Results tagged “abortion” from iVillage - Beehive

On Wednesday the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a ruling that bans a procedure popularly called "partial birth abortion". The 5-4 decision marked the first time that the court has ruled on a specific procedure rather than the question of abortion overall. While most abortions performed would not be affected by this ban, the ruling has obviously added fuel to an already volatile long-running debate between pro-life and pro-choice activists. While abortion opponents see it as a major victory for their beliefs, abortion rights groups feel it's a major setback. Likely echoing their concerns, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg held a dissenting opinion and stated that this ruling "cannot be understood as anything other than an effort to chip away at a right declared again and again by this court." She went on to say that the decision flies in the face of previous decisions and procedures deemed necessary by medical organizations. I'm paraphrasing a bit there, but Ruth's not the only one with a dissenting opinion around here; this news has sparked a lot of conversation on our boards as well. From the Abortion Debate board:

"I do not wish for abortion to become illegal but I can't say I was upset to hear this procedure will no longer be performed."

"I don't know about you, but if I need medical help, it's the doctor I'm turning to, not a politician trying to look "moral."

This ban is posturing and potentially dangerous."

Of course they're also discussing this ruling -- and the politics associated with it -- on the Politics Today board:

"No surprise. I fully expected *this* court to put it's layman opinion ahead of the medical experience and knowledge of licensed OB's and gynocologists on the issue before it.

It's called arrogance."

"I believe there has been so much objection due to the fact that it is a slippery slope. Once you start limiting abortion or banning certain procedures, it is only a matter of time until they ban the entire procedure."

What do you think about this ruling? Do you feel that this is a major development in the abortion debate? Does the decision set the stage for what issues are going to be in the spotlight for the 2008 presidential race? Share your thoughts and reactions here.