Baby Doe Abortion vs Live Birth Now Uncertain

May 29, 2003

Mathew D. Staver

We have now learned that the judge has once again reversed his decision regarding Baby Doe. After indicating last night that his original decision would be reversed to permit a live birth, the judge has again reversed that decision. The status of Baby Doe is now uncertain.

The abortion procedure that was going to be used is called a hysterectomy. This is the same procedure as a C-section. The term hysterectomy is used when the intent is to deliver a dead baby. The term C-section is used when the intent is to deliver a live baby. In a hysterectomy, the baby must first be killed (sometimes by injecting a high dose of saline into the uterus) prior to the lateral incision in the mother's lower abdomen.

Since we have people ready to adopt Baby Doe, it makes no sense to kill the baby. A C-section does not increase the risk to the mother any more than a hysterectomy.

This case reminds me of the 2000 election controversy in which we were involved. It is an emotional roller coaster. Please continue to keep Baby Doe and her mother in your prayers.



Mathew D. Staver, Esq.
Liberty Counsel
http://www.lc.org.

An Ally of the Alliance Defense Fund