Most sensitive, caring individuals were horrified at the recent slaughter of innocent children in Newtown, Conn. The media gave it nonstop coverage. After all, these were sweet little human beings who had not yet lost their baby teeth. We watched the heart-wrenching sobs of loving parents who could not fathom the idea that anyone would want to take the life of their most precious child. The nation rallied around this community which, like so many others across the country, seemed to be the last place where such a horrendous tragedy would occur. This is exactly the reaction we would and should expect when the life of a child is taken.

Every day in this country the lives of thousands of innocent children are taken. Why is there no public outcry? Is it more acceptable because the mother chose to end the life of her child? Is it less horrendous because the child had no name? Is it more tolerable because the murder took place in a sterile environment without the attention of the media? These are children who have not yet cut their baby teeth. They are unborn human beings, not unborn kittens, dogs, zebras, or elephants.

There has been a nationwide response of shock and anger at the tragedy in Newtown and rightly so. Some have blamed our lack of attention to the mentally ill. Some blame our relaxed gun laws. Who is to blame for the thousands of lives sacrificed through abortion? And, more to the point, why do we refuse to protect all of our children?

The writer lives in Myrtle Beach.