Love is Christians' Guiding Principle Regarding Abortion

More than a few folks have asked about my thoughts on human abortion in light of the cultural battles on the subject. The Episcopal Church has an official teaching about abortion, as do most Christian Churches and ecclesial communities, and so any thoughts that I might express publicly as a priest must strive to be in accord with that teaching. I do have some personal thoughts that perhaps expand on these teachings, which may possibly frame the question in ways only hinted at by the teaching of the Church. Please understand that I speak only as a Christian and a priest, I do not have all wisdom and understanding, I may not have it all perfectly figured out, and I also believe that my reflections may also be adapted to other belief systems. Please also understand that I do not think that governments and laws are ultimately the best or more permanent and responsive institutions or means to achieving the proposed ends. I am talking about a more radical revolution, a return to the Early Christian concept of conversion of the heart/soul/mind to the love of God in Jesus, from which we may choose to act with our personal agency in accord with the love of God, for which purpose we are created.