Debunking Myths About Post-Birth Abortion

Claims that children are being “aborted” at the time of birth or killed after being removed from the mother are not supported by evidence and misrepresent medical practices and legal standards in the United States.

Legal Protections for Infants Born Alive:

Infanticide is illegal across the United States. The Born-Alive Infants Protection Act of 2002 ensures that any infant born alive, regardless of the circumstances of birth, is recognized as a person under federal law and is entitled to appropriate medical care. This means that intentionally ending the life of a newborn is considered homicide and is prosecutable under criminal law.

Medical Practices Regarding Late-Term Abortions:

Late-term abortions, those performed after 21 weeks of gestation, are exceedingly rare, accounting for less than 1% of all abortions in the U.S. These procedures typically occur due to severe fetal anomalies or serious risks to the mother’s health. In instances where a fetus is delivered alive following an attempted abortion, medical professionals are legally and ethically obligated to provide necessary care to preserve the infant’s life.

Misinterpretations and Misinformation:

Some political figures and media outlets have propagated the false narrative that certain states permit “post-birth abortions” or the intentional killing of infants after birth. For example, former President Donald Trump has repeatedly made such claims, which have been debunked by multiple fact-checking organizations. PolitiFact rated these assertions as false, clarifying that no state laws allow the execution of babies after birth, and infanticide remains illegal nationwide.

Notable Case: Kermit Gosnell

The case of Kermit Gosnell, a Philadelphia physician convicted in 2013 of murdering three infants born alive during attempted abortion procedures, is an outlier and not indicative of standard medical practice. Gosnell’s actions were criminal, leading to his conviction on multiple counts of first-degree murder and other charges. This case underscores that such actions are illegal and subject to severe legal penalties.

Conclusion:

The notion that children are being aborted at birth or killed post-delivery is unfounded and contradicts both legal statutes and medical ethics in the United States. Such claims often stem from misinformation or misinterpretation of medical practices and legal definitions. It’s crucial to rely on accurate information and understand the legal and ethical frameworks governing reproductive health services.

Citations

Teen Vogue – There’s No Such Thing as ‘Post-Birth Abortion’