Save the Storks works to end late-term abortion in light of fetal pain study
By Natasha Smith
Two researchers with different views on abortion published a paper this week in the Journal of Medical Ethics saying the unborn are likely able to feel pain at an earlier point than previous research suggested.
Until now, most medical experts agreed that a fetus could not feel pain before 24 weeks.
The article, written by Stuart Derbyshire and John Bockman, cites numerous studies they believe are “good evidence” that both the brain and nervous system of a fetus are developed enough by 12-weeks to feel pain.
This study could have big implications for late-term abortion laws and other gestational limits on abortion.
“This evidence proves the young unborn fetus does feel pain in the first trimester of life, much earlier than was previously known,” said Dr. Karysse J. Trandem, Board-Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist. “These new facts hold the medical community and society at large accountable to recognize that life begins inside of the womb and deserves acknowledgment.”
Late-term abortion is currently legal in the District of Columbia and 7 states– Alaska, Colorado, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, and Vermont.
Save the Storks has been investigating late-term abortion and pro-life work in Albuquerque, New Mexico. For over a decade, New Mexico has marketed itself internationally as a place to have late-term abortions. The Southwestern Women’s Clinic provides abortions up to 32-weeks, but will not turn away women even after that.
Watch our mini-documentary about New Mexico’s late-term practices, and see how pro-life leaders are working to give those in their community information to make educated choices.
We have also been working to end the practice of late-term abortion in our home state of Colorado with the organization Due Date Too Late. If you live in Colorado you can find a location to sign their petition to have abortion restrictions added to the 2020 ballot.
Abortion Statistics by State
On January 1, 2020, the Guttmacher Institute released statistics regarding abortion laws in America.
· 21 states prohibit “partial-birth” abortion.
· 43 states have gestational limits on abortion.
· 16 states pay for all or most Medicaid enrollees’ abortions with tax dollars.
· 18 states require counseling for women considering abortion to understand their choices and risks potentially linked to abortion.
Watch our documentary on late-term abortion.
