Who decides when it comes to abortion?
Since 2007, all pregnant women in the Netherlands are offered an ultrasound in the 20th week of their pregnancy. This specific moment was chosen because the sonogram will then show the sex of the baby, but also because birth defects can be detected at a stage where abortion is still legal. If the foetus is diagnosed with Down syndrome, hydrocephalus, split spine of cleft lip, parents have until week 24 to determine whether they would rather not let their baby be born.
Data released this week, show the number of abortions between week 20 and 24 have doubled from 140 in 2006 to 276 in 2008. The new statistics triggered the orthodox Christian party ChristenUnie to call for postponing the ultrasound until after the point in the pregnancy where abortions are no longer legal. If that won’t get support in parliament, the party wants to ban abortions after 18 weeks.
This issue is just one of many currently debated by politicians, medical professionals, ethicists and patient advocacy organisations in the Netherlands and elsewhere regarding abortion. Where do we draw the line when it comes to birth defects? Should parents be allowed to decide against having a baby if doctors can see early on that is will be autistic? And if they should, why not abort a girl when they would rather have a boy?
What do you think? Is it up to the government to decide when and why people can have an abortion? Or should it always be the choice of the mother to decide whether or not she wants to continue a pregnancy and should she have all knowledge available to make that decision?
Friday 12 February 2010, 22:36
As the mother of a child born with hydrocephalus (one of the “reasons” listed above to have an abortion)I am still amazed at how uneducated Doctors are on this disease. Our son’s hydrocephalus was diagnosed at 21 weeks gestation and we believe it is not up to any person to decide who gets a chance at life. We all have things wrong with us. Many grow up to get cancer, does that make life not worth living? Just knowing what a person’s challenges will be before they are born is NOT a reason to abort. Yes, our son has and will have challenges, but who DOESN’T. I really wish that Doctors would stop suggesting termination to these mothers who come to them for advice and support. That is the WORST decision a mother could make.
Saturday 13 February 2010, 9:31
It’s a very slippery slope when decisions on life or death of the unborn are put in the hands of a pregnant woman. Most decisions to abort are made out of fear of not being able to look after the child. My own daughter was 17, pregnant and very scared when she thought abortion was the only way out. Thankfully, when she was convinced it was not the end of the world and that her family and friends would support her in raising the child, she changed her mind and carried her child to term. This child is now almost 16 and we love her to pieces! If scared and pregnant moms could be convinced of full continued support, meeting her child’s and her family’s needs, I am sure that many would choose the high road instead. However, I do not want to judge anyone whatever they choose, especially not when it comes to severe medical complications. That being said, I know of a family that had a child with multiple, severe complications, born years before the ultrasound was routinely used. The girl was retarded and had many physical handicaps. She was loved and cared for by her parents, received huge community support in the way of day programs, underwent a number of corrective surgeries and is now 48 years old. She is still handicapped but she loves life!
Sunday 14 February 2010, 16:10
Babies with Down syndrome are a totally perfect gift from God. Abortions for “defective” babies no matter what the condition, based on an imperfect screening tool such as u/s should be outlawed.
Wednesday 17 February 2010, 19:01
It’s the woman’s right to choose.
By all means including counselling and honest an open discussion on what her choices would mean. That includes discussing ongoing care of a disabled child, that includes discussing the hard work of raising any child and that includes the joys having a child brings.
But keep politics out of my womb.
Sunday 21 February 2010, 0:06
Any sensible person who has worked inside the institutes with countless unwanted mentally and physically handicapped people would advocate that pregnancies should be legally terminable at ANY stage, when serious deformities have been detected.
Any sensible person who has seen happy family life destroyed by the presence of a handicapped and often dominant sibling or any sensible person who has seen happy marriages ending in premature divorces because of the insistence of one of the partners to bring a handicapped fetus into this world, would advocate pregnancy termination at ANY stage.
Any sensible person who has experienced the REAL sadness and desperation of handicapped people, away from the happy birthday faces, who has experienced the inconsolable sadness or uncontrollable anger when the candles have been extinguished and pretending and do-gooding aunts and uncles had left, would consider it a crime to let ANY fetus that does not have a chance to a 100% fully functioning body or mind, come into this world.
In fact, legislation should be introduced to make it a crime to allow handicapped babies get into this world.
Controversial?
Yes, very!
Traumatic for those involved?
Certainly.
Time, however, is a good healer and nature usually gives most parents many more chances to “try again” and do better next time.
All of humanity has a duty to bring into this world newborns who have a 100% chance of a happy and fulfilling life. Being equipped with a perfect body and a sound mind are the first prerequisites.
Monday 22 February 2010, 15:55
It is the child’s right to choose.
Thursday 25 February 2010, 16:14
Life is precious. The gift of a child is the highest gift and only God can give this gift. Every child, no matter the state of his/her health has the right to live and experience life. No abortion should ever occur!
Sunday 28 February 2010, 19:23
Life is precious .. yet the world is not fair.
Parents should be able to make an informed decision themselves as to whether they continue with a pregnancy or not. Doctors should provide the facts and possible outcomes, and avoid influencing the parents’ decision. Second opinions should be available if parents want them.
Religious beliefs should never determine national law, and especially not an individual’s rights over their own bodies. As a practicing agnostic, I would be offended if, e.g. the Catholic Church or the Protestants, decided what I may or may not do with my health and welfare.
If God gives life, why can’t millions of parents around the world feed, clothe, house or educate their own God given children ? Not fair !
Tuesday 16 March 2010, 4:24
Politics are in every woman’s womb. And, rightly so. Society depends on it.