I wonder how pro-lifers can explain to women affected by legislation passed under the idea of “life begins at conception“ that they understand what that woman is going through. Apparently, they are simply following the rule of “win at any cost,” no matter the consequences. This article will point out two instances where pro-life victories have led to negative situations for those unfortunate enough to live in states where the law is enforced.
Texas Abortion Law HB2
This case affected a married couple who discovered that their fetus developed complications in the womb which would result in the child having no chance of survival once born. Daniel and Taylor Mahaffey of Austin,Texas wanted to seek an abortion so their child wouldn’t die in the womb, which could also cause Taylor some medical problems.
Twenty weeks into the pregnancy, Taylor felt that something wasn’t right, so the couple rushed to Saint David’s Medical Center in Austin. Taylor had previously miscarried and knew something unusual was happening. When they arrived at the hospital, the child’s feet were pushing through the mother’s cervix.
Doctor’s tried several emergency procedures including laying Taylor nearly upside down in order for the baby to slide back up into the womb where doctor’s could then stitch the cervix closed to keep it inside for the rest of the pregnancy. Nothing worked.
The Mahaffey’s asked what options they had left. Doctor’s told them that the most”humane” thing to do was to pop the waterbag and let the child be delivered early though it wouldn’t survive outside the womb at such an early stage. Technically, since the mother and fetus were considered healthy by law, inducing labor at 20 weeks would be considered an abortion, thus making it illegal.
The hospital sent the couple back home to wait for a natural childbirth. Taylor could feel the baby struggling inside her. Soon after, Taylor began to bleed so the couple returned to the hospital. Since the child’s heart was still beating, doctors could not interfere in the process legally. Four days passed before Taylor finally delivered a stillborn child.
Texas law HB2 bans abortion after 20 weeks based on the idea that fetuses can feel pain at that time although some exceptions are made if the woman’s life or health is in danger. Sadly, this couple apparently didn’t meet that definition.
Indiana Bill HEA 1337
Signed by Governor Pence on March 25,2016, this bill prohibits a woman from seeking an abortion if the fetus was diagnosed with a disability (such as Down Syndrome). It also makes it illegal to terminate a pregnancy based on gender or race. The law requires the remains of miscarried or aborted fetuses to be buried or cremated.
The bill was signed by Governor Mike Pence in a nod to his conservative base to garner their support for the upcoming election against 2012 foe, Democrat John Gregg. Pence is a social conservative who has a long track record of opposing abortion. He described the law as a “comprehensive pro-life measure that affirms the value of all human life”.
Opponents say the bill would protect unborn babies while opponents believe it is an effort to increase abortion costs and shame women for using a legal medical procedure.
On a humorous note, pro-choice advocates have taken to using social media to protest their displeasure with the law. Women have been calling in to the Governor’s office so they can report on the status of their menstrual cycles. Although they don’t expect the law to be rescinded, they intend to keep the focus on reproductive rights.
Right-to-Life advocates and their legislative cronies have successfully passed this agenda in 15 states with only Arizona, Georgia, and Idaho blocked by court order. Even though politicians claim the desire to protect “innocent lives” is their purpose, keeping their illogical and increasingly ignorant base satisfied seems to be the real purpose.
Getty Images/Bloomberg
