The fate of existing abortion law rests on the makeup of the Supreme Court; without a clear majority of constructionist judges, it is extremely unlikely that Roe v. Wade will be overturned.
However, lawmakers in
This legislation is premised on two lines of thought: provide women with as much information as possible concerning the unborn child and the effects of abortion, and make alternatives to abortion fully available.
Doctors would be required to offer women the chance to view
photos and an ultrasound of the unborn child, as well as an opportunity to
listen to his or her heartbeat.
In addition, this legislation would mandate that doctors discuss in detail the possibility of medical complications that can occur during an abortion, as well as the capacity of the unborn to feel pain. Abortion clinics would be legally required to display signs informing women that no one can force them to undergo an abortion.
Once patients have been so informed, it would then be the doctor's responsibility to offer them a contact list of adoption agencies and other organizations that offer aid and financial support to pregnant mothers and their children, before and after birth.
Predictably, Planned Parenthood is objecting to the legislation, claiming that it is nothing more than a proposed roadblock to a "woman's right to choose." Of course, if that were the case, this legislation would be actively impeding access to facilities which perform abortions. Contrary to Planned Parenthood's assertions, the legislation does nothing more than provide information--which is precisely why it has the potential to have such a powerful effect.
In Jeremiah 1:5, God tells us "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart."[ii] Though it is not yet possible for us to offer the unborn complete legal protection, this is a firm step in the right direction. It is far easier to rationalize abortion when pregnant women have not seen their unborn children or contemplated the ramifications of abortion. If through this legislation, women considering abortion come to see their children the way God sees them, their love may afford the unborn all the protection they need. What could make our Father happier?
