Winter 1998 (June - August 1998)

Partial Birth Abortion

Also known as the Dilation and Extraction (D&X) abortion, partial birth abortion highlights the complete disregard for human life at any stage of its development inherent in the culture of death. The D&X procedure is used on third trimester and late second trimester babies as, by that stage of their development, the baby's bones and tissues are sufficiently tough that they cause the abortionist difficulty in dismembering and removing the body. Were the baby to be delivered normally, there is an 80% chance it would survive the birth.
The abortionist uses ultrasound to determine the orientation of the foetus in the uterus and locates the legs. The leg is grasped with large forceps and pulled into the vagina; in the process breaking bones and tearing muscles. Seven-month and eight-month pre-born babies definitely feel pain (as even pro-abortionists admit) so one can only guess at the immense suffering this procedure must cause the baby. The baby is delivered live except for the head.
With the head still inside the vagina a pair of scissors is inserted into the base of the skull to create an opening. The scissors are opened to widen the hole and then removed. A suction catheter is inserted into the opening to suction out the skull contents. Minus its brains, the skull decompresses, and is easily removed. Finally, the placenta is removed with forceps and the uterine walls are scraped with a suction curette.
In the USA recently, Congress voted to ban partial birth abortions. The ban was overturned by President Clinton who used his power of veto. In Australia we have doctors who are prepared to perform D&X abortions. Should abortion on demand be legalised in the ACT, it is only a matter of time before they are performed here.

Right to Reply

The pro-abortionist will frequently resort to the use of slogans when challenged. Slogans help to conceal ignorance of the topic being discussed and to divert attention away from the core issues -- specifically to divert attention away from the violence of abortion.

In this column some of the more commonly employed slogans will be presented together with a pro-life response.

Slogan #1
Abortion is a matter of personal choice!

While personal choices may be basic human rights, not all choices are right. This slogan focuses on the abstract notion of choice and ignores the grisly reality that accompanies the choice.

If this slogan is taken to its logical conclusion it promotes anarchy not "choice." For instance, some might "choose" to rape, others might "choose" to blow up buildings or planes. Our choices are not absolute rights. Every day they are constrained by applicable laws, regulations or simply good manners. After all, I can't park anywhere I like -- unless I'm prepared to pay the fines or accept that my car may be towed away. Our freedoms are not absolute otherwise society ceases to function.

What this slogan does, then, is shift attention to the issue of people making choices rather than the choices people make. No-one can legally choose to kill someone.

As someone remarked: Isn't it hypocritical to choose abortion -- when you've already been born!

ACT Right to Life Association

N E W S L E T T E R