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With so many possible congenital deformities, many parents approach pregnancy with much worry and fear. Particularly when a mother has been exposed to German measles (rubella) in the early part of pregnancy or has a background of previous deformities, the thought of possibly terminating her pregnancy looms in her mind. Many of the abortions being done today are performed solely for convenience, relieving the unwed, the busy, and the unprepared from the stress of childbearing. A modern trend in genetic counseling, associated with the testing now available of chromosomes prior to birth (amniocentesis), advocates abortion in an attempt to prevent these possible deformities. Against the backdrop of the time-honored standards of medical ethics and the moral law given on Sinai, I wish to discuss some of the issues.

The currently accepted definition of abortion is a termination of pregnancy. Sometimes this occurs suddenly and spontaneously and may either be complete or incomplete. Most of the latter cases are treated with an emergency surgery called a dilatation and curettage (D & C) to prevent the risk of hemorrhage in a pregnancy that is already inevitably lost. Therapeutic abortions, however, are being performed in both the first and second trimesters of pregnancy only for the purpose of terminating the life of the unborn child. The major ethical consideration, in actuality, is just when does life begin? There is no reason to conclude other than this: LIFE BEGINS WITH CONCEPTION. Therefore, I believe that abortion at any stage involves the taking of life. The question then is, how can you sustain a life that will be obviously deformed?

It is well known that nearly two-thirds of pregnancies occurring in women who were infected with Rubella during their pregnancy will turn out normal. The other smaller group may have deformities ranging from cardiac defects to deafness. Most of these can be helped with remedial educational efforts or surgery. Certainly the handicapped person is difficult to raise. However, does the mere chance of having a deaf or blind child justify the sacrifice of his life before birth?

Because of documented experiences from other countries (Germany before World War II, China today) we need not await another generation to learn the long-term effects of this most unfortunate assault on the finer sensitivities and moral fiber of our people. Modern abortion practice notwithstanding, a truly dedicated physician or midwife must be true to his or her medical pledge and ethical traditions, kindly but firmly refusing abortion, while counseling toward alternatives,

An exceedingly rare case may exist where some mother’s life could be so jeopardized by the continuation of pregnancy that therapeutic abortion might be considered necessary. Nevertheless, under such unlikely circumstances the multitude of counselors—including clergymen, physicians, and especially the Great Physician—should be able to provide wisdom. Most likely this instance would be so infrequent that many physicians could practice a lifetime without encountering it. Lives are so precious. Even the possibility of handicaps should not cause a mother, father, or medical advisor to compromise, thereby adding guilt to grief, regret to reality.

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