It is notable that a significant proportion of legislation designed to protect unborn children and their mothers is referred to as an “abortion ban.”
A bill that would prohibit abortion after 15 weeks, a time at which the unborn child can experience pain, is referred to as a “ban” by abortion advocates within the Democratic Party and the media. One might inquire whether the proponents of such legislation ever considered the possibility that it would still permit the majority of abortions to proceed. It is estimated that only approximately 5% of abortions are performed after 15 weeks.
A bill that would prohibit abortion after six weeks, a time at which the unborn child has a detectable heartbeat, is referred to by abortion advocates in the Democratic Party and the media as a “ban.” One might inquire whether the proponents of such legislation ever considered the possibility that it would still permit abortions in approximately 55% of cases.
One might inquire as to the circumstances under which an abortion should be continued. Approximately 45% of abortions occur after six weeks gestation.
It is evident that this type of legislation will undoubtedly result in a reduction in the number of abortions performed, although it is important to note that neither of these legislative measures constitutes a “ban” on abortion.
Nevertheless, when pro-life members of Congress or state legislators consider such legislation, the promoters of abortion frequently proclaim that pro-lifers are attempting to “ban” abortion. This is done with the intention of obscuring the fact that such legislation does not actually ban abortion. Furthermore, it is likely that the majority of abortions would continue to be performed even if such legislation were to be enacted.
In the context of a heartbeat bill, which protects unborn children after six weeks of gestation, the phrase “before many women even know they’re pregnant” is often included as a descriptor. The cost of pregnancy tests has decreased significantly in recent years, and they are now both inexpensive and highly accurate, even at an early stage of pregnancy. It is evident that some women are unaware of the possibility of pregnancy, or that a girl may be too young to comprehend the consequences. Nevertheless, it can be assumed that men and women are generally aware that pregnancy is a potential outcome of sexual intercourse.
A search of online databases reveals that pregnancy tests are available from a variety of sources, including pharmacies, Walmart, Target, and Amazon. I have observed these products on the shelves of dollar stores. The process of determining whether a pregnancy exists is relatively straightforward and inexpensive. The assertion that a bill will prohibit abortions “after six weeks, before many women even know they’re pregnant” is a deceptive and disparaging portrayal of women, and an ineffectual attempt to justify the unrestricted practice of abortion throughout pregnancy.
The fact that a significant number of abortions occur after six weeks does not imply that the women were unaware of their pregnancy prior to the six-week mark. It is probable that many of them were uncertain about their decision or attempting to avoid the procedure by persuading a partner or family member to support their pro-life stance.
The use of subtle propaganda, such as the term “ban” to describe pro-life legislation or the assertion that women will not be aware of their pregnancy before the point at which abortion is no longer permitted, is misleading and detrimental to the pro-life cause. It is therefore incumbent upon each of us to challenge and correct such misstatements when we encounter them. Should you encounter such language in your local newspaper or on an online comment section of a website, it is advisable to challenge the language in question. It is also advisable to provide additional information that will be of benefit to other readers.
One effective method for engaging with the local community is to submit a letter to the editor of a local newspaper.
Those who espouse views that are not in accordance with the truth must be confronted and their arguments challenged. Those who are in favour of the pro-life movement should maintain a watchful eye and, when necessary, offer a correction in a polite but firm manner.
The unborn child is wholly reliant on the actions of those who defend them. Letters to the editor are a highly visible and widely read section of newspapers, offering a valuable opportunity to set the record straight.
Daniel Miller is responsible for nearly all of National Right to Life News' political writing.
With the election of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency, Daniel Miller developed a deep obsession with U.S. politics that has never let go of the political scientist. Whether it's the election of Joe Biden, the midterm elections in Congress, the abortion rights debate in the Supreme Court or the mudslinging in the primaries - Daniel Miller is happy to stay up late for you.
Daniel was born and raised in New York. After living in China, working for a news agency and another stint at a major news network, he now lives in Arizona with his two daughters.
