Abortion Survivors

It turns out that 50 babies a year survive botched abortions in Britain. As usual this has been reported only by the right wing press (Daily Mail, Nov 28). It was ruled last year that if a baby survives an abortion attempt doctors must make efforts to preserve it's life as they would do others born prematurely. Prior to this many had been left to die.

Doctors are treating a toddler born at 24 weeks after three botched abortions, who suffers a range of medical problems. Most children, however, do not live this long. Calls have been raised again for the time limit to be reviewed in parliament. We can expect this to be vehemently opposed by the 'pro choice' lobby, who not long ago had a meeting on the issue.

Why should this not be a matter for concern for the left as well? It is inconsistent of a movement who otherwise fight for social justice to show such callous disregard when it comes to the most vulnerable. It seems that the 'woman's right to choose' has become a sacred cow many do not dare to touch.

28 year old Gianna Jessen from Tennessee survived an abortion at 30 weeks, and was born with cerebal palsy as a result. It was thought she would never walk again, but she is now to run next years London Marathon. As she points out, if abortion is about women's rights, where were her rights?

The left remain silent at their own expense, and alienate many potential supporters. To show an alternative viewpoint would be a step forward. This is not a right wing issue, it is an issue which transcends the catergories of left and right. It is an issue of medical and humanitarian ethics.