But the truth is, there is no such thing as a pretty abortion. The alternatives to intact D&E are no less grim. Is grasping and dismembering the fetus in utero with forceps (as opposed to after a partial extraction) or injecting it with heart-stopping chemicals and then delivering the stillbirth any less repellent?Good question. Glad to hear you say it, Mr. Neil.
"Cognitive dissonance" seems a totally inadequate term for this.
A good physician would treat all involved in the pregnancy with respect and attempt to save all the lives.
A “dangerous” pregnancy can be closely monitored and precautions taken, or medicines given to aid the process.
If the pregnancy must be “ended” to save the mother, why not attempt to save the babies through emergency c-section or induction of labor - which are less stressful on the mother’s health than dismembering babies in the womb.
This woman most likely would have made it to the viable stage and could have been closely monitored until early delivery.