding. People ought not to judge everyone who does not hold the same opinion as them, but rather ought to take the time to understand and even appreciate some of the reasons for support on the opposing side. People may come to learn the fundamental interests they do agree upon and then may be able to make progress from that perspective. For instance, both sides value human life, simply in different ways. Pro-life activists value the protection of human existence while Pro-choice supporters value the quality of human life.We can unite under that intention of bettering the human experience, by trying to limit the need for abortion. Just because a person is pro-choice does not mean they like the idea of having abortions, it simply means they believe women should be allowed the right to make that choice if need be. Of course abortion, even for the most adamant of all pro-choice activists, is not a procedure one would go looking to have. Both sides may unite to promote safe sex practices which would limit the need to come to this decision in the first place. Of course focusing on this one issue will not dissolve the argument or tension of abortion. My point is simply that we must concentrate on the positives that can come out of shared ideas rather than focusing simply on "evil" of the opposing view. It is this misdirected attention that has caused abortion to become such a divisive debate to begin with.