Protecting a Life

There is a magazine I look at often that charts the progress of babies as they grow in their mother’s womb. It is a fascinating magazine that tells of the process of the infant during the time of fetal development. It speaks of their brain and body development and even talks about when the baby starts hearing and recognizing sounds and voices outside of the womb. Even more, there are pictures that match the progress of the baby’s development in every month of the nine-month pregnancy process. It is simply an amazing miracle to see the baby grow and develop. I’m not sure how anyone can look at these pictures and come to any other conclusion than to realize this is a real person growing and developing inside their mother.

Over the years we have had a number of ultrasounds while my wife has been pregnant. Every one of those experiences has made a tremendous impact of me. From the time we hear the baby’s heartbeat for the first time to the point we see the images of our baby just weeks before their delivery, the ultrasounds have brought tears to our eyes. Currently, the Kentucky General Assembly is considering a bill that would require mother’s seeking an abortion to have an ultrasound before they make their final decision on whether or not to abort their baby. The mother’s are not forced to view the ultrasound, but they would be required to have one. The bill is called SB 38. It has already passed the State Senate on January 25, and was sent to the House of Representative’s Health and Welfare Committee on February 1. This committee, made up of a 14 legislators, must approve the bill’s passage to the floor for a vote by the entire House. I am praying that it will come to a vote on the floor of the House and be passed. If you’re interested in knowing who is on the Health and Welfare Committee you can find out by going to www.lrc.ky.gov/committee/standing/H&W(H)/members.htm.

Most people I talk to want to know all of the facts before making a decision concerning a medical procedure. Shouldn’t pregnant women be given these facts before making the decision on whether or not to abort a baby? Perhaps you would say that the woman should not be forced to view an ultrasound if she doesn’t want to. Please remember, SB 38 calls for the ultrasound to take place, but not for the forcing of the woman to view it.

I must wonder, though, who speaks for the unborn? Obviously, a baby in utero cannot speak for itself. Perhaps this ultrasound would give this young life a voice while growing in its mother’s womb. House and Welfare Committee, thank you for your service to the Commonwealth. I’m praying that you will do all that is within your power to protect life.