Kermit Gosnell and Uncle Tom's Cabin

Abstract

Stories persuade and illustrate in a way that pure logic does not. What Kermit Gosnell - the Butcher of Philadelphia - did is, in principle, no different from what any other abortionist does. This repulsive true crime story persuades and it is important for that reason. But the lesson we should draw from it – the logic of the parable, if you will – ought to be one about abortion and abortionists generally. The Kermit Gosnell story has the potential to function, for the anti-abortion movement, in much the same way that Harriet Beecher Stowe’s serialized novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin, functioned for the anti-slavery movement more than 150 years ago. It persuades the mind by first moving the heart and wrenching the soul. Kermit Gosnell is today’s Simon Legree. But Gosnell is no composite fictional character. He is the real-life face and voice of Abortion.

Keywords: pro-life, abortion, kermit gosnell, uncle tom's cabin, slavery