[Doctor Stochastic]

First of all, when does the state have the right to dictate that someone MUST undergo a surgical procedure...one that is not without risk. Secondly, if they are charging her based on the fact that she ignored medical advice, they'd have to charge every crack mother, every mother that drinks during her pregnacy, etc..

If a fetus has the status of a person, then the State must intervene in these cases. Not only that, exposure of the fetus to second hand smoke could be grounds for felony charges against the mother.

[cyborg]

What about drinking wine with dinner? Drinking coffee? Some movie star was seen smoking a cigarette while pregnant and the media went to town. I was in the smoking car of a European train and you'd be surprised how many children where there.

If the fetus was given the exact same rights as me a living breathing human being then government will wipe the floor with citizen's rights.

[LiberalSlayer99]

If a fetus has the status of a person, then the State must intervene in these cases. Not only that, exposure of the fetus to second hand smoke could be grounds for felony charges against the mother. This is a slippery slope. If the state can dictate that she MUST have surgery for the twins, then the state can prosecute all mothers who don't take care of themselves while pregnant.