Compassion and Respect: Breaking Through to Dialogue on Abortion, Family Planning, and Human Reproduction in a Secular, Pluralistic World

This book is primarily for a general audience of persons of good will, regardless of faith or non-faith, as well as for professionals who counsel others on the issues discussed. Written in a simple, straightforward language, it is meant to help people dialogue on acrimoniously divisive issues that divide and undermine our nation—such as abortion, family planning, contraception, in-vitro fertilization (IVF), and LGBTQ issues—through respectful dialogue in public forums (small or large) by searching for mediating middle ground compromises, just as trade and peace negotiators do. No one in the dialogue may be satisfied with the concessions they have to make but they can at least live with them until better solutions are found. Those engaging in such dialogue must be open to understanding where others are coming from, and be respectful of the good-faith consciences of others, and avoiding passing laws that would the consciences of others.

John J. Mawhinney holds a PhD from Temple University (a State university in Pennsylvania) with a specialty in societal justice analysis ethics. He also has an executive MBA. He has dedicated his life to promoting a more just and peaceful world by university teaching, advising, and writing. For nine years he worked in El Salvador developing economic projects to help the rural poor.