Good News: Common-Sense Abortion Industry Rules Upheld in Texas

The first time some people heard of the dangers abortion can pose for the woman was during the court trial of abortionist Kermit Gosnell last year.

Kermit Gosnell was ultimately found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the death of 41-year-old Karnamaya Mongar, who died from complications from her abortion.

However, the sad reality is that medical complications and even death can threaten the lives of women who seek abortions – even in centers that submit to state regulations and inspections. That shouldn’t be a surprise because we know there are various immediate risks associated with abortion, like blood clots in the uterus, perforation of the uterus wall and complications from the anesthesia.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) releases an annual abortion report that, between 2004 and 2009, reported 55 abortion-related deaths. But the number is likely much higher because abortion deaths are often not reported as such on the death certificate.

That’s why short of legislation that prohibits abortion itself, it makes logical sense to many of us in the pro-life movement to champion common-sense rules that will help protect women by regulating the abortion industry.

For example, it’s reasonable to ask abortion businesses to adhere to basic medical standards in their centers. It’s logical to require an abortionist to qualify for hospital privileges because there’s the potential for serious physical harm to the woman undergoing it.

Yet the same abortion industry that claims to have women’s best interest at heart fights these sensible measures tooth and nail.

When pro-life groups and legislators in Texas recently achieved the passage of a law requiring common-sense oversight of the abortion industry in the state, Planned Parenthood – the nation’s largest provider of abortion services – sued to block the law.

Thankfully, last week the 5^th Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a lower court judge who had originally sided with Planned Parenthood.

Cecile Richards, the president of Planned Parenthood and head of Planned Parenthood Votes, claimed “the law is having a devastating impact on women in Texas” – probably because nearly 20 abortion centers in the state have had to close because they were unable or unwilling to comply with the new, higher standards.

But if these businesses can’t meet basic medical requirements that would ensure better care for the mother, one has to wonder why Planned Parenthood supported them to begin with.

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Also of interest:

Focus on the Family’s take on abortion complications also makes notes of the long-term risks associated with the procedure – like complications in later pregnancies and an increased risk for breast cancer.
Al Mohler’s blog post highlighting a troubling interview Cecile Richards recently gave journalist Jorge Ramos is a worthwhile read: “The Culture of Death Bares its Teeth: Planned Parenthood Leader Says Life Begins at Delivery”

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