"Life of Mother" Exception Is Bogus
Medical advisors say the answer is a simple, unequivocal "no"-and any claim to the contrary is bogus. And many other doctors across the country agree.
In the past several months, American Life League, one of the largest pro-life educational organizations in the US, has circulated a statement concerning this position to a select number of doctors around the country. Already, over 100 physicians have signed the statement-including former abortionists Bernard Nathanson and Beverly McMillan-and it is anticipated that hundreds more will sign in the coming weeks.
The statement reads, "I agree that there is never a situation in the law or in the ethical practice of medicine where a preborn [unborn] child's life need be intentionally destroyed by procured abortion for the purpose of saving the life of the mother. A physician must do everything possible to save the lives of both of his patients, mother and child. He must never intend the death of either."
"This statement contradicts the popular political thinking that such an exception is needed. It reflects the ethical thinking and practice of many physicians, and is based on empirical data provided by physicians over the past thirty years", said American Life League president Judie Brown.
She continued, "The 'life of the mother' exception has become standard fare for politicians and legislative proposals claiming the pro-life label. This is why ALL began the campaign with physicians and we are continuing this campaign by, today, challenging every major presidential candidate to face the facts and denounce the life of the mother exception.
"In fact the language is archaic, it does not reflect current medical experience, and it is nothing more than a loophole for the abortionist. The language is a lie.
"There is never a reason in law or in practice to advocate a 'life of the mother' exception for abortion. We base this statement on testimony of many pro-life physicians over the years, including John F. Hillabrand, M.D., Herbert Ratner, M.D., and Bernard N. Nathanson, M.D.
"Further, we adhere to the following teaching of Pope Pius XII:
Every human being, even the infant in the mother's womb, has the right to life immediately from God, not from the parent or any human society or authority. Therefore, there is no man, no human authority, no science, no medical, eugenic, social, economic or moral 'indication' that can show or give valid juridical title for direct deliberate disposition concerning an innocent human life-which is to say, a disposition that aims at its destruction either as an end in itself or as the means of attaining another end that is perhaps in no way illicit itself. Thus, for example, to save the life of the mother is a most noble end, but the direct killing of the child as a means to this end is not licit. " Allocution to Italian midwives Pope Pius XII October 29, 1951
This declaration was created by the public policy department of American Life League, Inc. It was circulated to members of the medical and scientific communities for review and endorsement. The physicians listed below have all signed statements of agreement with the declaration. Their signed statements are on file at
American Life League,
P.O. Box 1350, Stafford, VA 22555
www.all.org
I agree that there is never a situation in the law or in the ethical practice of medicine where a preborn child's life need be intentionally destroyed by procured abortion for the purpose of saving the life of the mother. A physician must do everything possible to save the lives of both of his patients, mother and child. He must never intend the death of either.
Brian W. Donnelly, M.D., Pennsylvania
Judith L. Jacobus, M.D., Pennsylvania
Gloria J. Zibilich, M.D., Pennsylvania
Charles P. Prezzia, M.D., Pennsylvania
Pedro Solanet, M.D., Pennsylvania
George Isajiw, M.D., Pennsylvania
Larry L. Lyons, M.D., Pennsylvania
James D. Long, M.D., Pennsylvania
Gino G. Papola, M.D., Pennsylvania
James T. Fitzpatrick, M.D., Pennsylvania
and 140 other doctors from all over the United States of America!!!
If you are a Physician and would like to sign this declaration and add your name to this growing list of Doctors, please contact:
The American Life League
P.O.Box 1350 Stafford, VA 22555
540-659-4171