1. That birth is not when life begins; that life is present from the moment of conception.  Developmental sages of a fetus’ growth are emphasized, as is “viability”, or when a fetus may be able to survive outside the womb.  Due to medical technology, the age of viability has been dropping from 30 weeks to a current age of about 19 weeks.

2.   That contrary to popular belief many “partial-birth” abortions are elective procedures and do not occur due to fetal abnormalities or genetic defects. For example, in an article published by NRLC, it is stated, “Dr. Martin Haskell of Dayton, Ohio has performed over 1,000 partial-birth abortions.  In a tape recorded interview, Dr. Haskell told American Medical News, “I’ll be quite frank: most of my abortions elective in that 20-24 week range…probably 20% are for genetic reasons, the other 80% are purely elective,’” (NRLC.org).

3.   It is an immoral, inhumane, abhorrent act that requires legal restrictions.

   Dr. Haskell's argument of the late term abortion being an elective procedure in 80% of the cases is certainly a complex one and requires more empirical research and ethical consideration.
 

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    Another vital factor in the decision to overturn the procedure ban legislation is the persistent activism over the past three decades of the Pro choice movement, including the organizations of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, the National Organization of Women (N.O.W.), NARAL National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League, the Center for Reproductive Law and Policy (CRLP), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the American Medical Women's Organization (AWMA), to name a few.   These organizations have advocated against abortion procedure bans hand have highlighted certain points: 

1.   That the use of the term “partial-birth abortion” is inflammatory political rhetoric and is not a recognized medical procedure.  The correct terminology is “D&X procedure”.

2.   That the language of the bans is so vaguely worded that it could be interpreted to apply to abortions of any stage of pregnancy.

3.   States already restrict abortions late in pregnancy, permitting them only in certain rare cases, and that a ban on a particular procedure is not necessary to reduce the number of late term abortions.  Third term abortions can already be banned except to save the life or health of a woman without the restrictions regarding the type of procedure used.

4.   Abortion procedure bans are unconstitutional.  Be conscious of the choices our leaders make in choosing Supreme Court Justices, as they will determine the future of the upholding of the Roe v. Wade decision.

5.   Medical experts state that the safest method for late term pregnancy termination for some women is the intact dilation and extraction (D&X) procedure. 

6.   Procedure bans place unqualified legislators in the position of making medical decisions and criminalizing abortion.
 

  Of course, for many people, the issues are far less clear and the lines between the pro life and pro choice viewpoints are more blurred.  Many people who consider themselves pro life supporters are concerned about possible threats to reproductive freedom and see the danger in governmental restrictions on medical procedures available to them.  Also, many pro choice supporters are deeply concerned by the act of abortion at some or all stages of pregnancy, and in the variety of circumstances, and seek to minimize abortion by advocating abstinence, birth control, or adoption. 

  Considering the multitude of complexities that reproductive issues bring forth, it is important for each individual to examine not only what ethical issues he or she can apply to his or her life, but also to broaden this understanding to the society as a whole.  To be able to take a stand on the issues and advocate on behalf of personal beliefs is a constitutional right, as well as, to some, an obligation.
 
 

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