Dr. Colleen Malloy: Why a 20 week Ban on Abortion?

Supporting Research for the 20-week Ban

According to Dr. Maureen Condic, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Neurobiology and Anatomy at the University of Utah who testified before Congress in May of 2013, there is universal agreement in the scientific community that an unborn child experiences fetal pain by at least 20 weeks gestation.

Dr. Kanwalkeet Anand is a leading expert in the field of fetal pain. He was also a Rhodes Scholar at University of Oxford (U.K.), where he earned a Doctor of Philosophy. He completed post-doctoral fellowship in Anesthesiology at Harvard Medical School, followed by Pediatric Residency training at Boston Children’s Hospital. In a report he wrote, commissioned by the U.S. Department of Justice, he states:

“It is my opinion that the human fetus possesses the ability to experience pain from 20 weeks of gestation, if not earlier, and the pain perceived by a fetus is possibly more intense than that perceived by term newborns or older children.” 

But the unborn child’s health isn’t the only reason for a 20 week ban. Abortions after 20 weeks significantly increase the health risks for the woman. Clarke Forsythe, senior counsel for the law firm, Alliance Defending Freedom and an Illinois resident, has studied this point in-depth. He states:

“…there is another compelling reason why a five-month (20-week) limit is common sense: late-term abortions are considerably more threatening to women’s health. The increased mortality from late-term abortions is as clear as any medical fact can be in America’s dysfunctional system of voluntary abortion reporting by providers. A 2004 medical study published by Dr. Linda Bartlett in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that the relative risk of abortion-related mortality jumped from 14.7 per 100,000 women at 13-15 weeks gestation. It doubled by 16 to 20 weeks and doubled again at or after 21 weeks. Add to that the frequent inaccuracy of gestational dating by doctors and a clear legal limit at 20 weeks is imperative to protect women.

Late-term abortions are more dangerous for several reasons. With late-term abortions, there is increased risk of infection and hemorrhage, embolism, perforation, or rupture of the uterus, and complications from anesthesia. The life and health of women is threatened by miscalculating the gestational age in late-term abortions.”

Current Abortion Laws in Illinois

According to the Illinois Abortion Law of 1975, an unborn child can be aborted for any reason up until viability (around 24 weeks gestation). However, an unborn child can be legally aborted through all nine months of pregnancy in cases of rape and incest, if the life of the mother is at risk, and if the health of the mother is at risk.

In the case Doe vs. Bolton, the Supreme Court defined “health” as “all factors – physical, emotional, psychological, familial, and the woman’s age – relevant to the well-being of the patient.” The wide interpretation of the term “health” makes it possible for an abortion to be performed at any time, through all nine months of pregnancy. Reasons such as “emotional well-being,” can, under current law, make abortion after viability justifiable and legal.

Colleen Malloy’s Testimony Before Congress

In May of 2012, Dr. Colleen Malloy testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee during a hearing on the Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (H.R. 3803). Her testimony gives further details and scientific evidence about the development of the unborn child, specifically pain sensitivity.  To view her testimony, click here.

“Babies Feel Pain?”

Illinois Right to Life did exclusive research on the science of pain development, the risks of late-term abortions on women, and the survival of pre-mature infants when the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act was being considered by Congress. To view this information, visit: http://illinoisrighttolife.org/babies-feel-pain/

Maureen Condic

Dr. Maureen Condic is an Associate Professor of Neurobiology and Anatomy at the University of Utah, School of Medicine, with an adjunct appointment in the Department of Pediatrics. On May 23, 2013 she testified before the Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice in the House of Representatives during a hearing on the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (H.R. 1797). In her testimony, she explains the latest scientific findings on fetal pain. To view her written testimony, click here. To watch a video of her testimony, click here.

First 9 Months Brochure

Illinois Right to Life’s new The First 9 Months brochure is designed to assist pro-life work by showing the science and the beauty behind fetal development. This brochure was deemed medically accurate by Dr. Robert Lawler of Downers Grove OB/GYN, a board certified OB/GYN with over 20 years’ experience. Dr. Lawler is a fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and a member of the American Association of Pro Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists. If you would more information on the brochure and how to order yours, visit: http://illinoisrighttolife.org/first9months/

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