Currently in Texas, abortions are banned after 28 weeks of
gestation. HB 2364 however, proposed by Jodie Laubenberg, R-Parker, would ban
all abortions after a mere 20 weeks. Her argument is that at this stage in the pregnancy,
the fetus can actually feel pain. Problem is, there is no concrete evidence
supporting this claim. In fact, evidence suggests that nerves aren’t developed
until well into the third trimester, which would then lead to the unborn child
being able to register pain.
Another valid argument against this bill is that serious fetal
abnormalities cannot be detected before 20 weeks. When these rare medical
conditions occur, the decision is left on what is best for the parents and more
important, what they agree is best for the baby. HB 2364 would eliminate this
decision altogether, because 20 weeks is usually too early to tell, which some
would deem as unconstitutional.
In 2010, there were a total of 77,592 abortions performed in
Texas. Out of that large number, only 420 of the abortions were performed after
20 weeks and the majority of them were due to serious medical conditions. This
is with our current law of having the abortions done before 28 weeks which goes
to show that most women carry out abortions in the earlier stages of their
pregnancy without this bill even being passed. So, if it ain’t broke, why fix
it?
2 comments:
I agree with you regarding your opinion about trying to fix something that is not really broke. I do however see HB 2364 as a means of prevention for future cases that may occur. I actually see her argument of the baby feeling pain as a strong argument. Say a person kills another person with a gunshot in the head, and the victim died instantly, didn’t even feel a thing. Let’s say another person killed someone by slitting his or her “nerves” until the person bled to death in a very painful manner. Who is more to blame, the person who shot with a gun or the person who cut with a knife? In the end all that matters is that two people died. I am in awe of how people think it’s okay to kill someone just because they cannot “feel”. That’s just my personal opinion just as we all have one. That “minimum” number of 420 does not change the fact at all that 77,592 lives were lost. With all due respect, why don’t we just kill bad people with a shot in the head, I’m sure evidence will suggest that they won’t feel a thing.
In regards to Jamie's opinion about House Bill 2364,I agree it is a very touchy subject and Jamie does a good job pointing out the arguments that make the bill a tough one. Although I do not see eye to eye on the matter of it not needing to be fixed. As a expecting mother in her 26th week I have already personally felt a connection with the life that is growing inside me and I could only see the same for the baby even more so as the developmental process goes on. As far as the argument of the baby feeling pain, I believe it to be a valid argument. If you're not wanting the baby and feel the need to abort it, then you as a mother or a women know before the 20 or 28 week mark. I don't feel that they should be given the 20 weeks in the first place.
For women who are considering aborting after the 28th week due to the evidence that there child might suffer from a birth defect, I believe they should have an option. This is where I could see the bill being altered to give a median for people apposing or approving the bill. An option could be that it must be verified by the doctor and both mother and father as well as a possible 3rd party like the hospital or court system. In all I think Jamie picked a great topic and gave the reader a lot to think about and hopefully a reason for following up on the potential new law.
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