ISSUES • ABORTION When is a life, a life? Scientific research clearly defines the beginning of life at conception. Each cell immediately after conception has sufficient information in its DNA structure to produce a complete human being. Destruction at any stage from one cell to several million cells after conception is murder of a human being. The use of the terminology ‘right to choose’ is a perversion of the truth because it exploits the language of rights as a pretext for taking away the most basic right of all: the right to life. It is an abuse of awesome power to destroy those who cannot defend themselves. The catch word ‘choice’ also constitutes a sham because those most drastically affected, the victims, are the very ones who are denied the right to choose. It is therefore not surprising that the largest survey ever done amongst South African doctors on this subject showed that more than 80% of the doctors in South Africa are against abortion on demand. It has been shown that the women who
have abortions may and most likely will suffer from physical, mental and/or spiritual damage. Not only is there the risk of death, hemorrhaging and permanent damage to vital reproductive organs, but it is estimated that nearly 100% of women will suffer with guilt, shame and remorse. Twenty five percent may experience “post abortion syndrome”, a serious condition involving chronic depression that if untreated, has lead to suicidal tendencies.
DFL officially refuses to collaborate with the government in any ruling that forces doctors to, against their conscience and beliefs, take part in performing abortions. It is in our opinion that the termination of people who the government considers less than human, “unwanted” and a “burden to society” is egregiously wrong and against God’s holy commandments.
SHORTAGE OF DOCTORS LINKED TO GOVERNMENT ABORTION POLICY
Doctors For Life International (DFL) commends the commitment of the newly appointed South African Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, to address the current financial and human resources management problems of the health care system. However, the government would do well to take note of the fact that many of the most devoted, well qualified and competent staff are under pressure to either quit the public healthcare system or continue to be pressurized to participate in abortion-on-demand.
DFL continuously receives calls from doctors and nurses from state hospitals, complaining of threats, intimidation and unfair discrimination when they opt to exercise their right not to participate in abortion-on-demand. Some healthcare professionals have been dismissed, threatened with disciplinary action and even imprisonment for refusing to participate in abortion-on-demand.
The current situation in hospitals demands of healthcare personnel to have “split personalities”. Initially they have an equal duty of care towards both the mother and unborn baby, who are both considered patients. We regularly see the foetal heartbeat on sonar scans from the 4th week of pregnancy. Then, suddenly, at the request of one patient, they are expected to become cold blooded and ruthlessly snuff out the life of the other patient.
DFLonce again appeals to the government to remove the practice of abortion from state hospitals, so as to not alienate dedicated healthcare professionals, who are opposed to abortionon the basis of conscience and who are continuously facing a conflict of interests. The removal of the practice of abortion from state hospitals, would enable doctors and nurses to return to a healthcare system which has a desperate shortage of healthcare professionals.
Doctors For Life International is an association of more than 1600 specialists and medical doctors. DFL endeavours to promote public health by upholding sound science in the medical profession, as well as the constitutional right to freedom of conscience for all healthcare professionals. For more information, please visit www.dfl.org.za
When is a life, a life? Scientific research clearly defines the beginning of life at conception. Each cell immediately after conception has sufficient information in its DNA structure to produce a complete human being. Destruction at any stage from one cell to several million cells after conception is murder of a human being. The use of the terminology ‘right to choose’ is a perversion of the truth because it exploits the language of rights as a pretext for taking away the most basic right of all: the right to life. It is an abuse of awesome power to destroy those who cannot defend themselves. The catch word ‘choice’ also constitutes a sham because those most drastically affected, the victims, are the very ones who are denied the right to choose. It is therefore not surprising that the largest survey ever done amongst South African doctors on this subject showed that more than 80% of the doctors in South Africa are against abortion on demand. It has been shown that the women who
have abortions may and most likely will suffer from physical, mental and/or spiritual damage. Not only is there the risk of death, hemorrhaging and permanent damage to vital reproductive organs, but it is estimated that nearly 100% of women will suffer with guilt, shame and remorse. Twenty five percent may experience “post abortion syndrome”, a serious condition involving chronic depression that if untreated, has lead to suicidal tendencies.