LETTER: Thoughts on complicated abortion issue

Before I proceed, two facts should be stated, 1. I am neither Republican nor Democrat. 2. The article may or may not reflect my personal beliefs. It is an attempt to assuage, balance and compromise a contentious debate going on for over half a century. I will present biological fact and point out argumentative fallacy.

Fetal growth is an ongoing process. An amazing process. However, there is one turning point, the “turning on” of the heart. It becomes anatomically complete and fully functional at about 16 weeks. It can pump 25 quarts of blood daily providing the fetus with nutrients for development and elimination of metabolic waste products. Impressive for a 5-inch being. It has been argued that a heartbeat can be heard before 16 weeks, but the contracting tissue is neither fully functional nor developed. The heart and fetus at 16 weeks is the beginning of life. Abortion could/should be acceptable before the 16th week (4 month) period considering that the “aliveness” of the fetus cannot be determined. Thusly, abortion is legal and should be provided countrywide for the first 16 weeks. But not thereafter, anywhere.

Discussion is now presented on other concerns: Rape/Incest. Immaterial. Abortions are acceptable by law for a four month period. Plenty of time to make up your mind. Abortion medications are legal countrywide. Unforeseen medical conditions. Significant, sometimes fatal, genetic and developmental conditions only manifest after a 16-week period. Abortion is legal if any condition jeopardizes the health or existence of the mother. Nature deals with these conditions often with spontaneous abortion at any time during pregnancy. To emphasize, no abortion is permitted on any normally forming, healthy fetus after this period.

As Dr. Frankenstein stated as he leaned and listened to his creation’s heartbeat, “It’s alive.” And before that 16 week time, only God knows.

Fred J. Giaimo

Dublin