Cosmopolitan endorses Satanic ‘ritual abortion’ provided by The Satanic Temple

Cosmo writes that for The Satanic Temple, "abortion is a religious ritual—one they argue deserves legal protection even in restrictive states." The Satanic Temple also claims that "a uterus is private property that comes with a set of ownership rights that do not extend to an uninvited fetus."

"So how does a Satanic abortion ceremony even work?" Cosmo asked. "Patients of all faiths are welcome at Samuel Alito's Mom's Satanic Abortion Clinic in New Mexico. Along with medical counsel, TST offers free ceremonial support to everyone. Abortion ceremonies are totally optional—and customizable." Cosmo then describes an "abortion ritual" recommended by the Satan worshipers.

In a series of slides with upside-down crosses, Cosmo describes the abortion ritual. It's no surprise that the self is centered in this ritual. There is no space for God, for the unborn baby whose life is being taken in this ritual. "First," the instructions begin, "find a quiet space. Bring a mirror if you can. Just before taking the medication, gaze at your reflection and focus on your personhood. Hone in on your intent, your responsibility to you."

The woman is supposed to eat the abortion pill while gazing at her own reflection and focusing on her own self. She is supposed to remember that she has a responsibility to no one but herself.

"Take a few deep, relaxing breaths," Cosmo goes on to explain, the ritual sounding like a serene meditation routine instead of the termination of life. "When you're ready, read the following tenet aloud: One's body is inviolable, subject to one's own will alone."

At that point, looking in the mirror, reciting the relaxing mantra meant to engender feelings of empowerment and dominion over life and death, the woman is supposed to take the pill.

"Take the medication, and immediately afterward, recite: Beliefs should conform to one's best scientific understanding of the world. One should take care never to distort scientific facts to fit one's beliefs."

That statement is meant to express the belief that life does not begin at conception, but at some later point that is not specified. The Satanic Temple states that an "abortion ban is inspired by a religious dogma that asserts that life begins at conception, which contravenes TST’s belief that non-viable fetal tissue is part of the pregnant person and is free to be voluntarily removed."

"Later," the ritual continues, "once the procedure is complete, return to your reflection. Focus again on your personhood, your power in making this decision. Complete the ritual by reciting a personal affirmation: By my body, my blood; by my will, it is done."

This final mantra is all about worship of self, placing one's own will over nature, over life and death, and placing more importance on one's self than on the unborn life that has begun developing inside that woman's womb.

The Satanic Temple has reframed abortion as a religious liberty cause, saying that their religion of Satan worship necessitates abortion and that no state or government authority can get in the way of that. They have brought suit in states where abortion has been limited after the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v Wade, and use religious liberty as the grounds to do it. The Satanic Temple also claims, however, that they don't really worship Satan and brushes it off as some kind of cheeky inside joke.

They claim that they "encourage benevolence and empathy, reject tyrannical authority, advocate practical sense, oppose injustice, and undertake noble pursuits." It is under this guise that they have launched After School Satan Clubs at schools across the country.

These "After School Satan Clubs" are touted as innocent clubs about exploration and intellectual pursuits. The Satanic Temple centers the self as the ruler of the universe and the arbiter of life and death. When schools or parents have objected to the existence of these clubs on school grounds, The Satanic Temple has sued, using the grounds of "religious liberty" to force schools to allow the clubs to go forward.