In the movie Amazing Grace, after years of “frontal” attacks failed, the opponents of the slave trade decided to dog-leg an attack.
By imposing a restriction that would put the pinch on slave ships, the law made it hard to continue in the current system, even while it remained legal.
I have not been able to determine the veracity of that segment (though it was very good storytelling), but have wondered if the Pro-Life supporters have ever looked for or found a similar sideways attack.
The law seeking to make the murder of a pregnant woman a double-homicide is the closest I can think of (as no “average American” could object to the emotional appeal of the law).
However, it was strongly opposed by the abortion supporters who recognized the assault it was on their “values.”
(The chief of those values being the inconsequence of the “by-product of pregnancy.”)
~ ~ ~
A suggestion I have (though part of me hopes it’s out-dated) is to begin making surprise-inspections of all clinics that perform any sort of in-room surgical procedure, to verify each is in compliance with the codes of cleanliness and sterility expected of surgical sites.
This would, by the specific wording of the bill, include abortion-providers.
Years ago I remember hearing pro-lifers (and abortion survivors) lament that there was no oversight to abortion clinics, and a claim was out there that veterinarians had more regulation and oversight than abortionists did.
There have also been some serious allegations of post-abortion deaths directly linked to improperly cleaned surfaces and/or equipment.
Even if things have cleaned up since then (and without oversight, how do we know?), instituting equivalent governmental oversight would continue to chip away at the sacred, all-knowing, infallible sanctity of “Choice,” and those revered suppliers of choice.
Something that could only help the fight for the unborn.
As such, I’m sure this too would be recognized for the attack it is.
But, as with Laci and Connor’s Law that acknowledges two victims when a pregnant woman is killed, my hope and prayer is that the basic sense of such requirements would help it withstand the attacks against what it represents.
The Washington Post had an excellent quote from President Bush.
“Today’s decision affirms that the Constitution does not stand in the way of the people’s representatives enacting laws reflecting the compassion and humanity of America.”
I have never dwelt much on what Bush says, but that line just thrilled me.
Yes, humanity is woefully fallible, but nearly all the good work God has done since creation has been accomplished through the will, minds and hands of we who are created in His image.
Yes, I have heard about the uncleanliness of abortion clinics, too. It’s not surprising, really. The “practice” is not health-focused like medical clinics are. That’s not really it’s business.
I’m not too sure how I feel about attacking the issue from that side. In principle, for me it’s like telling someone if they’re going to take drugs do it with a clean needle — I feel conflicted. On the one hand, that seems just wrong; on the other hand, I don’t want TWO lives to end.
Although I do think the law exacting justice for the life of a pregnant woman *and* the baby she’s carrying has merit on its own.
I understand your wanting to see results at once, but those direct efforts are the types of things that meet the stanchest resistance.
The abortion industry has consistently faught any oversight or regulation as the “takeover” it could grow into, and I’d love to see their prophecies self-fulfill.
One of the loudest criticisms against Wilberforce (and, yes, I know there are those tired of hearing about him, but he’s the easiest example) is that his “victory” in the early 1800s did nothing to make slavery illegal.
One of the commonest slams against the recent movie was that it showed a “hollow” or “meaningless” victory.
Slavery was still gross and legal.
But everything in steps.
The first step has to be made somewhere, some time, and I’m with those say the first is often the hardest, even of it is (or looks) the smallest.
For me, its not the immediacy of the results but the principles. I’m sure there are people that feel that way, though.
Great post, Amy. I like how you’ve likened it to “Amazing Grace”. I think we need to be creative in solving this problem, and that’s what you were getting at.
Nichole, take heart. Legislation such as this would probably put many clinics out of business altogether. At least, that’s what pro-choicers claim whenever it is proposed.