It’s predictable, but it still breaks my heart when abortion discussion is derailed by misinformation, scare tactics and “hard cases.”
Contrary to the current mantra, HB 954, the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, is not part of any so-called war on women.
It isn’t just about protecting the life of pain-sensitive preborns; it recognizes that women often suffer if they accept abortion as the “best choice” in difficult pregnancies. Even the bill’s opponents testified, pain continues for years.
The measure, which includes an exception for the life of the mother, is supported by well-documented evidence that fetuses feel and respond to pain at 20 weeks.
What evidence?
● Specialized nerve endings involved in pain transmission are seen as early as seven weeks after fertilization.
● From 18 weeks of gestation on, the fetus responds to painful stimuli by a sharp rise in stress hormones, similar to that in adults. The level of these hormones increases in direct relation to the level of stimulation which causes more pain.
● Surgeons entering the womb to perform corrective procedures on a fetus have seen them flinch, jerk and recoil from sharp objects and incisions.
● And while pain receptors appear throughout the body by 20 weeks, the ability to regulate or lessen pain does not develop until after birth. [So the pre-born child likely feels more pain than an older child.]
Georgia’s Samuel Armas, operated on at 21 weeks gestation, illustrates these findings — the photo of his tiny hand on his surgeon’s finger touched our hearts with his humanity, beauty and vulnerability.
In light of this scientific evidence, why such fierce opposition?
The bill’s adversaries shut the baby out of the debate. They talk of a “woman’s right to choose” and of sad medical situations.
They avoid mentioning the horrific abortion technique required at this gestational stage — literally tearing the baby apart to remove it.
That three Atlanta facilities advertise abortions up to 25 weeks belies claims that late abortions are for heartbreakingly difficult situations.
Would not carrying the child for a few more months and entrusting him in adoption be a more humane choice?
Is this the kind of Georgia we want?
Do we kill the most helpless, most vulnerable because it’s an easier path or even for convenience?
Are we a people who abort a preborn child because it might die or be less than perfect?
Life is precious and preferable even in tough situations. Women testify that lovingly holding their child, even briefly, is healing.
Perinatal hospices guide families in embracing their time with their babies before and after birth, then in grieving their loss.
Some adoption agencies specialize in placing handicapped infants, providing another life-affirming path.
I commend Rep. Doug McKillip for introducing HB 954. I thank his colleagues who support this bill.
The issue is now before the Senate. Six other states have enacted similar measures, without successful legal challenge. Passing HB 954 is the right thing to do. Georgia should protect all pain-capable human beings.
Dan Becker is president of Georgia Right to Life.
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