May
19
2008
7

Tough decisions

Tomorrow MP’s will debate, among other things, the time limits for termination. Currently this stands at 24 weeks (although I believe that even later terminations are possible if there are significant disabilities, or risks to the mother – someone might correct me on that one though!!)

My younger cousin Ali was born early, at about 24 weeks I think, weighing 1lb 11oz. She is now 17 years old and apart from being a typical pain in the arse she is perfectly normal. I remember at the time being absolutely horrified that a foetus could have been terminated right up until the time she was born. I also remember very well looking at her through the window into the special care unit and thinking she looked like a little monkey, and was really scrawny and funny looking.

Many years ago I was an avid pro-lifer, but I guess over time I have changed. Working as a social worker gives you a complete shift in thinking when you see what other people have to go through and some of the tough decisions they have to make. Whilst I still absolutely believe in the sanctity of life, I also recognise that for some people, termination may be the right solution in a very difficult situation. The one thing I have a really hard time with though is the fact that a foetus can be terminated so late… 24 weeks is far, far to late. If Ali could survive at 24 weeks, over 17 years ago, then surely medical technology has moved on significantly since then. I know that 20 weeks has been mooted as an option, but even that is too late… what about 16 weeks? Surely 4 months is long enough for someone to make a decision?

I know I have never been in that situation, and I would never, ever pass judgement on someone who make a choice to end a pregnancy, but I would hope that as a civilised society we can protect and care for the most vulnerable individuals, whether they have been born already, or whether they are yet to enter into this world. Responding with grace and compassion is essential when we enter a debate such as this. Without it we will always have polarised opinions and we will lose the people in the middle who are affected by the decisions.

Written by Anna Williams in: Uncategorized | Tags: , , , ,

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