The Wild-West Approach to Abortion | 9.21.24
In this episode of Morning Wire, Melissa Ohden sheds light on the alarming lack of legal protections for infants who survive attempted abortions. Ohden details concerning statistics, including high failure rates of late-term abortion procedures resulting in live births, especially in states without robust reporting requirements.
She shares powerful personal stories from the Abortion Survivors Network, highlighting instances of neglect and lack of compassionate care when abortions fail. With the 2024 election cycle heating up and abortion rights emerging as a focal point, Ohden encourages voters to navigate the charged political rhetoric and understand the intricate realities surrounding late-term abortions and protocols surrounding post-birth abortion survivors.
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1-Page Summary
Lack of Protections for the Unborn
Melissa Ohden outlines the stark reality that in 21 U.S. states, abortion remains legal and unrestricted through all nine months of pregnancy, despite public opposition to late-term abortions. She cites data showing a significant number of babies survive failed abortion attempts, with 270 cases confirmed in just 10 states over a short period.
Ohden expresses concern over the rollback of reporting requirements for "born alive" infants in some states, obscuring the true incidence of post-abortion live births. She references testimony from Dr. Willard Cates of the CDC about underreporting due to fear of the public's response.
High Failure Rates Leading to Live Births
Studies reveal alarmingly high failure rates for abortion procedures, especially later in pregnancy, resulting in live births. One study showed an overall 11.2% failure rate, with labor induction methods failing 15.2% of the time.
Survival rates for these infants increase with higher gestational age, reaching 21.7% at 20-24 weeks. However, Ohden notes that only a small percentage receive proper medical care, with few receiving palliative treatment or NICU admission.
Lack of Care for Abortion Survivors
The lack of legal protections and reporting requirements enables a disturbing culture of neglect towards infants who survive abortions. Ohden cites a Washington Post case where a woman endured two failed abortion pill attempts before ultimately giving birth.
Additionally, she raises concerns about the safety of at-home chemical abortions without medical supervision, which can lead to misinformation about gestational age and higher failure rates.
Powerful Personal Stories
As an abortion survivor born at nearly 31 weeks, Ohden provides a powerful firsthand account. Through the Abortion Survivors Network, she hears stories of lack of support, communication, and compassionate care from medical professionals when abortions fail.
Ohden calls for hope, comprehensive information, and better data tracking rather than defaulting to suggesting further abortions as the only solution. These personal narratives highlight the complex human impact surrounding post-birth abortion survivors.
Abortion as a Political Battleground
With the 2024 election approaching, Kamala Harris appears to be championing abortion rights as a central campaign focus, likely aiming to galvanize pro-choice voters after the Dobbs decision. However, this stance may risk alienating moderates.
The abortion debate remains highly polarizing, with the rhetoric often reaching extremes on both sides. Ohden emphasizes the need for voters to navigate the charged political narratives and understand the intricate details surrounding late-term abortions and protocols for born-alive survivors.
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Counterarguments
- Abortion laws are complex and vary by state, reflecting diverse public opinions and moral considerations; the characterization of them as "unrestricted" may not fully account for the nuances and regulations that do exist in those states.
- The number of babies surviving failed abortion attempts may be contextually low compared to the total number of abortions performed, and the data may require further scrutiny to ensure accuracy and context.
- Changes in reporting requirements for "born alive" infants might be aimed at protecting patient privacy or reducing administrative burdens, rather than obscuring data.
- The cited failure rates for abortion procedures may not be representative of all types of procedures or the varying conditions under which they are performed.
- The assertion that few abortion survivors receive proper medical care could be challenged by data showing efforts made by medical professionals to provide care in accordance with existing laws and medical ethics.
- The concerns about neglect towards infants who survive abortions may not account for the complex medical and ethical decisions involved in such cases, which are often made on a case-by-case basis.
- Safety concerns around at-home chemical abortions may be mitigated by existing regulations, guidance, and support provided by healthcare professionals.
- Personal stories, while powerful, may not represent the full spectrum of experiences and outcomes associated with abortion procedures.
- The call for comprehensive information and better data tracking could be seen as an area of common ground rather than a point of contention, with potential agreement across different viewpoints on the need for accurate data.
- Kamala Harris's focus on abortion rights may reflect a legitimate political strategy to address the concerns of a significant portion of the electorate who support abortion rights.
- The polarization of the abortion debate is recognized by many, and there are ongoing efforts by various groups to foster more nuanced and respectful discussions on the topic.
- The need for voters to understand the details surrounding late-term abortions and protocols for born-alive survivors may be shared by advocates on all sides of the issue, emphasizing the importance of informed public discourse.
Actionables
- You can educate yourself on the legal status of abortion in your state by visiting your state government's website or contacting local representatives for the most current information. This will help you understand the specific laws and regulations where you live, as they can vary widely from state to state.
- To contribute to better data tracking, consider volunteering with or donating to organizations that focus on gathering and reporting comprehensive information about abortion procedures and outcomes. These organizations often rely on public support to conduct research and advocacy work, which can lead to improved care and policies for individuals affected by these issues.
- If you're interested in the welfare of infants, you might support local hospitals or charities that provide medical care to all newborns, regardless of the circumstances of their birth. By donating, volunteering, or raising awareness, you can help ensure that these organizations have the resources they need to offer compassionate care to every infant in need.
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The legal and regulatory landscape around abortion, including the extremity of some state laws
Melissa Ohden outlines the complexities of the current abortion debate in the United States, providing details on the extremity of laws and the lack of protections for unborn children in many states, a situation which sharply contrasts with the general public's sentiment.
21 states currently offer no legal protections for the unborn, allowing abortion unrestricted through all nine months of pregnancy.
Ohden emphasizes that in 21 states, abortion is allowed unrestricted through all nine months of pregnancy, offering no legal protections for the unborn. This situation is in stark contrast with the general public's strong opposition to late-term and post-birth abortions. It highlights a divide between the permissive legal stance in these states and the typical moral and ethical concerns of many citizens.
Despite claims that late-term abortions never happen, data indicates that in some states a significant number of babies survive failed abortion attempts.
Ohden challenges the notion that late-term abortions are non-existent by pointing to data from states that have reported instances where babies survived failed abortion attempts. According to the reported data, 270 confirmed born-alive infants were documented in just 10 states over a short period of time.
Reporting requirements for these "born alive" infants have been rolled back in some states, obscuring the true ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
The legal and regulatory landscape around abortion, including the extremity of some state laws
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The term "unrestricted" may not fully capture the nuances of state laws, which often include some restrictions or guidelines, even if they do not have gestational limits.
- Public sentiment on abortion is complex and varies widely; some polls may show support for certain restrictions on abortion, but others indicate that a majority of Americans support the right to access abortion in at least some circumstances.
- The number of late-term abortions is typically a very small percentage of total abortions, and these procedures are often performed due to severe fetal anomalies or risks to the mother's health.
- The reporting of 270 confirmed born-alive infants may not be representative of the broader context, as it does not account for the circumstances under which these births occurred or the viability of the infants.
- Changes in reporting requirements may be aimed at protecting patient privacy or reducing the administrative burden on healthcare providers, rather than obscuring data.
- The characterizat ...
Actionables
- You can educate yourself on the legislative process to understand how laws regarding abortion and born-alive infants are made and changed. Start by visiting the official websites of your state legislature and the U.S. Congress to read current bills and laws. Look for non-partisan educational resources that explain the legislative process, such as the Library of Congress's legislative information system, to see how a bill becomes law.
- Consider volunteering with local organizations that support women and infants to provide practical assistance. Research local charities and non-profits that offer services like counseling, medical care, or material support for mothers and infants, and inquire about volunteer opportunities. By contributing your time, you can directly support those potentially affected by the issues discussed.
- Engage in respect ...
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The issue of babies surviving abortions and the lack of care and protections for them
The complexity and ethical concerns surrounding abortion are highlighted by situations where infants survive the procedure. Studies reveal a significant failure rate in abortion procedures that result in live births, raising questions about the subsequent care and legal protections for these infants.
Studies have found alarmingly high "failure" rates for abortion procedures, particularly later in pregnancy, resulting in live births.
A study on second-trimester abortions analyzed by Melissa Ohden presented disconcerting data. The overall failure rate of abortion procedures in the sample was 11.2%. Specific methods showcased disparate rates, with labor induction failure rising to 15.2% and dismemberment abortions at a 0.2% failure rate. Additionally, survival rates for babies after these procedures varied with gestational age; 21.7% at 20 to 24 weeks and over 3% at 15 to 19 weeks, with some infants living beyond three hours post-procedure.
Ohden points out the unique and troubling reality within the realm of medicine where a live birth is deemed a procedure failure only when it comes to abortions.
Many of these abortion survivors are not provided with proper medical care, with only a small percentage receiving palliative or NICU treatment.
The issue extends to the care given to these survivors. In Minnesota, prior to repealing born alive protection, state reports indicated that none of the abortion survivors received medical care. Ohden notes that while almost 25% of surviving infants in the study were admitted to the NICU, very few were offered palliative care.
The lack of legal protections and reporting requirements in some states has enabled a disturbing culture of neglect towards babies who survive abortion attempts.
The lack of legal accountability and inadequacies in policy compound the problem. Ohden references a case reported by The Washington Post where a woman went through two failed rounds of abortion pills before the ba ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
The issue of babies surviving abortions and the lack of care and protections for them
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The reported failure rates in abortion procedures may be subject to interpretation and could vary significantly depending on the methodology of the study, the definition of "failure," and the sample size.
- The term "failure" in the context of abortion can be misleading, as it may not reflect the intention of the procedure or the complex circumstances surrounding each case.
- The survival rates of infants after abortion procedures might be influenced by advancements in medical technology and neonatal care, which could lead to improved outcomes over time.
- The level of medical care provided to abortion survivors could be contingent on the resources available, the legal framework in place, and the medical judgment about the viability and best interests of the infant.
- Legal protections and reporting requirements for babies who survive abortion attempts are a matter of public policy that can be shaped by a variety of ethical, moral, and practical considerations, and different jurisdictions may approach these issues differently.
- The use of abortion pills at home is regulated by health authorities and may include guidelines and support systems to minimize risks, and the rates of misinformation about gestational age could be mitigated through better education and access to medical services.
- The repeal of born ...
Actionables
- You can educate yourself on the legal status of born-alive protections in your state by checking your state's legislative website and reading up on current laws and proposed changes. Understanding the legal landscape helps you become more informed about the protections or lack thereof for abortion survivors. For example, if you find that your state lacks certain protections, you might choose to support organizations that advocate for these babies' rights.
- Consider volunteering with or donating to local organizations that provide medical care for infants in need, including those who survive abortions. By supporting these organizations, you contribute to ensuring that all infants, regardless of the circumstances of their birth, receive the necessary medical attention. Look for local NICUs or charities that specialize in neonatal care and inquire about how you can help, whether through donations, fundraising, or hands-on volunteering.
- Engage in respectful conversations with frien ...
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The personal stories and experiences of those affected by abortion, including survivors and their mothers
Melissa Ohden shares her powerful firsthand account as an abortion survivor and discusses the Abortion Survivors Network, which supports individuals who have undergone similar experiences.
Abortion survivors like Melissa Ohden, who was born after a failed 31-week abortion procedure, have powerful firsthand accounts of the realities of late-term and post-birth abortion.
Melissa Ohden is a survivor of an abortion performed at what was thought to be 18-20 weeks gestation, but her nearly three-pound birth weight suggested she was closer to 31 weeks at the time of the procedure. Her personal story sheds light on the complex and challenging circumstances surrounding late-term and post-birth abortions.
Survivors and their mothers often face challenges in accessing information, support, and compassionate medical care in the wake of a failed abortion.
Ohden mentions an increase in women reaching out to the Abortion Survivors Network after the overturning of Roe. She emphasizes the lack of information and support for women experiencing failed abortions, sharing a story of a woman who took abortion pills early in the first trimester, only to find the abortion had failed. This woman was advised to have another round of pills or a surgical abortion. The lack of communication after subsequent ultrasounds was a source of concern for Ohden.
Her organization hears from individuals who have experien ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
The personal stories and experiences of those affected by abortion, including survivors and their mothers
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The prevalence and circumstances of late-term and post-birth abortions are often misunderstood, and the stories of survivors like Melissa Ohden, while compelling, may not represent the typical experiences of women who have abortions.
- The term "abortion survivor" is controversial and may not be recognized by medical professionals, as it implies that fetuses are intended to have independent rights separate from the pregnant individual.
- The focus on rare cases of failed abortions might contribute to a skewed public perception of abortion, potentially leading to policies that do not reflect the realities of most abortion procedures, which are performed safely and without such complications.
- The Abortion Survivors Network's narrative may inadvertently stigmatize women who choose to have abortions and could contribute to the societal judgment they face.
- The call for medical professionals to provide hope and comprehensive information is important, but it should be noted that many medical professionals already strive to provide balanced and compassionate care within the scope of legal and medical guidelines.
- The assertion that there is a lack of desire to track data on born-alive infants from failed abortions ...
Actionables
- You can educate yourself on the medical and psychological needs of abortion survivors by reading current medical journals and psychology publications. This will help you understand the complexities of their experiences and the type of support they might require. For example, you could subscribe to a medical journal that focuses on obstetrics and gynecology or a psychology magazine that discusses trauma and recovery.
- Start a book club focused on literature that explores the themes of survival, resilience, and the human condition, which can indirectly increase empathy and understanding for individuals like abortion survivors. Choose books that tackle difficult life experiences and facilitate discussions that can lead to a deeper comprehension of the challenges faced by survivors and their f ...
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The political dynamics and implications of abortion as a major campaign issue
With the 2020 U.S. Presidential election in sight, abortion emerges as a pivotal issue, shaping the political battlefield. Kamala Harris appears poised to harness the contentious topic as a central tenet of her presidential run, in the wake of the significant Dobbs decision.
Kamala Harris's Campaign Strategy Embraces Abortion Rights
Kamala Harris's choice of Tim Walz as a running mate reflects a clear message about her stance on abortion. This selection suggests Harris is enshrining a robust pro-choice agenda as a cornerstone of her campaign, aiming to appeal to voters who prioritize women’s reproductive rights. However, this hardline position may risk distancing some of the moderate electorate.
Polarization in the Abortion Debate
The abortion issue has long been a lightning rod for polarization in American politics, and the fractures only deepen with the upcoming election. The rhetoric in this debate often reaches fever pitches, with accusations of extre ...
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The political dynamics and implications of abortion as a major campaign issue
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While Kamala Harris may be focusing on abortion rights, it's important to consider whether this single-issue focus is sufficient to address the broad spectrum of concerns that voters may have, such as the economy, healthcare, and national security.
- The selection of Tim Walz might signal a strong pro-choice stance, but it could also be interpreted as a strategic move to balance the ticket geographically or ideologically, rather than a purely issue-based choice.
- Attracting voters who prioritize women's reproductive rights is a valid strategy, but it's also important to consider how a candidate plans to engage with voters who have diverse or opposing views on abortion.
- The assertion that Harris's pro-choice agenda may alienate moderate voters assumes that all moderates are against abortion rights, which may not be the case; some moderates may support abortion rights or prioritize other issues when voting.
- While abortion is indeed a divisive issue, it's also possible that other issues may come to the forefront of the election, reducing the focus on abortion as the primary campaign issue.
- The claim that the upcoming election deepens the polarization might overlook efforts by some candidates or groups to find common ground or promote dialogue on abortion.
- Extreme rhetoric in the abortion debate is a concern, but it's also worth acknowledging ...
Actionables
- You can create a personal policy brief to clarify your stance on abortion rights by researching various perspectives and outlining your values and beliefs. Start by gathering information from diverse sources, including medical journals, legal texts, and advocacy group publications. Then, write a concise document that reflects your understanding and position on the issue, which can serve as a reference for discussions or voting decisions.
- Develop a critical media literacy habit by analyzing the language used in political campaigns and news reports about abortion. Pay attention to the adjectives and narratives being employed, and practice identifying biases and extreme rhetoric. This can help you navigate charged political narratives with a more discerning eye, leading to a more nuanced understanding of the issues at hand.
- Engage in community liste ...
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1-Page Summary- The legal and regulatory landscape around abortion, including the extremity of some state laws
- The issue of babies surviving abortions and the lack of care and protections for them
- The personal stories and experiences of those affected by abortion, including survivors and their mothers
- The political dynamics and implications of abortion as a major campaign issue
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