I suspect that many of these pregnant women aren't terribly happy about the idea of an abortion, but aren't in a position to raise a child either. Perhaps if we changed adoption laws to allow birth parents to see the child on a regular basis, many would be happy to consider adoption. This might be an option that would please both sides of this polarised debate.

I supported my son and his sort-of-partner when they recieved an unexpected addition to their lives. She thought about abortion, as a professional she was concerned about her career - while he stated his distates for abortion. She decided to have the baby, probably in an attempt to hang on to my son, but until the end of the pregnancy she kept threatening to abort.

3 months after the baby was born the parents broke up. My son took on 50-50 care while maintaining a fulltime job on the mines. Of course it was hard, the child's mother was not maternal - thankfully she was supported by her mother. My son was supported by his sisters and myself and his father. Now the child is a happy and loved 5 year old and my son's life is much easier even though his sisters still help with childcare. The mother has become closer to her child.

Just because it is hard does not mean it cannot be done.

I am disappointed that other alternatives are not presented or supported when people are faced with an unexpected or unwanted pregnancy. Perhaps open adption, sponsored adoptions, better parental support should be discussed and supported as alternatives to abortion.

stevenlmeyer - I take the Biblical stance that "Life" begins at birth. Once a child is born alive than not only parents but society has responsibility for its welfare.
Your attempt to suggest that somehow my comments raise the question at what if any point between birth and 18yrs the mother may terminate a childs life is ridiculous.

As for "abortion up to full term" - if that were to be 'demanded' in this country for a healthy pregnancy, I doubt any Dr would be willing to perform. In any case the whole point of termination is lost if not performed before about 24 weeks unless severe defects are detected.

God (or Nature depending on your viewpoint) is one very busy abortionist given the number of foetuses which die and are expelled 'naturally' - especially in the first trimester of pregnancy. He also reaps more than a few children - which most of us find truly distressing - but that's the way it's always been and will be.

I don't "support" abortion on demand, I find the idea of terminating a potentially - given that there may still be a 10 - 20% chance of spontaneous abortion, healthy pregnancy rather sad. However since it is not my body nor am I going to be taking on the task of raising a child for the next 16 - 20 years my conviction is to let those in that position make their own choice.

Ditto the mother/parents of a foetus which is diagnosed with serious defects. While I believe in these cases an induced abortion is the wisest decision for many reasons - not least being quality of life of the unfortunate individual born with severe disabilities and the cost in human and financial terms of their care, it is not my choice!

So all you "Foetus Warriors" - put your energies into making this a better world for the children already born. God knows there are too many of them now who don't have much of a life without adding more unwanted babies to the mix.

Aka, your family has been blessed to have such a careing person as yourself. I am sure there are plenty of families who take up the rope when needed in many different family crises.

The people I was predominately referring to are the "do gooders" who stand outside abortion clinics calling young women "murderers" etc. They are willing to accuse and judge - I was asking if those who do this, would also help the young women, if they changed their minds.

I do not wish to be judged by outsiders for the choices I make in life.

"The road to hell is paved with good intentions" as they say.

Someone here wrote, "I also believe that if an abortion is done it should be done safely for the mother".

I agree. It's a real pity though that it's not particularly safe for the fetus, as the abortion mortality rate in this regard is 100%.

A scientific fact, life begins at conception. People who "believe" it doesn't are following a belief system.

*life begins at conception*

Life continues at conception. The eggs and sperms that you
normally flush down the toilet, are very much alive at
the time. You land up killing the lot.