Lest we Forget the Definition of Viability

Monday, June 06, 2005

On Sunday Texas Republican Governor Rick Perry signed a bill requiring girls under the age of 18 to get their parents' consent before having an abortion.

"For too long, a blind eye has been turned to the rights of our most vulnerable human beings — that's the unborn in our society," Perry remarked.

And how. With this new law in effect, girls under 18 will require written parental notification before a sharp scalpel can be inserted into their bodies.

That anyone would oppose this legislation is troubling. Consider federal law prohibits minors from possessing alcohol, cigarettes and firearms. Consider parental notification is required before a minor can get a tattoo imprinted just above her ass, and another consent form to get any part of her anatomy pierced.

It is only logical to conclude that if the above should require parental permission, then so should an invasive surgical procedure such as abortion.

Just as important, the bill also restricts doctors from performing abortions on women who have carried a child for more than 26 weeks (pictured right), a child/fetus/bundle of cells that is very likely to be viable.

Apparently the pro-choice crusaders are so militant about unrestricted abortion anytime that they have forgotten Roe v. Wade - if anything - at least protects viable children.

Good job Governor Perry.