Pro-Lifers Want Doctors To Let Women Die
February 17, 2011 No Comments
It is ethical for a doctor to let a patient die, even though he could save her?
A new piece of legislation, the “Protect Life Act,” includes a provision which would allow doctors to refuse to perform abortions, even in cases where it would save the life of the mother.
Presently, doctors may refuse to do the procedure in all situations, except when the woman is dying. The physician has the option of transferring the patient to a hospital where she can have an abortion or can refer her to another medical professional. But if it comes down to the life of the mother versus the scruples of the doctor, life wins.
The new bill will allow the doctor, and hospital, to do nothing.
This could create life threatening situations for women in states where abortion providers are few and far between — like South Dakota where there are no doctors willing to do the procedure.
Generally, when the life of the mother is threatened, the life of the fetus is also in danger. How does it make sense to refuse treatment when it will end two lives, and an abortion will save one?
Move On has a petition asking the government to reconsider the bill, and a new video warning Republicans that women won’t go back to the way things were in the 1950s.
Contact the author here: mick@morningquickie.com
