Protecting those born alive

It is 100% obvious that a baby, born alive, deserves appropriate medical care. That's why I'm glad the Born Alive Infants Protection Act passed....... in 2002. That's right, in 2002. It passed the Senate unanimously (that means some democrats voted for it). This bill defines any born alive infant as a full human being with all attendant rights, regardless of the method of birth (labor, cesarean, failed abortion). If you're keeping score at home, murder is already illegal, as is medical neglect. This bill, which has been in effect since 2002, makes it explicit that those terminating or neglecting an infant born alive are guilty of these crimes. 

Democrats are not advocating infanticide. Parents and medical providers want the option to provide palliative care for terminally ill babies if that is what families choose. The bill that failed today would leave providers open to prosecution for helping families make these decisions. State bills that have recently passed in NY and VT are aimed at ensuring this option, including palliative abortion for non-viable fetuses. Democratic politicians have, unfortunately, done a poor job of articulating this in widely publicized statements. I believe the VT bill is a bit too extreme in fact - but not in intent - by allowing for late term abortion in the event of threats to the mother's mental health. I believe the intent is that mothers should not be forced into the emotionally devastating circumstance of continuing a non-viable pregnancy until it terminates naturally. I also believe it is a valid concern that maternal depression or anxiety could be used as a rote justification for late term abortion of a healthy, viable baby. That being said, I also trust medical providers to uphold their oaths to do no harm, and do not believe doctors would perform late term abortions simply because a mother was experiencing depression. 

I get it... Babies are beautiful and wonderful and I love my babies to the moon and back. But unfortunately, the world is not always sunshine and roses. If I knew my baby was suffering, and there was no chance at survival, I would want to ease their passing and surround them with love for that short time, instead of making them endure invasive and painful attempts to prolong their life. Another mother might choose differently. That is her right. 

Adults of sound mind get to make these end-of-life decisions for ourselves. But babies cannot decide what course of medical treatment to pursue, and I firmly believe that parents, under the advice of medical experts, have the right to do what they think is best for their children.