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Dr Ada M Fisher |
NonNegotiable Abortions
ProLife
and ProChoice forces are sickening in fighting over abortions in a manner framed
to inflame but not resolve the issues. Abortions are a medical
procedure and should be looked at in that framework. The cowardice
of Obstetricians is flagrant in not demanding that such considerations not be
the sole province of politicians, nor moralist bent on denying physicians the
use of these often necessary procedures.
In
my youth, the news was replete with examples of young women who suffered the
consequences of back alley abortions using coat hangers or a cola douche which
often resulted in severe infections and death. The first pregnant
patient I was assigned was severely beaten in her 4th month causing
her to begin to spontaneously abort her fetus whose arm was dangling out her
cervix. I delivered three anencephalic (no brain) fetuses within
one month whose existence was incompatible with life, one being so toxic as to
threaten the well-being of its mother. Within ten minutes I saw a
pregnant patient lose four of her eight pints of blood due to unexpected
complications of a pregnancy which required its termination. In
500 deliveries I dealt with pregnancies so rare and unusual that Duke and UNC
Wilmington commented on the availability of my care for them which saved their
lives in a rural setting. I’ve seen pregnant women go into status
epilepticus (repeated seizures) due to preeclampsia and a host of other problems
which would medically justify an abortion.
People fail to appreciate that tubal
pregnancies, molar pregnancies, pregnancies accompanied by cancers and other
conditions may threaten maternal existence which are reasons to consider
terminating that pregnancy. Selective abortions of women carrying
more than four fetuses are often considered -- women are not dogs or animals
carrying liters and such intrauterine numbers on board threaten the health of
the fetuses and mother.
The
decision to have and perform abortions are not taken lightly. These are not
choices on demand but medically indicated options. It is seldom
about women’s rights or choice but should reflect medical necessity. Until you
are standing there at that moment, you have no earthly idea about the
considerations which must be taken into account. Emergencies are
often quick and unexpected. They require immediate action not a mandated waiting
period. Get out of people’s beds in dictating their behavior and
leave the affairs of a woman’s womb to those who appreciate the problems which
can arise in a pregnancy.
Abortions
are not birth control as many with a one child philosophy such as China or the
pro-choice movement seem to believe. Pregnancies by rape and incest are issues
not to be ignored but are choices that should be allowed further consideration
by women forced into such against their will. By the same token,
denial of consenting adults the right to use birth control as determined in the
Griswold versus Connecticut Supreme Court Case is unconstitutional.
I have seen women forced into sterilization by state edits and in rural
hospitals where folks felt they already had too many children as if someone made
them G-d.
Over
half of all conceptions are spontaneously aborted likely because of genetic
abnormalities incompatible with life. This tissue, if studied, has
value in promoting life for today’s and future generations. To save the life of
the mother is a consideration of Judaism which appreciates the bond of mothers
with children as well as their required protection of their children’s lives.
Over
decades, as I’ve watched White House signing ceremonies around the issue of
abortion, I am sadly struck that those present are usually white men who aren’t
likely to get pregnant, though they can impregnate many, or women past child
bearing desirous of censuring reproductive actions on women. There
is room for Planned Parenthood on many fronts but the federal government should
not fund it or elective abortions nor Viagra for those still trying to stay in
the game. Those desiring reproductive choices should be willing to
pay for their legal choices, not taxpayers.
Dr. Ada M. Fisher is a physician, teacher, previous
county school board member, Gifted Public Speaker and the NC Republican national
CommitteeWoman. Her book Common Sense Conservative Prescriptions
Book I (Chapters 7 and 9) gives us pathways to
freedom in many areas. Contact her at P. O. Box 777; Salisbury, NC
28145; telephone (704-762-5144).
DrFisher@dradamfisher.org.