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polly7

(20,582 posts)
Wed Apr 4, 2012, 05:54 PM Apr 2012

Glorifying the Fetus While Ignoring the Fetal Environment

Published on Wednesday, April 4, 2012 by On The Issues Magazine
Glorifying the Fetus While Ignoring the Fetal Environment
by Margie Kelly

http://www.commondreams.org/view/2012/04/04-2

Abortion opponents long ago slapped their brand on the fetus, parading giant graphic images of fetuses in marches and now calling for laws mandating pictures of fetuses inside a woman's body via sonograms – sometimes even broadcasting them live in anti-abortion campaigns.
(Image via RH Reality Check)

By separating fetuses from the fetal environment, they make women into enemies of the fetus. But with evidence that the fetal environment is being involuntarily polluted by toxins spewed into the air, water, food and products, something is askew.

Currently, there is sharp contrast in how the government wields a big stick to protect fetal life when restricting abortion, but fails to limit toxic chemical exposure to protect fetal life -- let alone the health of pregnant women.

"You cannot separate the woman from the fetus. If you want good outcomes for the fetus, you need to focus on the woman," said Luisa Cabal, Director of the International Legal Program at the Center for Reproductive Rights in New York City. "The government should take steps that don't harm women to protect prenatal life."
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