[Gophack]

The next legislative step, of course, is for Congress to extend protection from the fully born to the three-fourths-born by passing a partial-birth abortion bill that will withstand judicial challenge. That should happen soon, and President Bush will sign it into law. Steps to help young women make better-informed choices between life and abortion also are needed. The president referred to the power of sonograms, and the administration and Congress should work together to help pregnancy centers purchase the equipment that will allow more women to see pictures of the babies they are carrying.

The gun grabbers have restricted our gun rights using incremental means. While I think abortion is a serious evil and mortal sin, I understand the political reality that we're not going to be able to ban abortion outright.

After we ban partial-birth abortion, I think that we should push for informed consent. Many women who have abortions really don't think that they are carrying a baby, especially in the first trimester when they aren't even showing. Informed consent should include the following:

* Viewing of the ultrasound
* Warning that abortion may cause breast cancer and potential mental health problems
* Scientific facts on the development of human life (when the heart starts beating, when the "fetus" feels pain, etc).
*A detailed explanation of the abortion procedure and possible physical side-effects, including death, infertility, etc.

Considering that the human heart starts beating 25 days after conception, I can't imagine that any but the most cold-hearted woman could kill their child when they see that heart beat. I had an early ultra-sound on my first pregnancy because the doctor couldn't hear the heart-beat, and when I saw at 10 weeks a little tiny minature baby, with arms and legs, but more powerful was the beating heart. My husband and I just started crying. It was an incredible experience.

Finally, we need to do more to offer women assistance who find themselves pregnant and feel they can't afford the baby. I know of several organizations who help poor, pregnant women who choose life, with baby items, food and clothing, and finding a job after the baby is born, or help with adoption. Some also help mend fences with families. While out-of-wedlock births are not ideal, we can't condemn these women because they made one mistake. They more than made up for the mistake by making the right decision to allow their baby to live.

Anyway, I know I'm preaching to the choir here, but I think it's important to repeat.

[Boxsford]

I think you make some really good points in your post. Some pro-lifers see this issue as an 'all or nothing' deal and I agree with your view. Incrementally, we can make a difference. I believe its a heart issue too.