LifeLaw

If we are to take seriously the premises of Part One and Part Two, then under normal circumstances,
even if the question of the presence or absence of personhood is an open question for the first ten
weeks of life in the womb, the question of whether one should or should not embrace the responsibility
with which one appears to be entrusted by God is not an open question. Knowing that "children are an
heritage of the LORD" (Psalm 127:3), as people prone to hospitality, Christians ought to welcome
God's gifts and the responsibilities to which He calls us. Therefore it is immoral to procure an
abortion, except in cases such as the ones described in Part Two.

But in a nation that cherishes religious freedom and the liberty to worship God according to the
dictates of one's conscience, not everything that is immoral ought to be illegal. So I have tried to form
a proposal for the legal protection of some unborn children that is not based on the Biblical standard of
what Christians should do, but on broad ethical principles related to human rights -- principles which
are not exclusive to Christianity.

A LAW FOR LIFE

This is a summary of the contents and effects of a

realistic abortion-related law.

PART ONE: SPECIAL PROVISIONS

Abortion shall be legal throughout pregnancy in the case of two physicians' diagnosis of the
condition of ectopic pregnancy or an equivalent unremediable condition which substantially contributes
to the direct endangerment of the physical life of the mother. Psychological duress shall not constitute
such a condition.

Abortion shall be legal throughout pregnancy in the case of two physicians' diagnosis of a
condition of fetal anencephaly.

Abortion shall be legal up to the point of viability in the case of the recommenda- tion by two
specialized physicians (skilled and trained in the recognition of fetal abnormalities) of "fetal reduction"
(in the case of multiple fetuses) due to the diagnosis of the direct endangerment of physical life due to
the continuation of fetal growth.

PART TWO: PRE-ABORTION PROTOCOL

1) Within 72 to 24 hours before an abortion is scheduled to begin, the pregnant woman shall receive
counsel, including a description of the abortion-procedure and a visual representation of the current
appearance of the embryo or fetus. A written and verbal description of the current appearance of the
embryo or fetus shall also be provided.

2) The person performing or overseeing the performance of an abortion (whether via surgical abortion
or via the administration of an abortifacient) shall diligently examine the embryo or fetus for signs of
respiratory activity, using the available tools useful for that purpose. If respiratory activity is detected,
the abortion shall not be performed.

3) In the event that the absence of respiratory activity is verified and the embryo or fetus has not
reached the twelfth week of pregnancy, the person performing or overseeing the abortion shall issue a
certificate to that effect, and may proceed with the abortion within a period not to exceed 24 hours
from the time of the examination. Failure to issue such a certificate shall constitute a serious crime.
The issuance of a false statement on such a certificate shall constitute a serious crime.

4) In the event that a fetus is found to be manifestly at a stage beyond the twelfth week of pregnancy,
the fetus shall be regarded as if respiratory activity were detected, and shall not be aborted.

5) This protocol may be suspended in the event of a medical emergency in which a physician
declares that the physical life of the pregnant woman is directly and imminently endangered by the
continuation of the pregnancy, and that to proceed with actions directed toward live birth would (a) be
unproductive in light of fetal non-viability, or (b) would substantially increase the endangerment to the
mother's life and/or physical health. A false declaration of such a medical emergency constitutes
malpractice.

PART THREE: MISCELLANEOUS

1) Except in the circumstances described in Part One, and/or in a medical emergency as described
in Part Two Section 5, no abortion shall be performed on an unemancipated minor without the written
consent of her parents, parent, or guardian.

2) In no case shall the gender of the implanted embryo or fetus be ascertained prior to the detection of
respiratory activity.

3) All abortions of fetuses beyond the 20th week of pregnancy shall be scheduled in no location
except in facilities equipped to provide medical care and attention to the fetus in the event of a live
delivery.

4) The procedure known as "Partial-Birth Abortion" shall not be performed. Performance of this
procedure shall constitute a serious crime.

5) In the event that an abortion is performed without the issuance of a certificate stating that no
respiratory activity was detected, a private corporation which owned the facility where the abortion
was performed, when it was performed, may be ordered by a court to pay a fine and may be
suspended from allowing abortions to be performed on that property except in cases as described in
Part One and in medical emergencies. Repeated occurrences of such a scenario shall result in a very
substantial fine and a prolonged suspension which may extend to all property and equipment owned
and/or utilized by the corporation.

6) The following statement shall not apply to circumstances described in Part One or in the event of
medical emergencies as described in Part Two Section 5. Upon the detection of respiratory activity,
the individual in the womb shall be regarded as a person endowed with the right to life and other rights
which the state may affirm.