For the mostpart, I agree with what you've written. Though I wouldn't go as far as to use those terms to describe the Pope, I understand the sentment with regards to the Catholic Chuch's position. There are only two sentences in your piece I wholeheartedly disagreed with.

True, but sex is natural.

I'm sorry, but I seem to lack the inherent need of exchanging bodily fluids for pleasure. If sex were really natural, then like breathing we would know how to do it instinctively, withouttrainingor practice. For example, find a horny set of virgins -- no sexual exerience at all. Put them together and you'll be lucky if there's penetration, let alone orgasm.

If the mom, doesnt want to have the soon to be child, but the father does. Then the woman should have the child. Why? Its called responsibility. You wanted to have sex, you get to have the baby. You dont have to take care of it, but you get to have it. Dont like it? Too bad.

But this directly contradicts your above statement in the case of rape. "The woman didn't ask to be pregnant." That statement holds true whether the act leading to pregancy is consentual or not. Therefore she should get the choice whether or not to terminate the pregnancy...reardless of father's wishes.

The rest of the column was excellent. More ponderings, please...