the Constitution says nothing about abortion.
Well, I don't think we need a constitutional amendment because I don't think it would receive the 3/4 ratification among the individuals states.
And it would only be self-defeating for conservatives...
The emphasis must be place on providing worthwhile alternatives to abortion in a concerted attempt to show these woman that abortion is not a guilt-free process, nor the only potential solution. Abortion is an traumatic experience for ANY woman to go through. Not properly preparing these women to rationally deal with the repercussions of their actions in a way that they can not have perpetual guilt or nightmares about what they've done is irresponsible.
Preserving the woman's right to an abortion under Roe v Wade is one thing, but taking it to the point where alternatives or repercussions are not permitted to be discussed strikes me as an advocacy of the procedure. I greatly prefer concerted educational efforts aimed at changing the minds and hearts of women rather than attempting to prohibit something that has already been established as a "right" for some years now.
And advocating abortion for underinformed patients without making any attempt to educate them about the physical and emotional risks seems to me, a clear violation of the intent, as well as the actual verbage of the Oath of Hippocrates:
"I swear by Apollo the physician, and Æsculapius, and Hygeia, and Panacea, and all the gods and goddesses, that according to my ability and judgment, I will keep this oath and its stipulations -- to reckon him who taught me this art equally dear to me as my parents, to share my substance with him, and to relieve his necessities if required; to look upon his offspring in the same footing as my own brothers, and to teach them this art if they shall wish to learn it, without fee or stipulation, and that by precept, lecture, and every other mode of instruction, I will impart a knowledge of the art to my own sons, and those of my teachers, and to disciples bound by a stipulation and oath according to the law of medicine, but to none other.
I will follow that system of regimen which, according to my ability and judgment, I consider for the benefit of my patients, and abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous. I will give no deadly medicine to anyone if asked, nor suggest any such counsel; and in like manner I will not give to a woman a pessary to produce abortion. With purity and holiness I will pass my life and practice my art. I will not cut persons laboring under the stone, but will leave this to be done by men who are practitioners of this work. Into whatever houses I enter, I will go into them for the benefit of the sick, and will abstain from every voluntary act of mischief and corruption; and, further, from the seduction of females or males, of freemen and slaves. Whatever, in connection with my professional practice, or not in connection with it, I see or hear, in the life of men, which ought not to be spoken of abroad, I will not divulge, as reckoning that all such should be kept secret.
While I continue to keep this Oath unviolated, may it be granted to me to enjoy life and the practice of this art, respected by all men, in all time. But should I trespass and violate this Oath, may the reverse be my lot.
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