14 thoughts on “NRO: Virginia Bill Would Legalize Abortion Up to Birth”

    1. How often does the late term abortion take place?

      “The majority of abortions in 2015 took place early in gestation: 91.1% of abortions were performed at ≤13 weeks’ gestation; a smaller number of abortions (7.6%) were performed at 14–20 weeks’ gestation, and even fewer (1.3%) were performed at ≥21 weeks’ gestation.”

      https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/data_stats/

      And what are the reasons?

      ” Jen Gunter, an OBGYN who trained in late-term abortions, pointed out on Twitter, “There is no such thing as a ninth month abortion.” Those who seek late-term abortions are seeking them before a pregnancy reaches full term but often and unfortunately after they have discovered in the second or third trimester some problem with the fetus or danger to the mother.”

      ““Partial birth” is a political, not medical, term, and it does not refer to all late-term abortions. It refers to a very specific and rare procedure called dilation and extraction*, in which a fetus is partially pulled through the birth canal and then aborted, nearly always when the fetus cannot live outside the womb and typically when the mother’s health is in danger, the fetus has a serious abnormality, or both. Such a procedure is not conducted lightly: the fetus has a fatal defect and will not survive, or the mother is at risk of death herself.”

      https://www.forbes.com/sites/tarahaelle/2016/10/20/no-late-term-abortions-dont-rip-babies-out-of-wombs-but-they-are-needed/#7864975b5cf8

      There are restrictions on 2nd and 3rd trimester abortions. And third trimester abortions are very expensive, costing 10’s of thousands and often not covered by insurance.

      Also, viability is generally after 24 weeks, and that is with lifelong problems for the child and adult should he or she survive a premature birth that early.

      Finally, if all abortions are considered murder, then that would also preclude the most affordable and effective forms of birth control which deny the fertilized egg a chance to implant in the uterus. Evidenced by the personhood movement.

      Ireland just legalized some abortions after the death of a woman a few years ago who was denied an abortion even though her giving birth would most likely prove fatal.

      Is there compromise possible in this issue?

      In effect, there really is compromise by the choice people since unrestricted abortion is only up to about 12 weeks. After that it becomes more regulated. The anti-abortion movement would have to yield on the concept that all abortion after fertilization is murder. (Does that make a miscarriage involuntary manslaughter?)

      Unless that happens, I see no way out for the choice movement other than fight for every square inch of space with regards to control of the womb by the individual rather than the state.

      Meanwhile, the assault is on poor women by making them jump every conceivable hoop and restricting doctors and clinics with endless regulations designed to close them down. Which is ironic, because the poor can least afford unexpected, unwanted and unaffordable additions to the families. And of course the wealthier women can go anywhere for the same procedure.

      To repeat a cliche with a fair amount of truth and snark:

      If a gay gene was identified with reasonable certainty and/or men could get pregnant, Republicans would make sure abortions were available at 7/11’s and Walmart. For free.

      But I digress.

      All this IMHO.

      Like

      Reply

      1. I cannot believe there is ever a medical circumstance in which a doctor must choose to kill the mother or kill the child so that the survivor can live. If such a thing actually happens, it must be extremely rare.

        So, I’m comfortable with making a rule that tells doctors in advance their only option is to preserve the life of both patients.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply

        1. Your arbitrary and ignorant rule that makes YOU “comfortable” is both ridiculous and insulting. Doctors do not arbitrarily kill people. Whatever you are capable of believing has zero impact on reality.

          Like

          Reply

    2. Judging by the wonderful efforts we have expended to come up with ingenious ways to kill each other since the invention of the club, I would agree.

      And with the advent of the nuclear age, we would not only kill our enemies, but millions of people who had not a dog in the fight.

      As the Brooklyn school kid said when the subway broke down on a school day:

      Sick Transit, Glorious Monday. 😇

      Like

      Reply

    1. ” And it is done in cases where there may be severe deformities, there may be a fetus that is non-viable.”

      I think context is important. I seriously doubt Northam endorses delivered a baby, seeing that is is a boy, not the expected girl, and cutting off his head. (Got to keep the organs intact so they can be sold according to some folks, I suppose.)

      Although that is the narrative favored by the anti-choice extremes, of course.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

        1. True some doors are just leading to trouble.

          I wish the anti-choice folks would think about that when they demand an end to birth control by scare tactics about late term abortions.

          Another door that leads to trouble.

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply

Leave a comment