Question for Pro-Lifers (What Would you do in this case ?)

[lugsoul]

Based on my quick research, it looks like your numbers are a bit high. Even so, Texas has way more than most places.

As a matter of fact, it looks like Texas has more than all of the other Southeastern states, combined (excluding FL). Well more.

So both of our points may be valid. In my part of the world, 'chop shops' are very rare. In your part, not so much.

[Diamond]

We discussed it, prayed over it, and decided to follow his advice. The fetus was abnormal.

I am sorry for your loss. There is therefore no need for you to answer, but I am wondering out loud what you mean by "abnormal", was your baby dead or dying in utero, or was your baby's life taken by the abortionist.

Cordially,

[eleni121]

The source website is
http://www.germany-info.org/relaunch/info/facts/facts/questions_en/health/healthissues3.html

"After years of conflict on the issue of abortion, the German Bundestag passed legislation regulating the termination of pregnancy at the end of June 1995.. Under the terms of the new law, abortion is prohibited. However, a woman who has an abortion during the first trimester will not be prosecuted as long as she undergoes counseling that must seek to persuade her to carry the pregnancy to term. An abortion is fully legal if the pregnancy is the result of rape or if completing the pregnancy would endanger the woman's health. The doctor performing the abortion likewise remains free from prosecution."

[GermanBusiness]

[The doctor performing the abortion likewise remains free from prosecution]

The doctor in Germany remains free from prosecution for what is officially an illegal act. Also only if it is before 90 days term and the woman has the required paperwork from the pro-life organization that counseled her and she waited 3 days after that. The state does not pay him nor will it reimburse the woman...because it remains "illegal"

This measure saves 15 babies per 1000 women per year compared to the USA. The 7 per 1000 that still get aborted is close to the lowest in the world (6 in Holland). The USA needs to get somewhere in that ballpark before it can call itself a conservative country. Alito's confirmation should help move the USA toward that goal I hope.

[Robert A Cook PE]

45 million dead innocents.

[Small-L]

For myself and my family, I believe abortion is wrong...

I'm curious: why do you believe abortion is wrong?

I maintain that the decision of whether or not to have an abortion must be left to the mother and father, and if they choose, their ministers and friends. It is not my role or that of government's to dictate morals. Every attempt to do so has been an abject failure.

To answer your question: We have had the honor and privilege to raise two wonderful sons (one had a major medical problem in his first month, and the other had a serious drug/alcohol problem as a teenager). Both are in their 30's, married to wonderful daughters, and both leading productive lives. Had we chosen not to give birth to them, we would have missed out on many wonderful (and a few painful) memories and learning experiences. I cherish those memories.

BUT I WILL NOT MAKE THAT DECISION FOR SOMEONE ELSE! Giving birth to a child is a major life committment--if someone feels that they cannot make that commitment, then who am I to force them to bring an unwanted child into their lives or to force them into an illegal, dangerous, back-office solution. Each of us must be responsible for our own lives. Choosing an abortion may be a better solution than raising a child in squaller, filth, and hatred.

[siunevada]

I ran across this testimony and remembered your question.

http://catholiceducation.org/articles/catholic_stories/cs0153.html

[floriduh voter]

meddling you say? People only try to help if it's requested by the family. We ask for thoughts and prayers when someone has a serious medical problem but meddle? In your dreams.

[floriduh voter]

A brain stem controls breathing. This doesn't quite make sense to me.

[floriduh voter]

ping.

[mdmathis6]

Need more data...on a vent or off? The baby must have some
type of neuro aparatus in order to regulate temperature, breathing, digestion, ect...so what does "no brain" mean?

Does the baby have eye-balls...they are cosidered part of the brain....if so where do the optic nerves connect?

We need more data!

[Doctor Don]

The child will die soon. Just leave do not resusicitate orders with the hospital and help the family through this tragedy with the assurance that their baby will be in Heaven.

[Delphinium]

Pray and love the baby until it dies. Know that you did the absolute right thing. God could have healed the baby completely if it had been His will. I have known of several such situations where parents were told that their baby would be born with severe problems, but was born perfect. In this case He didn't so understand that "All things work together for good" Have faith in God, and know that death, and trials are part of this life. And the Lord sees His own through ALL of them. I know having faith in God at a time such as this would be very difficult to do, but that is where God strength can make up for our weakness.

[SweetCaroline]

the baby is a child of GOD....I believe this child would still have a soul!

[TXBSAFH]

Agreed.

[SweetCaroline]

Proud Dad of Twins,

....shouldn't you add Busy onto your tag?

Congratulations!

[Ronaldus Magnus]

This is such a painful situation, but one where the best course of action is clear. If it isn't too late, please tell her that she should love this child and cherish every moment she and her child have together. Although she is under no obligation to keep the child on a respirator, she should be reminded that there is nothing artificial about food and hydration. I believe that as a friend you should caution her against taking too active a roll in bringing about death, through starvation, thirst, or other means. That path might adversely affect the rest of her life as it has so many others in these situations, turning an experience of a simple tragedy into life long remorse for a terrible decision. Death will come on its own, and in retrospect probably much sooner than she would have liked.

Please assure this mother that she and her child will be together again, in much happier circumstances. She should name and definitely baptize her child, and be sure to have some sort of funeral service and burial. This child is and always will be an important part of her life. Please Freepmail me if you would like to discuss this more in writing or over the phone. I will pray for the mother and her child, as well as for you and the rest of her family and friends as you support them through this difficult time. Bless you.

[BykrBayb]

Still praying for this precious child and her family.