Thanks for your kind comments – glad to hear you’re enjoying the various podcasts.

Your question about abortion is an interesting one. Secular arguments against abortion are hard to come by; I suspect for two reasons:

One, the American secular community is overwhelmingly left-wing and it’s very un-PC, even taboo, in those circles to hold certain socio-political positions (e.g. advocating any restrictions on abortion, acceptance of the death penalty, or even flirting with the idea that there are differences between the sexes or amongst the races – try introducing any of these and you will get you kicked out, shunned, dissed, etc.).

Two, because even conservative secularists are uncomfortable holding views that put them into a position of LOOKING like they’re in alliance with the hated religionists.

Nonetheless, it’s not hard to imagine the construction of an anti-abortion stance, depending on how one defines “human being” or “person” and how one views personal responsibility. One could also imagine a completely secular but totalitarian society that does not respect individual or reproductive rights (Remember, being secular does not automatically mean being a good person, an ethical person, or a freedom-loving person. There seems to be no direct relationship between irreligiosity and progressiveness; atheists can count within their number a wide spectrum of personalities, from Julia Sweeney to Stalin).

All that said, I’m not aware of any secular organizations or movements that argue against abortion. A woman’s (near) absolute right to choose is about as close to unquestionable dogma as you can get amongst American atheists.

BTW, I used to be a member of the Green Party and I completely agree about the state of third party’s and their candidates! Very true that the organizations can easily be derailed by individuals or small groups with fringe and distracting agendas!

Thanks for the podcast – also love your ScFi Dimensions and just started listening to the Secular Nation podcast.