The lurid title alone, “Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act,” should give a clear alert that this U.S. Senate bill is yet another example of Republicans grandstanding for their anti-abortion base voters. Kevin Sudbeck’s letter (“Protect abortion survivors,” The Columbian, Feb. 9) complains about Sen. Patty Murray’s “block” of this bill. To the contrary, the “block” shows Murray’s informed good judgment, because this bill will not go anywhere, not in the Senate, and certainly not in the House.
Any abortion permitted so late in a pregnancy would only be happening if a serious medical condition exists affecting the fetus and/or the mother. Present along with medical considerations would certainly be practical and moral ones as well. The best “protection” and the only right decision would be the one arrived at by the woman and her doctor.
