There is a certain contradiction in the position of certain lawmakers who declare themselves to be pro-life just because they are opposed to abortion.

As the Benedictine nun, Sister Joan Chittister, O.S.B., has artfully stated, being pro-life also means supporting health care, nutrition programs and education for children.

It means fighting climate change that affects disproportionately the poor and ending capital punishment as Pope Francis stated this during his trip to New York. It also means taking care of the elderly by continuing to fund Medicare.

In other words, if being pro-life starts at conception and ends at birth, it should be called pro-birth, not pro-life.

Robert Perry, M.D.

Mystic