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This blog is the work of an educated civilian, not of an expert in the fields discussed.

Friday, February 23, 2007

Abortion Thoughts

And Also: The Class (Mondays at 8:30) seems to be in trouble -- for instance, plot developments appear rushed, including relationship issues. Also, various supporting characters simply disappeared, though reference was made to them in recent shows. There is a "cancel" or "creative problems" flavor in the air. I like the show ... hope it survives and is worth it if it is.


We're in danger of going back to penumbra-land: the support for the equal protection argument isn't anywhere, but it could possibly be partially supported somewhere in theory, I guess.

See here. Yes, but then, there is nothing really wrong about that locale. This business being snarky about certain words is tedious. Does the word sound funny? Is that the problem? Anyway, yes, the argument on equal protection grounds can be made. In various ways. See also, the argument made in that comment stream implying legislators can choose among disputed religious doctrine on "human life" without raising various constitutional flags.

And, the failure to face up to the fact that this country really doesn't think protecting embryonic life is "compelling," even without factoring in legalized abortion per se. I don't know why I am drawn into these debates ... it takes too much energy sometimes to dispute such wrongheaded premises. Talking about that:
An ultrasound test showed she was between five and seven weeks pregnant. Acuna says she asked Turkish if the "baby was already there," and that he responded, "don't be stupid, it is nothing but blood." Acuna signed a consent form and had an abortion. She says she then went to the library, read up on human development, and decided that her doctor had ended her relationship with a child she'd named Andres.

In 2004, Acuna sued Dr. Turkish for medical malpractice, arguing that abortion providers have a duty to tell their patients that the fetus or embryo they are carrying is "a complete, separate, unique and irreplaceable human being" and that the "abortion did not prevent a human being from coming into existence but actually killed an existing human being."

See here, my comments here. Suffice to say, quite a lot of people don't quite think a "baby" is "there" at circa five weeks. Sounds like a value judgment ("irreplaceable" and so forth) plus doctor with a serious tact problem. And, a weird way of putting things (is it some sort of blood mass? nothing else?). Maybe, Dr. House, also of New Jersey, can add his .02.

Informed consent is essential, but she is asking for more. [Proviso: I am limited by the facts offered in the piece.]