Justice and the Right to Justice and the Right to LifeLife

The Death Penalty, Abortion, The Death Penalty, Abortion, Euthanasia Euthanasia

Respect for All LifeRespect for All Life The diversity of life manifests God's glory. The diversity of life manifests God's glory.

Every creature shares a bit of the divine Every creature shares a bit of the divine beauty. beauty.

Because the divine goodness could not be Because the divine goodness could not be represented by one creature alone, God represented by one creature alone, God "produced many and diverse creatures, so "produced many and diverse creatures, so that what was wanting to one in that what was wanting to one in representation of the divine goodness might representation of the divine goodness might be supplied by another...hence the whole be supplied by another...hence the whole universe together participates in the divine universe together participates in the divine goodness more perfectly, and represents it goodness more perfectly, and represents it better than any single creature whatever"better than any single creature whatever"

The wonderful variety of the The wonderful variety of the natural world is part of the divine natural world is part of the divine plan and, as such, invites our plan and, as such, invites our respect respect

Accordingly, it is appropriate that Accordingly, it is appropriate that we treat other creatures and the we treat other creatures and the natural world not just as means natural world not just as means to human fulfillment, but also as to human fulfillment, but also as God's creatures, possessing an God's creatures, possessing an independent value, worthy of our independent value, worthy of our respect and care.respect and care.

By preserving natural By preserving natural environments, by protecting environments, by protecting endangered species, by laboring endangered species, by laboring to make human environments to make human environments compatible with local ecology, by compatible with local ecology, by employing appropriate employing appropriate technology, and by carefully technology, and by carefully evaluating technological evaluating technological innovations as we adopt them, innovations as we adopt them, we exhibit respect for creation we exhibit respect for creation and reverence for the Creator.and reverence for the Creator.

We show our respect for the We show our respect for the Creator by our stewardship of Creator by our stewardship of God’s creation. Care for the earth God’s creation. Care for the earth is a duty of our faith and a sign is a duty of our faith and a sign of our concern for all people. We of our concern for all people. We should strive to live simply to should strive to live simply to meet the needs of the present meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability without compromising the ability of future generations to meet of future generations to meet their own needs. We have a their own needs. We have a moral obligation to protect the moral obligation to protect the planet on which we liveplanet on which we live

We must respect God’s creation We must respect God’s creation and ensure a safe and hospitable and ensure a safe and hospitable environment for human beings, environment for human beings, especially children at their most especially children at their most vulnerable stages of vulnerable stages of development. As stewards called development. As stewards called by God to share the responsibility by God to share the responsibility for the future of the earth, we for the future of the earth, we should work for a world in which should work for a world in which people respect and protect all of people respect and protect all of creation and seek to live simply in creation and seek to live simply in harmony with it for the sake of harmony with it for the sake of future generations.future generations.

The Death PenaltyThe Death Penalty

The death penalty is permitted ONLY as a last The death penalty is permitted ONLY as a last resort (to defend itself against violent resort (to defend itself against violent criminals)criminals)

There is no need in the U.S, - We have the There is no need in the U.S, - We have the means to keep violent criminals out of societymeans to keep violent criminals out of society

We do not want to kill someone before he’s We do not want to kill someone before he’s had the chance to turn back to Godhad the chance to turn back to God

We do not want to kill them if they turn back We do not want to kill them if they turn back to God because they are sorry for what they to God because they are sorry for what they have donehave done

The death penalty is racially biased. 90% The death penalty is racially biased. 90% of persons executed were convicted of of persons executed were convicted of killing whites, although people of color killing whites, although people of color make up over 50% of all homicide victimsmake up over 50% of all homicide victims

Capital punishment does not deter crime. Capital punishment does not deter crime. States with the death penalty have higher States with the death penalty have higher civilian murder rates than states that do civilian murder rates than states that do notnot

Capital punishment kills innocent people. Capital punishment kills innocent people. In the last 20 years 350 capital conviction In the last 20 years 350 capital conviction were revealed to be innocent (25 had were revealed to be innocent (25 had already been executed)already been executed)

Justifiable PunishmentJustifiable Punishment

1. Reform: The reform of a criminal is 1. Reform: The reform of a criminal is impossible if he is deadimpossible if he is dead

2. Deterrence: There is no evidence 2. Deterrence: There is no evidence showing the death penalty decreases showing the death penalty decreases violent crimeviolent crime

3. Retribution: This refers to 3. Retribution: This refers to restoring the order of justice that restoring the order of justice that was violated. Taking a life is not was violated. Taking a life is not necessary to restore the order of necessary to restore the order of justicejustice

This right to life also encompasses This right to life also encompasses fighting poverty, prejudice, economic fighting poverty, prejudice, economic inequalities, equal education.inequalities, equal education.

We must have a consistent ethic of lifeWe must have a consistent ethic of life It is a seamless garment- a defense of It is a seamless garment- a defense of

the fights of everyone (especially the the fights of everyone (especially the weakest in our midst). We must weakest in our midst). We must respect life from the moment of respect life from the moment of conception until natural deathconception until natural death

The root cause of violence is poverty, The root cause of violence is poverty, lack of economic opportunity, racism, lack of economic opportunity, racism, and family disintegrationand family disintegration

How can the church, society, and us How can the church, society, and us as individuals offer love and support as individuals offer love and support to victims of crime?to victims of crime?

Provide resources to help rebuild their Provide resources to help rebuild their lifelife

Offer support groupsOffer support groups Compensate victims for out of pocket Compensate victims for out of pocket

expensesexpenses Get personally involved. Victims need Get personally involved. Victims need

personal love and supportpersonal love and support Offer free medical services for victims Offer free medical services for victims

of violent crimesof violent crimes

True or False: States can adequately True or False: States can adequately defend themselves without exercising defend themselves without exercising the death penalty. Why? / Why not?the death penalty. Why? / Why not?

Which question should we ask:Which question should we ask:

A. Don’t they deserve to die?A. Don’t they deserve to die?

B. Do we deserve to kill them?B. Do we deserve to kill them?

Death penalty statutes in the United StatesColor key: ( blue) No current death penalty statute (orange) Statute or method declared unconstitutional (yellow) Not applied since 1976 (pink) Has performed execution since 1976

Capital PunishmentCapital Punishment

Various methods have been used in Various methods have been used in the history of the American colonies the history of the American colonies and the United States but only five and the United States but only five methods are currently used. methods are currently used. Historically, Historically, burning, , pressing, , breaking on wheel and bludgeoning and bludgeoning were used for a small number of were used for a small number of executions, while executions, while hanging was the was the most common method. most common method.

Methods of ExecutionMethods of Execution

Lethal Injection: Lethal Injection: When this method is When this method is used, the condemned person is usually used, the condemned person is usually bound to a gurney and a member of the bound to a gurney and a member of the execution team positions several heart execution team positions several heart monitors on this skin. Two needles (one is a monitors on this skin. Two needles (one is a back-up) are then inserted into usable back-up) are then inserted into usable veins, usually in the inmates arms. Long veins, usually in the inmates arms. Long tubes connect the needle through a hole in tubes connect the needle through a hole in a cement block wall to several intravenous a cement block wall to several intravenous drips. drips.

The first is a harmless saline solution The first is a harmless saline solution that is started immediately. Then, at that is started immediately. Then, at the warden's signal, a curtain is the warden's signal, a curtain is raised exposing the inmate to the raised exposing the inmate to the witnesses in an adjoining room. Then, witnesses in an adjoining room. Then, the inmate is injected with sodium the inmate is injected with sodium thiopental - an anesthetic, which puts thiopental - an anesthetic, which puts the inmate to sleep.the inmate to sleep.

Next flows pavulon or pancuronium Next flows pavulon or pancuronium bromide, which paralyzes the entire bromide, which paralyzes the entire muscle system and stops the muscle system and stops the inmate's breathing. Finally, the flow inmate's breathing. Finally, the flow of potassium chloride stops the of potassium chloride stops the heart. Death results from anesthetic heart. Death results from anesthetic overdose and respiratory and cardiac overdose and respiratory and cardiac arrest while the condemned person arrest while the condemned person is unconscious. is unconscious.

Medical ethics preclude doctors from Medical ethics preclude doctors from participating in executions. However, participating in executions. However, a doctor will certify the inmate is a doctor will certify the inmate is dead. dead.

Why do you think I included this Why do you think I included this statement in this power point?statement in this power point?

1. Doctors may perform abortions but 1. Doctors may perform abortions but may not participate in an execution may not participate in an execution on a prisoner—how much sense does on a prisoner—how much sense does that make?that make?

2. This lack of medical participation can 2. This lack of medical participation can be problematic because often injections be problematic because often injections are performed by inexperienced are performed by inexperienced technicians or orderlies. If a member of technicians or orderlies. If a member of the execution team injects the drugs into the execution team injects the drugs into a muscle instead of a vein, or if the a muscle instead of a vein, or if the needle becomes clogged, extreme pain needle becomes clogged, extreme pain can result. Many prisoners have can result. Many prisoners have damaged veins resulting from damaged veins resulting from intravenous drug use and it is intravenous drug use and it is sometimes difficult to find a usable vein, sometimes difficult to find a usable vein, resulting in long delays while the inmate resulting in long delays while the inmate remains strapped to the gurney. remains strapped to the gurney.

Electrocution: Electrocution: A metal skullcap-shaped A metal skullcap-shaped electrode is attached to the scalp and electrode is attached to the scalp and forehead over a sponge moistened with forehead over a sponge moistened with saline. The sponge must not be too wet saline. The sponge must not be too wet or the saline short-circuits the electric or the saline short-circuits the electric current, and not too dry, as it would current, and not too dry, as it would then have a very high resistance. An then have a very high resistance. An additional electrode is moistened with additional electrode is moistened with conductive jelly (Electro-Creme) and conductive jelly (Electro-Creme) and attached to a portion of the prisoner's attached to a portion of the prisoner's leg that has been shaved to reduce leg that has been shaved to reduce resistance to electricity. The prisoner is resistance to electricity. The prisoner is then blindfolded. then blindfolded.

A jolt of between 500 and 2000 volts, A jolt of between 500 and 2000 volts, which lasts for about 30 seconds, is which lasts for about 30 seconds, is given. The current surges and is then given. The current surges and is then turned off, at which time the body is turned off, at which time the body is seen to relax. The doctors wait a few seen to relax. The doctors wait a few seconds for the body to cool down and seconds for the body to cool down and then check to see if the inmate's heart then check to see if the inmate's heart is still beating. If it is, another jolt is is still beating. If it is, another jolt is applied. This process continues until applied. This process continues until the prisoner is dead. the prisoner is dead.

...the prisoner's eyeballs sometimes pop ...the prisoner's eyeballs sometimes pop out and rest on his cheeks. The prisoner out and rest on his cheeks. The prisoner often defecates, urinates, and vomits often defecates, urinates, and vomits blood and drool. The body turns bright red blood and drool. The body turns bright red as its temperature rises, and the as its temperature rises, and the prisoner's flesh swells and his skin prisoner's flesh swells and his skin stretches to the point of breaking. stretches to the point of breaking. Sometimes the prisoner catches Sometimes the prisoner catches fire....Witnesses hear a loud and sustained fire....Witnesses hear a loud and sustained sound like bacon frying, and the sickly sound like bacon frying, and the sickly sweet smell of burning flesh permeates sweet smell of burning flesh permeates the chamber. At postmortem, the body is the chamber. At postmortem, the body is hot enough to blister if touched. hot enough to blister if touched.

Gas ChamberGas Chamber: For execution by this : For execution by this method, the condemned person is strapped method, the condemned person is strapped to a chair in an airtight chamber. Below the to a chair in an airtight chamber. Below the chair rests a pail of sulfuric acid. A long chair rests a pail of sulfuric acid. A long stethoscope is typically affixed to the stethoscope is typically affixed to the inmate so that a doctor outside the chamber inmate so that a doctor outside the chamber can pronounce death. The executioner flicks can pronounce death. The executioner flicks a lever that releases crystals of sodium a lever that releases crystals of sodium cyanide into the pail. This causes a chemical cyanide into the pail. This causes a chemical reaction that releases hydrogen cyanide reaction that releases hydrogen cyanide gas. The prisoner is instructed to breathe gas. The prisoner is instructed to breathe deeply to speed up the process. deeply to speed up the process.

Most prisoners, however, try to hold their Most prisoners, however, try to hold their breath, and some struggle. The inmate does breath, and some struggle. The inmate does not lose consciousness immediately. At first not lose consciousness immediately. At first there is evidence of extreme horror, pain, there is evidence of extreme horror, pain, and strangling. The eyes pop. The skin turns and strangling. The eyes pop. The skin turns purple and the victim begins to drool." The purple and the victim begins to drool." The sensation is similar to the pain felt by a sensation is similar to the pain felt by a person during a heart attack, where person during a heart attack, where essentially the heart is being deprived of essentially the heart is being deprived of oxygen." The inmate dies from hypoxia, the oxygen." The inmate dies from hypoxia, the cutting-off of oxygen to the brain.cutting-off of oxygen to the brain.

Firing Squad: Firing Squad: For execution by this For execution by this method, the inmate is typically bound method, the inmate is typically bound to a chair with leather straps across to a chair with leather straps across his waist and head, in front of an oval-his waist and head, in front of an oval-shaped canvas wall. The chair is shaped canvas wall. The chair is surrounded by sandbags to absorb the surrounded by sandbags to absorb the inmate's blood. A black hood is pulled inmate's blood. A black hood is pulled over the inmate's head.over the inmate's head. A doctor A doctor locates the inmate's heart with a locates the inmate's heart with a stethoscope and pins a circular white stethoscope and pins a circular white cloth target over it. cloth target over it.

Standing in an enclosure 20 feet away, Standing in an enclosure 20 feet away, five shooters are armed with .30 caliber five shooters are armed with .30 caliber rifles loaded with single rounds. One of rifles loaded with single rounds. One of the shooters is given blank rounds. the shooters is given blank rounds. Each of the shooters aims his rifle Each of the shooters aims his rifle through a slot in the canvas and fires at through a slot in the canvas and fires at the inmate. The prisoner dies as a the inmate. The prisoner dies as a result of blood loss caused by rupture of result of blood loss caused by rupture of the heart or a large blood vessel, or the heart or a large blood vessel, or tearing of the lungs. If the shooters tearing of the lungs. If the shooters miss the heart, by accident or intention, miss the heart, by accident or intention, the prisoner bleeds to death slowly. the prisoner bleeds to death slowly.

Hanging: Hanging: For execution by this method, For execution by this method, the inmate may be weighed the day before the inmate may be weighed the day before the execution, and a rehearsal is done the execution, and a rehearsal is done using a sandbag of the same weight as the using a sandbag of the same weight as the prisoner. This is to determine the length of prisoner. This is to determine the length of 'drop' necessary to ensure a quick death. If 'drop' necessary to ensure a quick death. If the rope is too long, the inmate could be the rope is too long, the inmate could be decapitated, and if it is too short, the decapitated, and if it is too short, the strangulation could take as long as 45 strangulation could take as long as 45 minutes. The rope, which should be 3/4-minutes. The rope, which should be 3/4-inch to 1 1/4-inch in diameter, must be inch to 1 1/4-inch in diameter, must be boiled and stretched to eliminate spring or boiled and stretched to eliminate spring or coiling. coiling.

The knot should be lubricated with wax The knot should be lubricated with wax or soap "to ensure a smooth sliding or soap "to ensure a smooth sliding action, “the prisoner's hands and legs action, “the prisoner's hands and legs are secured, he or she is blindfolded, and are secured, he or she is blindfolded, and the noose is placed around the neck, the noose is placed around the neck, with the knot behind the left ear. The with the knot behind the left ear. The execution takes place when a trap-door execution takes place when a trap-door is opened and the prisoner falls through. is opened and the prisoner falls through. The prisoner's weight should cause a The prisoner's weight should cause a rapid fracture-dislocation of the neck. rapid fracture-dislocation of the neck. However, instantaneous death rarely However, instantaneous death rarely occurs. occurs.

If the inmate has strong neck If the inmate has strong neck muscles, is very light, if the 'drop' is muscles, is very light, if the 'drop' is too short, or the noose has been too short, or the noose has been wrongly positioned, the fracture-wrongly positioned, the fracture-dislocation is not rapid and death dislocation is not rapid and death results from slow asphyxiation.results from slow asphyxiation.

AbortionAbortion

The right to life is the foundation on which The right to life is the foundation on which rests all other inalienable rights and from rests all other inalienable rights and from which they developwhich they develop

Direct abortion is wrong because it is an Direct abortion is wrong because it is an unjustified attack on innocent human lifeunjustified attack on innocent human life

By tolerating abortion, all human life – By tolerating abortion, all human life – from the womb to the tomb–is threatenedfrom the womb to the tomb–is threatened

If we do not respect this fundamental right If we do not respect this fundamental right to life, then all human lives and rights are to life, then all human lives and rights are threatenedthreatened

Abortion assaults human dignityAbortion assaults human dignity Abortion assaults a persons worth as Abortion assaults a persons worth as

God’s unique child, redeemed by ChristGod’s unique child, redeemed by Christ All are redeemed by the Death and All are redeemed by the Death and

resurrection of Jesus Christresurrection of Jesus Christ Abortion mentality promotes an Abortion mentality promotes an

unlimited freedom of choiceunlimited freedom of choice It creates an unbridled individualismIt creates an unbridled individualism It abandons our responsibility to othersIt abandons our responsibility to others

Disrespect for Life is Rooted in Two Disrespect for Life is Rooted in Two Major FactorsMajor Factors

1. Breakdown of the Family: 1. Breakdown of the Family:

The family teaches fidelity, loyalty, The family teaches fidelity, loyalty, and devotion to those who are young and devotion to those who are young and old, disabled or sick, that is, to and old, disabled or sick, that is, to those who depend on others for their those who depend on others for their very existence. Commitment and very existence. Commitment and responsibility are not valued as they responsibility are not valued as they once were.once were.

2. Freedom as an Absolute value:2. Freedom as an Absolute value:

For many, the pursuit of individual For many, the pursuit of individual happiness is the supreme value. Look happiness is the supreme value. Look at how products are being marketed to at how products are being marketed to us. The value of duty and service often us. The value of duty and service often meet ridicule. Unchecked freedom meet ridicule. Unchecked freedom leads to excessive individualism that leads to excessive individualism that ignores other people. This “me first” ignores other people. This “me first” culture has lead to the idea that an culture has lead to the idea that an unplanned baby somehow destroys unplanned baby somehow destroys individual freedomindividual freedom

God conveys the gift of life, not the God conveys the gift of life, not the statestate

Just because the state makes a law Just because the state makes a law does not mean it is moraldoes not mean it is moral

Slavery was once permitted; were Slavery was once permitted; were these laws just?these laws just?

Shouldn’t the life of a defenseless Shouldn’t the life of a defenseless child be more valuable than the child be more valuable than the opinion that human life is disposable opinion that human life is disposable as an exercise of ones freedom?as an exercise of ones freedom?

Many people want sex for pleasure Many people want sex for pleasure alone, without the responsibility and alone, without the responsibility and commitmentcommitment

At conception there is a genetically At conception there is a genetically distinct human beingdistinct human being

After conception it is simply a matter of After conception it is simply a matter of development, all individual development, all individual characteristics are therecharacteristics are there

From the moment of conception the From the moment of conception the physical and psychological process physical and psychological process continues until deathcontinues until death

How Can Society Promote Pro-LifeHow Can Society Promote Pro-Life

Material assistance: nutritional, parental, Material assistance: nutritional, parental, childbirth and postnatal care, pediatric care in childbirth and postnatal care, pediatric care in the early yearsthe early years

Development of prenatal and neonatal Development of prenatal and neonatal medicinemedicine

Agency-sponsored adoption and foster care Agency-sponsored adoption and foster care services to all who need themservices to all who need them

Adoption presented in a positive lightAdoption presented in a positive light Spiritual assistance and counseling services Spiritual assistance and counseling services

to provide supportto provide support Opportunities for teenage parents to continue Opportunities for teenage parents to continue

their education before and after childbirththeir education before and after childbirth

Special understanding, encouragement and Special understanding, encouragement and support for victims of rape and other forms support for victims of rape and other forms of abuse and violenceof abuse and violence

Promote the virtue of chastity and to enable Promote the virtue of chastity and to enable young men and women to take responsibility young men and women to take responsibility for their power to generate human lifefor their power to generate human life

Education in fertility awareness for young Education in fertility awareness for young men and women and expansion of natural men and women and expansion of natural family planning services for married couplesfamily planning services for married couples

Three Classes Of Induced Three Classes Of Induced AbortionsAbortions

EUGENIC: EUGENIC:

Done because of a malformation of Done because of a malformation of the fetusthe fetus

THERAPEUTIC:THERAPEUTIC:

As in cases of rapeAs in cases of rape PSYCHOLOGICAL or PSYCHOSOCIAL:PSYCHOLOGICAL or PSYCHOSOCIAL:

Done for psychological, economical, Done for psychological, economical, or social reasonsor social reasons

EuthanasiaEuthanasia

Euthanasia: The intentional killing by Euthanasia: The intentional killing by act or omission of a dependent act or omission of a dependent human being for his or her alleged human being for his or her alleged benefit. (If death is not intended, it is benefit. (If death is not intended, it is not an act of euthanasia) not an act of euthanasia)

Arguments Against EuthanasiaArguments Against Euthanasia

A “RIGHT” is a moral claim. No one has A “RIGHT” is a moral claim. No one has an absolute right over their bodyan absolute right over their body

No one has total control over his or her No one has total control over his or her own life—when it begins or when it own life—when it begins or when it endsends

Death claims us, we do not claim deathDeath claims us, we do not claim death Our laws against suicide reflect this. Our laws against suicide reflect this.

Our laws against suicide reveal to us Our laws against suicide reveal to us that we do not have a RIGHT to diethat we do not have a RIGHT to die

Top 10 Arguments For Top 10 Arguments For Euthanasia/Assisted SuicideEuthanasia/Assisted Suicide

Right to Die Patient Suffering at End-of-Life Slippery Slope to Legalized Murder Slippery Slope to Legalized Murder Hippocratic Oath and Prohibition of Killing Hippocratic Oath and Prohibition of Killing Government Involvement in End-of-Life Government Involvement in End-of-Life

DecisionsDecisions Palliative (End-of-Life) Care Palliative (End-of-Life) Care Healthcare Spending Implications Healthcare Spending Implications Social Groups at Risk of Abuse Social Groups at Risk of Abuse Physician's Role as Patients Approach Death Physician's Role as Patients Approach Death Value of Life as Patients Approach DeathValue of Life as Patients Approach Death

Growing Acceptance to Legalize Growing Acceptance to Legalize Euthanasia Euthanasia

1. A cultural climate that sees no value in 1. A cultural climate that sees no value in suffering, in fact, it views it as the worst of all suffering, in fact, it views it as the worst of all evils. Not all suffering is meaningless. By our evils. Not all suffering is meaningless. By our suffering, we share in Christ’s passionsuffering, we share in Christ’s passion

2. People who neglect God often think they 2. People who neglect God often think they have sole control over life and death. We are have sole control over life and death. We are not the masters of deathnot the masters of death

3. An aging population puts pressure on a 3. An aging population puts pressure on a costly health care system. Some see assisted costly health care system. Some see assisted suicide as “cost effective.” It’s sad to think suicide as “cost effective.” It’s sad to think we could kill someone simply because it’s we could kill someone simply because it’s more expensive to keep them alivemore expensive to keep them alive

Euthanasia is a perverted mercyEuthanasia is a perverted mercy True compassion leads to sharing True compassion leads to sharing

another's painanother's pain Are there circumstances in which we Are there circumstances in which we

may allow someone to die?may allow someone to die?

We are not required to use We are not required to use “extraordinary means” to keep “extraordinary means” to keep someone alive (medical procedures someone alive (medical procedures that no longer correspond to the real that no longer correspond to the real situation of the patient).situation of the patient).

Why Legal Voluntary Euthanasia is Why Legal Voluntary Euthanasia is WrongWrong

It would deny patients the final stage of growth It would deny patients the final stage of growth and for example, the chance to mend broken and for example, the chance to mend broken relationshipsrelationships

It would become more widely accepted just like It would become more widely accepted just like abortion has. The public conscience would abortion has. The public conscience would become numb against this assault against human become numb against this assault against human lifelife

It violates the Hippocratic Oath- a doctors duty to It violates the Hippocratic Oath- a doctors duty to preserve life, not take it.preserve life, not take it.

It would give too much power to doctorsIt would give too much power to doctors Voluntary euthanasia would inevitably lead to Voluntary euthanasia would inevitably lead to

involuntary euthanasia. Holland is a perfect involuntary euthanasia. Holland is a perfect exampleexample

How Many Way Can We Abort A How Many Way Can We Abort A Baby?Baby?

First-Trimester AbortionsFirst-Trimester Abortions SUCTION-ASPIRATION:SUCTION-ASPIRATION: the most the most

common surgical method used in first-common surgical method used in first-trimester abortions.  In this type trimester abortions.  In this type abortion, the abortionist numbs the abortion, the abortionist numbs the cervix and stretches it open.  He then cervix and stretches it open.  He then inserts a hollow plastic tube with a inserts a hollow plastic tube with a knife-like edge into the uterus and knife-like edge into the uterus and suctions the baby’s body into a bottle. suctions the baby’s body into a bottle. The baby’s body is torn apart.  Since The baby’s body is torn apart.  Since the suction is much more powerful the suction is much more powerful than a home vacuum cleaner, the than a home vacuum cleaner, the placenta—well-connected to the placenta—well-connected to the uterus’s lining—is also torn away.uterus’s lining—is also torn away.

DILATION and CURETTAGE (D&C):DILATION and CURETTAGE (D&C): The The D&CD&C method is similar to the method is similar to the

suction procedure.  The abortionist suction procedure.  The abortionist inserts a curette—a loop-shaped steel inserts a curette—a loop-shaped steel knife—into the uterus and scrapes the knife—into the uterus and scrapes the wall.  Scraping is concentrated where wall.  Scraping is concentrated where he encounters resistance. He cuts the he encounters resistance. He cuts the placenta and the baby into pieces and placenta and the baby into pieces and either scrapes or suctions them out either scrapes or suctions them out into a basin.  This method generally into a basin.  This method generally produces considerable bleeding—more produces considerable bleeding—more so than with the suction aspiration. so than with the suction aspiration. D&C abortions also usually require D&C abortions also usually require anesthesia—either general or spinal.anesthesia—either general or spinal.   

CHEMICAL ABORTION: CHEMICAL ABORTION: The latest The latest trend in early abortions is the trend in early abortions is the chemical abortion.  After chemical abortion.  After implantation, and still very early implantation, and still very early in the pregnancy, abortions can in the pregnancy, abortions can be induced by abortifacient drugs be induced by abortifacient drugs such as RU-486 (also known as such as RU-486 (also known as mifepristonemifepristone) and methotrexate, ) and methotrexate, both of which are typically used both of which are typically used with a prostaglandin (labor-with a prostaglandin (labor-inducing drug). inducing drug). 

Second-Trimester AbortionsSecond-Trimester Abortions

To compensate for the increased To compensate for the increased size of the baby and uterus size of the baby and uterus during the second trimester, during the second trimester, different abortion techniques are different abortion techniques are used.  The most common used.  The most common technique used in second-technique used in second-trimester abortions is trimester abortions is dilation & dilation & evacuationevacuation (D&E).  (D&E). 

DILATION and EVACUATION: TheDILATION and EVACUATION: The D&E is D&E is similar to the D&C abortion. But during a similar to the D&C abortion. But during a D&E, the woman’s cervix “must be D&E, the woman’s cervix “must be dilated more widely because surgical dilated more widely because surgical instruments are used to remove larger instruments are used to remove larger pieces” of the unborn child.  After pieces” of the unborn child.  After dilating the cervix, the doctor inserts dilating the cervix, the doctor inserts narrow forceps. He then methodically narrow forceps. He then methodically cuts the baby into pieces.  In this cuts the baby into pieces.  In this procedure, the woman may receive procedure, the woman may receive intravenous fluid and an analgesic or intravenous fluid and an analgesic or sedative.  If the baby is beyond 14 weeks, sedative.  If the baby is beyond 14 weeks, oxytocin can be administered to get the oxytocin can be administered to get the uterus to contract and shrink.uterus to contract and shrink.

Late Second- and Third-Trimester Late Second- and Third-Trimester Abortions Abortions

SALINE AMNIOCENTESISSALINE AMNIOCENTESIS, or a “salt-, or a “salt-poisoning” abortion:  “A large needle poisoning” abortion:  “A large needle is inserted through the abdominal is inserted through the abdominal wall of the mother and into the wall of the mother and into the baby’s amniotic sac.  A concentrated baby’s amniotic sac.  A concentrated salt solution is injected into the salt solution is injected into the baby’s amniotic fluid.  As the baby baby’s amniotic fluid.  As the baby breathes and swallows the poison, it breathes and swallows the poison, it struggles and sometimes struggles and sometimes convulses.”convulses.”99  

The solution causes the child’s The solution causes the child’s tissues and organs to hemorrhage, tissues and organs to hemorrhage, and large bruises appear over the and large bruises appear over the baby’s body as arteries and veins baby’s body as arteries and veins rupture.  The solution chemically rupture.  The solution chemically burns away most of the baby’s burns away most of the baby’s outer skin.  The baby suffers for outer skin.  The baby suffers for over an hour, and the mother over an hour, and the mother delivers a dead baby about one delivers a dead baby about one day later.  Nazi Germany originally day later.  Nazi Germany originally developed this procedure in the developed this procedure in the concentration camps. concentration camps.

UREA ABORTIONUREA ABORTION : which works in a : which works in a similar way as the saline abortion. similar way as the saline abortion. Urea is a nitrogen-based solution Urea is a nitrogen-based solution which is injected into the amniotic which is injected into the amniotic sac, killing the unborn child.  It sac, killing the unborn child.  It can be used with prostaglandins, can be used with prostaglandins, which induce labor and cause the which induce labor and cause the mother to deliver the dead baby.mother to deliver the dead baby.1111

INTRACARDIAC INJECTION:INTRACARDIAC INJECTION: involves injecting a poison—such involves injecting a poison—such as digoxin—into the unborn as digoxin—into the unborn baby’s heart.  This method is used baby’s heart.  This method is used to ensure the baby is stillborn.  to ensure the baby is stillborn.  The mother’s cervix is opened The mother’s cervix is opened over a one- to four-day period over a one- to four-day period (using laminaria).  Once the cervix (using laminaria).  Once the cervix opens, labor is induced, and the opens, labor is induced, and the mother delivers a dead baby.  mother delivers a dead baby.  Lastly, a D&C is performed.Lastly, a D&C is performed.

In at least one known case, the In at least one known case, the doctor missed and injected the doctor missed and injected the poison into the baby’s brain.  She poison into the baby’s brain.  She survived with severe brain survived with severe brain damage.  Bill and Marykay Brown damage.  Bill and Marykay Brown adopted her, naming her Sarah.  adopted her, naming her Sarah.  Opponents violently harassed Opponents violently harassed them for their loving act.  Sarah them for their loving act.  Sarah died in September 1998 when she died in September 1998 when she was five.was five.

HYSTEROTOMIES:HYSTEROTOMIES: are identical to are identical to a cesarean section—but the a cesarean section—but the intent is to destroy the child, not intent is to destroy the child, not save her.  The umbilical cord save her.  The umbilical cord may be clamped, which may be clamped, which suffocates the baby.  This suffocates the baby.  This procedure nearly always results procedure nearly always results in a live birth. in a live birth. 

“‘“‘As the infant is lifted from the As the infant is lifted from the womb,’ said one obstetrician, ‘he womb,’ said one obstetrician, ‘he is only sleeping, like his mother.  is only sleeping, like his mother.  She is under anesthesia, and so She is under anesthesia, and so is he.’  You want to know how is he.’  You want to know how they kill him?  They put a towel they kill him?  They put a towel over his face so he can’t over his face so he can’t breathe.  And by the time they breathe.  And by the time they get him to the lab, he is dead.”get him to the lab, he is dead.”1515

PARTIAL-BIRTH: PARTIAL-BIRTH: Technically called Technically called intact dilation and extractionintact dilation and extraction or or D&X, the partial-birth abortion is D&X, the partial-birth abortion is performed on babies from the performed on babies from the fifth month of development until fifth month of development until birth.  This procedure, which birth.  This procedure, which takes three days to complete, has takes three days to complete, has prompted controversy because of prompted controversy because of its particularly brutal nature.  its particularly brutal nature. 

The abortion begins by dilating The abortion begins by dilating the woman’s cervix for two days.  the woman’s cervix for two days.  On the third day, the doctor pulls On the third day, the doctor pulls the baby through the birth canal the baby through the birth canal feet first, leaving only the head feet first, leaving only the head inside.  The abortionist then inside.  The abortionist then punctures the base of the skull punctures the base of the skull with surgical scissors, inserts a with surgical scissors, inserts a tube and vacuums out the brain tube and vacuums out the brain tissue, causing the skull to tissue, causing the skull to collapse.  collapse. 

Women having partial-birth Women having partial-birth abortions are “within inches of abortions are “within inches of having a live baby born, and having a live baby born, and they kill it within minutes.” they kill it within minutes.”