Author Topic: Medical alternatives to abortion (Read 2103 times)

Canuk the Lionheart · « **on:** May 02, 2011, 10:41:06 PM »

In the case of a mother dying in child birth, what moral medical measures can be taken? Just to note, this is for a discussion I'm having with "pro choicers".

momofmany · « **Reply #1 on:** May 03, 2011, 09:46:39 AM »

Abortion is rarely if ever used to prevent a mother dying in childbirth. Off the top of my head, I can only think of a couple extraordinarily rare conditions that would cause a woman to possibly die during childbirth that can be 'treated' with abortion. Placenta accreta and placenta percreta.

Most of the time an abortion is recommended in the case of the mother's health due to a non-pregnancy related condition usually cancer or a chronic heart, kidney or lung disease.
Sometimes conditions of pregnancy such as hyperemesis gravidarum or early onset pre-eclampsia are 'treated' with abortion.The former more than the latter as one is severe in the first trimester and the latter usually onsets after viability (23 weeks) and the baby is not aborted just delivered very prematurely.

TKGS · « **Reply #2 on:** May 03, 2011, 10:04:37 AM »

One may provide the mother whatever medical care is appropriate for her health provided the care is not directly intended to end the pregnancy. One may do good even though an evil does result. One may not do evil even if a good may result.

Thus, the mother may be treated. If the treatment results in the death of the baby, that is regrettable but not sinful. If the treatment is to kill the baby, that is not just regrettable but sinful as well.

Please note that the mother may be treated. She is not required to give consent to treatment. "Greater love than this no man hath, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

ora pro me · « **Reply #3 on:** May 05, 2011, 06:56:25 PM »

I'd recommend asking your priest this question. He may have a preVatican II book that answers these types of questions.

Telesphorus · « **Reply #4 on:** May 05, 2011, 07:00:37 PM »

Quote from: TKGS

One may provide the mother whatever medical care is appropriate for her health provided the care is not directly intended to end the pregnancy.

Eh, you need to be clear here - the life of the child has to be given weight. You can't say that anything may be done for the mother's health so long as there is no direct killing of the fetus. There must be a very grave (serious risk of life) to do anything that will likely result in the death of the fetus.

momofmany · « **Reply #5 on:** May 05, 2011, 09:15:45 PM »

Quote from: ora pro me

I'd recommend asking your priest this question. He may have a preVatican II book that answers these types of questions.

In a specific situation where life and death (of mother and/or baby) is at stake. A sit down with an orthodox priest and pro-life doctor is the answer. Just one or the other isn't sufficient.

Jessa · « **Reply #6 on:** October 24, 2011, 04:41:55 PM »

hyperemesis gravidarum, also known as HG, yes I experienced a very severe form of it and mine was the entire 9months and they suggest to end the pregnancy at 4 months and I got a NEW doctor!!! IT's serious and there were times they couldn't even get an iv in and with lots of prayer and blessings, we both survived! He is now 3.

Jessa · « **Reply #7 on:** October 24, 2011, 04:42:51 PM »

They gave me medication and with lots of trial and error "Zofran" worked pretty well most of the time. It's normally given to cancer patients etc.

ora pro me · « **Reply #8 on:** October 24, 2011, 07:16:11 PM »

Jessa,
What a remarkable story! You were both in God's Hands, of course. Every baby is a miracle from God, but some babies really make us catch our breath with awe and gratitude at the amazing Miracle of Life from Our Gracious God and Father in Heaven.

May you and your son always remain in the Hearts of Jesus and Mary!

momofmany · « **Reply #9 on:** October 25, 2011, 08:43:38 AM »

I send my Zofran pump back today. :dancing-banana:

I am blessed that my HG is only for the first half of the pregnancy and not every pregnancy.
Zofran is a HUGE blessing. Zofran and home health IVs. Godsends.

My grandmother had HG and survived off oranges for months at a time. It was the only thing that she could keep down. Every week my grandfather would bring her a crate of oranges. That and she moved back in with her parents so someone could take care of her and my uncle. I am very blessed that I have recourse to the therapies and health care providers I do. I've done HG with NO support and I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy.

Jessa · « **Reply #10 on:** October 25, 2011, 12:07:35 PM »

Yes, it was not fun and there were days I was like "TAKE ME" but yes, he's a miracle for sure, it got so bad at one point that they weren't sure if I was going to make it. He blessed us for sure!!! Thank you!!!

:dancing-banana:
Zofran was awesome! I had it all 9mo, but still glad to be done!!! Congrats!