From the most objective standpoint, there really isn't much value to human life, or any life for that matter. But the reality is that we are humans, and in the general human culture, human life has value. Human life has value at some level, from conception until death. In the US culture, we also value freedom and the ability for an individual to make their own choices. These choices and the value of human life can conflict, however. Generally, it is agreed upon that the value of being able to choose to kill a human adult or child is worth less than the value of the ability for that child or adult to live. Also, it is generally agreed upon that the value for a human adult to be able to choose to terminate a recently conceived fetus is greater than the value of that fetus being able to continue to grow. Assuming the curves of value are continuous, we can infer that they must, at some point, intersect. As of now, this point of intersection varies from state to state, and can depend on the circumstances. Whatever the point of intersection may be, it is a reflection of the current culture of the humans in the region. Passing laws that disagree with the current culture of a locality will cause a suppression of ideas that will inevitably end up with a backlash. One of the largest benefits of freedom of expression is that it allows for people to change the human culture without passing strict laws that result in backlash. I believe that the only real way to make progress is to discuss ideas freely in a non-hostile or appropriately hostile manner. The modern trend of increasing civil rights and liberties can only be attributed to the ability of people to express their opinions openly. Passing new laws or changing old laws before a culture is ready can only cause struggle.
My views on abortion laws are that 3-6 months seems like a reasonable length of time to make a decision, and human life (or its potential) does need to be protected at some point. Of course there are many exceptions to any "rule." The firmness in my opinion not high. If an individual does not agree with me or the current laws, I believe that the best course of action is to try and change the culture and minds of society through the expression of their opinions in a reasonable manner.
