Originally Posted by
Zoebird
But so far, we really haven't been talking about getting rid of abortion, btu simply where the restrictions on it start, and what things must be overcome (by the woman seeking one) to get one.
For some, these standards are too loose; for others, too strict.
This particular incarnation (va law we initially started to discuss) has two elements:
1. a vaginal ultrasound (which was clarified that the mother could choose vaginal or abdominal);
2. showing the pregnant woman the baby within her, having her hear the heart beat.
The relevant question, I think, is whether or not this standard is unreasonable.
Now, for the first part, I think that most people have fairly argued that it is not appropriate to subject women to this particularly invasive ultrasound unless medically necessary -- and an abdominal ultrasound will suffice. If it is true that the law asserts the woman has a choice, then I would be happy with this. If she does not have a choice, then I am not happy about it at all. I find the procedure to be needlessly invasive, akin to rape, and essentially demeaning.
For the second part, I think that this particular standard is interesting.
On the one hand, I find it to be troubling. It assumes that the woman in question lacks overall awareness of herself, her body, who/what is in her body, and what she wants to do about it considering all of her options. I suggest that by the time a woman has decided to have an abortion, she has already run through many aspects of her feelings and beliefs and experiences that she is choosing the best possible solution for her - that is, that abortion is a last resort.
Perhaps you can say that I take a optimistic view of people. This may not be realistic, but I certainly hope that it is so.
If this is the case, then the woman actually "seeing" the baby is unnecessary. In fact, if it were me, I think that "seeing" the baby would be particularly hurtful, as I would have already agonized over this decision at great length, and would be working to live with the fact that I find myself in such dire straights as to require an abortion (something I work and seek to avoid for myself, as much as for other women in so much as I can). I would consider it quite extreme, and it likely still wouldn't put me off my decision.
I think that others can (and have) argued that this is simply a necessary step. I think Alan put it most colorfully -- to look the baby in the eye before killing it. I can certainly value this opinion. I just question whether it is actually necessary.
But, I am also assuming a great deal -- assuming, mostly, the best of people.
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