Michael Abrahams | A rational look at abortion

Once again, the abortion debate is raging in the public space and, as usual, persons on either side of this contentious divide are stridently positing their opinions. The topic often stirs up strong emotions, with highly opinionated people on opposing sides obstinately sticking to their guns and refusing to budge.

But, regarding an issue as serious as this, one that effects people’s lives, rational decisions on addressing our existing laws demand that those engaging in the debate humble themselves and listen objectively to those with opposing views, as valid points are to be found on both sides.

For example, anti-abortion folks need to understand that deciding to have an abortion does not necessarily make a woman irresponsible or selfish, that women often agonize over the decision, that not all women who have had an abortion regret it, that many of us who are pro-choice are not heartless, but rather empathetic to the women who find themselves in these situations, and that most abortions are performed when pregnancies are early and before organs have been formed. At this time, the embryo has not yet become a foetus and is unable to feel pain.

They also need to appreciate the fact that strict anti-abortion laws place women’s lives at risk, and that in countries with such laws, many die from unsafe abortions. Performing an abortion is usually a simple procedure, but even a qualified doctor, who is inexperienced in performing it, can make deadly mistakes.

PROPER TRAINING

Legalizing the procedure allows conferences, seminars and workshops to be set up to train physicians how to perform the procedure properly and safely, minimizing complications and allowing national guidelines to be instituted.

I see a significant amount of failed abortions in my office, especially from persons who took pills given to them by pharmacists or lay people, who unwittingly placed their lives at risk.

Persons who oppose abortion show concern about the “unborn child”, but often fail to show empathy for the women who find themselves making that decision.

Men who oppose abortion need to understand that they will never be pregnant and will never understand what it feels like to be in such a predicament.

Similarly, women who have never been pregnant need to show empathy as well. Women who have delivered children but have never had complicated pregnancies also need to understand that pregnancy can be a very traumatic experience, and that some women are scarred for life after complicated ones. Some women even lose their lives during pregnancy, delivery and the postpartum period.

Health is defined as physical, mental and social well-being, and pregnancy has the potential to negatively affect all three.

Also, those who oppose abortion for religious reasons need to understand that just because their religion may prohibit it, they have no right to impose their beliefs on others.

Similarly, persons who are pro-choice need to listen to and empathize with those who oppose abortion. Many believe that life begins the moment the sperm meets the egg and thought of terminating that life is deeply disturbing.

The phrase “abortion is murder” is often thrown around by pro-lifers. Some of them may be sensationalizing the issue and being hyperbolic, but many honestly believe that it is.

Pro-choice folks must also resist the temptation to stereotype and dismiss all who oppose it. Not all who oppose abortion are religious zealots. Many are not religious at all. Some are even atheists.

Not all men who oppose abortion are misogynists who wish to control women and their bodies, although quite a few are.

It is often said that those who oppose abortion will do so, but do nothing to assist the women they discourage, but this is not always the case. Father Richard Ho Lung of Missionaries of the Poor, and Monsignor Gregory Ramkissoon of Mustard Seed Communities have both set up places of safety, The Holy Innocents Women in Crisis Centre and Mary’s Child, respectively, for impoverished pregnant girls and women.

EMPATHIZE DEEPLY

My view is that a woman has a right to make an informed decision about her own body. I am not pro-choice because I am wicked. I am pro-choice because, after decades of looking after women and managing their pregnancies, being in delivery rooms and operating theatres, and observing the sequelae of pregnancy, I empathize deeply with those who contemplate such a decision.

It is very easy to insist that a woman proceed with a pregnancy when you are not the one having to deal with the possibility of nausea, vomiting, incessant spitting, back pain, swollen hands and feet, nerve compression, indigestion, mood swings, impaired short term memory, insomnia, labour pain, vaginal lacerations, haemorrhage, Caesarean section, sore nipples, engorged breasts and postpartum depression, among other things. 

However, even though I am pro-choice, I must confess that I am uncomfortable with abortions being performed in the second trimester, especially beyond the middle of that period when the foetus approaches viability, unless there is a lethal malformation of the mother’s life being at risk.

I am pro-choice, but not pro-abortion. I do not like abortion or advise or encourage women to have it, but I respect them and their right to make such decisions.

I urge those on both sides of this contentious divide to listen to one another objectively and not stereotype or judge unfairly.

In the meantime, I also encourage those of us who are sexually active, in the reproductive age range and not infertile, to practice responsible sexual behaviour. If you do not wish for conception to occur, take measures to avoid it.

Prevention is better than cure.

 

- Michael Abrahams is a gynaecologist and obstetrician, comedian and poet. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and michabe_1999@hotmail.com, or tweet @mikeyabrahams