From: Mr Robert P. Balfour F.R.C.O.G. 


“The Times” is to he congratulated on its most beautiful and colourful portrayals of a 12 week fetus on the front page and page 5 of its issue of 9th July 2004. Its accompanying leader entitled “Blair backs abortion review” is heartily welcomed by the WFOD which has from its inception fought for the rights of the unborn. Evidence is given that not only a majority of M,P,’s but also a majority of the public would welcome a change in the law. Most surprising of all is the report that Lord Steel, the instigator of the 1967 Abortion law, is also in favour of changing the law, by reducing the time limit. Sadly, the paper still uses the misconceived expression “social abortions” whereas the law of course insists upon a medical indication for every abortion.

So why the change of heart? Firstly, even politicians have to accept that neonatal technology has moved on. In 1967, when the Abortion law came into force, the survival rate of a baby born at the then limit of 28 weeks was 50%, whereas now it is 90%, and even some babies of 22 weeks are today surviving.

Secondly, and probably most important is the greater recognition that the baby in the womb is not just a “lump of jelly” or “a bundle of cells” as abortion protagonists might suggest, but a living human being. In 1967 there were no scans or even heart detectors. In the late 1970’s came real-time scanners which showed movement and heart beats for the first time. Now we have 3-dimensional scanners which can show even facial detail in very early pregnancy, bringing joy to the majority of couples.

For those women for whom the pregnancy is unplanned, leaving them in a crisis situation, such a scan may not at first be a blessing. However there are many who subsequently bitterly regret their abortion, and need extensive post-abortion counselling. Many of these say that if they had only known the nature of the baby inside them, they would have considered other options. Such scan photographs will help many women to reach the right decision.

There is also a poignant quote in the “Times” from Jack Scarisbrick of Life, “I do not believe that the life of an unborn child at 24 weeks is any more valuable than it is at 12 weeks. In much the same way I would not say that a 10-year old child is worth more than a 2-year old child”. It is true we cannot make this distinction.