The new UK Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt has shared his view that the time limit on abortions should be reduced to 12 weeks.
Given that more than 90% of the, in excess of , 190,000 abortions that occur in England and Wales happen within 13 weeks, Hunt is not talking about affecting a significant number of abortions. Though, if you oppose abortion, 19,000 is still too many.
Of course that doesn't stop the usual suspects jumping up and screaming about 'right-wing politicians pushing an agenda' or 'this is about women's choice and has nothing to do with men and men should keep quiet on the whole issue!'
However, think for a minute about the timeline. Surely within 4-8 weeks of conception, a woman knows she is pregnant? Then she has tests? Then ponders? So how much time for pondering? Consider that this 'pondering' is a solitary task - after all, the man concerned or any man for that matter, has no right to offer any input - simply because he is a man!
So isn't 4-8 weeks enough time for pondering?
OK, so as a man, I should keep quiet but....... I think that most women will already have a view on abortion. They will have given thought to 'what would I do' if I found myself inconveniently or accidentally pregnant'. So the ponder time doesn't sound like it should be any hurdle.
So 12 weeks sounds like ample time.
Oh and if it avoids those 19,000 abortions, that, for me, would be a step in the right direction!
Next step? After getting the timeline reduced, re-examine the rationale and arguments that were put forward in 1967, when the abortion law was passed and see these in relation to the excuses given for abortions, today. I recall we were told that this law was required to end back-street abortions and for rape victims and for those expectant mothers who had health issues. No one, not even David (now Lord) Steele said we would end up with abortion on demand and become the abortion capital of Europe.
So from a time perspective, the maths suggest that 12 weeks is much more than enough time.!
Given that more than 90% of the, in excess of , 190,000 abortions that occur in England and Wales happen within 13 weeks, Hunt is not talking about affecting a significant number of abortions. Though, if you oppose abortion, 19,000 is still too many.
Of course that doesn't stop the usual suspects jumping up and screaming about 'right-wing politicians pushing an agenda' or 'this is about women's choice and has nothing to do with men and men should keep quiet on the whole issue!'
However, think for a minute about the timeline. Surely within 4-8 weeks of conception, a woman knows she is pregnant? Then she has tests? Then ponders? So how much time for pondering? Consider that this 'pondering' is a solitary task - after all, the man concerned or any man for that matter, has no right to offer any input - simply because he is a man!
So isn't 4-8 weeks enough time for pondering?
OK, so as a man, I should keep quiet but....... I think that most women will already have a view on abortion. They will have given thought to 'what would I do' if I found myself inconveniently or accidentally pregnant'. So the ponder time doesn't sound like it should be any hurdle.
So 12 weeks sounds like ample time.
Oh and if it avoids those 19,000 abortions, that, for me, would be a step in the right direction!
Next step? After getting the timeline reduced, re-examine the rationale and arguments that were put forward in 1967, when the abortion law was passed and see these in relation to the excuses given for abortions, today. I recall we were told that this law was required to end back-street abortions and for rape victims and for those expectant mothers who had health issues. No one, not even David (now Lord) Steele said we would end up with abortion on demand and become the abortion capital of Europe.
So from a time perspective, the maths suggest that 12 weeks is much more than enough time.!
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