This week on The Pillar In-Depth, Kate Olivera talks with a longtime journalist and fact-checker about how we can separate fact from fiction when it comes to abortion-related content we see online.
Then, something Kate has seen a lot of in the wake of Dobbs are stories of doctors turning away women seeking care for miscarriages or ectopic pregnancies. She talks with a friend who experienced a miscarriage recently about her own experience, and the questions she has after the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
Show notes:
Politifact fact check of Focus on the Family late term abortion ads
Washington Post Fact Check of 10 year old abortion story
If people infrequently avail themselves of a certain aspect of the law (i.e. late-term abortions) it does not make that aspect of the law “non-factual”; a loophole, maybe, but certainly still legal. I found this a perplexing stance for a “fact-checking” organisation, and particularly galling when the “rape and incest” argument from the other side is perpetuated and widely accepted by so many, despite also being an infrequent occurrence.
Thank you for asking questions about how miscarriages and other complications are being treated since the Dobbs decision came out. I’ve also read many articles about women whose care has been postponed or denied because of fear of prosecution. This lack of care seems criminal.
What has happened to patient care? Why aren’t these women being treated in a manner that works to save the baby, if it all possible? Once it’s determined the pregnancy is lost, then continue care for the mother who has suffered the miscarriage? How could anyone consider this participating in an abortion?
This should be the case whether or not there is a suspicion of an attempted abortion. Treat the baby and the mother appropriately, then sort out the reason later.
I am so glad to have the clarity of the reasoned bioethics of the Catholic Church. For instance, as horrible as an ectopic pregnancy must be, treating it is a necessity. The Principle of Double Effect makes it clear that the intent is never to kill the baby; however, a procedure must be done to save the mother’s life, which will sadly end the life of the baby.
I look forward to hearing your conversation with a pro-life OB/GYN.