Hacker News Reader

"Still not sure with so many of the (esp right leaning) in the US claiming to be christian, can also accept this as a punishment."

You shall not kill!

What I don't understand. It is my impression that most of the US states that still have the death penalty, strongly oppose abortion. I find this a contradiction. And also these are the states that oppose abortion, at the same time are strictly against any kind of welfare "not our problem!".

View on HN

Here’s my guess:

I think it’s a question of agency. If you’re an adult that makes their own choices (crime, bad financial decisions, etc.), then you know what the consequences are.

If you’re an unborn child, you’re don’t have agency.

For some there’s probably deeper religious belief in good things (birth) being the work of God and bad things (crime, vice, death) being the work of Satan.

To your point there are plenty of competing religious teachings that could lead some to be pro-choice, pro-welfare and anti-death penalty.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com