The incredible Science that makes us think

Having been involved in the pregnancy care centers for 17 years, I have seen a lot of changes. In 2000, I joined Salem Pregnancy Care Center board located in Winston Salem, NC. Motivated from the life experience of being married to an adopted child whose birth-mother was ministered to during her crisis pregnancy, it was my hopes in some small way to give back and just maybe help a mother who was considering an abortion and to help her rethink that decision.

There’s no question that when leadership in North Carolina passed the NC Woman’s Right to Know Act” (House Bill 854 / S.L. 2011-405), supporters of life were excited.  Like any divisive issue, it came with extensive criticism. The law was passed and went into effect in October 2011. The bill outlined several new guidelines which must be met and carried out before a woman can receive an abortion. It was originally vetoed by Governor Bev Perdue but the veto was overridden by the General Assembly. North Carolina was the third state to require a provider to place ultrasound images in a woman’s line of sight and to describe them in detail. Also, a woman must receive state-directed counseling that includes information about having an abortion, and then wait 72 hours before the procedure is performed. In North Carolina, an abortion may be performed at up to 20 weeks. Now, the

18 Weeks

parent of a minor must consent before an abortion is provided.

These facts are interesting and uncover a lot of insight into the legislative mindset of North Carolina law makers, but more importantly is the interesting shift that is taking place in the American mindset with regard to abortion.

But why?

I believe technology and medicine over the last 10 -15 years have created a narrative about the birth process that has undeniably caused even some of the most staunch supporters of choice,  to rethink exactly what it is that is being terminated and what exactly by means of aspiration deprivation is  being ended. Pictures and ultrasound imaging have provided the ability to show to the mother a beating heart; the incredible formation of life.  With these laws, it has slowed down the rush to abort and created a new education process that, whereby a  young woman can make an informed decision. The word “education” and “informed” I believe are key words. A decision to abort undeniably comes with consequences, both emotionally and physically. In our post political world of Roe vs Wade, words were crafted to mollify the harsh idea of abortion. The positive word “choice” became the outcry.

Despite the political positioning of this issue, I have a content heart knowing that I’ve been a voice for the human being who did not yet have a voice. You might call it an advocate for the unborn.

In case you were wondering… I’m not placing any judgement on post abortive females. In fact, Salem has a program called “Her Choice to Heal”. It is geared to help women who are post-abortive. They are offered love, support and guidance.

I’m confident many who read this will take issue to my position. However, when you are looking at the imagery of the womb created by the incredible technology of ultra-sounds, give pause for what this is…..life.