The US Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade legalised abortion nationwide in 1973. Since that fateful day, a lot has happened.
Smallpox was eradicated through vaccination in 1977. In 1978, Werner Arber, Daniel Nathans and Hamilton Smith were awarded the Nobel Prize in medicine for creating technology to discover, isolate and apply recombinant DNA.
In 1983, Kary Mullis developed PCR technique and got a Nobel Prize in chemistry for his innovation. PCR-based strategies have propelled huge scientific endeavours such as the Human Genome Project. The technique is widely used by researchers and clinicians to diagnose diseases, clone and sequence genes, and carry out sophisticated quantitative and genomic studies in a rapid way.
One of the most important medical applications of the classical PCR method is detection of pathogens and forensic medicine. DNA was first used to aid a criminal investigation in 1986.
Jumping forward to 2017, there is consensus that human life starts its earliest development and as soon as conception takes place. Once pregnancy starts, debate ends and there is no more question as to what is actually happening to the unborn human being.
There is no denying as to the simple scientific fact that the human life being nurtured by the host is simply a developing human being and not just a lump of random cells. This process of natural development of the human being progresses all the way to the natural death of the bearer. In short, pregnancy is just the initial development phase of all human beings.
So why are we still attempting to bring abortion to the discussion table? Well, we all know that Malta follows the rest of the world when it comes to cultural and sociological changes. We are not exactly the leaders in foresight and long-term planning.
When it comes to potentially debating abortion, in our tiny island there are still individuals who solemnly believe that they can use the same arguments used 40 old years ago by other pro-abortion lobbyists in an attempt to convince the majority that abortion is a civil right. It is a woman’s choice, the foetus is just a lump of stinking cells, and there is no personhood, no brain waves, no pain, no gain and all the rest... amen.
They still use the old clichés which could have made some sense way back in 1973, but today sound more like a vintage Deep Purple single, than any debatable material. Their problem lies with one simple fact: their time is up. Science is simply making their position untenable by the hour.
This is possibly the reason why they want us to “debate” abortion at this stage. They know that if they wait too long, they will miss the train and while other countries are trying to find ways to reverse abortion laws, we are still considering implementing them.
My guess is that before the next election, abortion will be on our plate, whether we like it or not. As to its introduction, that grossly depends on us
They know that it’s either now or never.
On the other hand, our politicians play an important role in this pantomime. While the Nationalist Party stated a categorical no to abortion, the Labour camp is not so clear, or is it?
Well, we know Joseph Muscat and the President will not put abortion on our plate, but Labour have never said that a post-Muscat prime minister will maintain the same stand. By that time, our President will also be out of scene and as much as she had claimed that no Labour government under her wing will make her sign an Abortion Bill, there is no evidence to support that the incoming president will retain the same position.
So my guess is that before the next election, abortion will be on our plate, whether we like it or not. As to its introduction, that grossly depends on us.
In today’s world, we should be in a good position to base our stand on abortion on solid evidence. The information is out there and many organisations are spreading reliable and correct information. We have access to millions of research information, papers and evidence. It should be pretty simple for anyone to validify any of the arguments brought in favour or opposing abortion.
My appeal to all those who are genuinely seeking a debate on abortion is to conduct their own research and base their opinions on medical science, objective information post-abortion trauma portals and other relevant material and attend seminars which are being organised by many pro-life organisations.
Do not engage discussion with any of the usual pseudo pro-abortionist trolls who are just loud-mouthed, insolent and totally out of touch with reality. Do not waste time diving into endless discussion that serves no purpose other than to confuse you by using jargon that spins the subject into a spiralling death.
For those persons in need of genuine help and are seriously contemplating abortion, my appeal is to seek help. There are a number of professional organisations that have so much love and support to give you. Do not be afraid and please do not feel the pressure to take any decision without first being 100 per cent sure. The decision you are taking is one which will leave you happy for the rest of your life.
Do not believe abortion is a cosmetic surgery. It is not Botox fillers and as gratifying as a breast augmentation surgery. It is a deadly serious matter which should be considered very well and needs to be taken in the most tranquil environment possible.
Abortion is a plague. If it is introduced it will only be done because of the ignorance, sheer pique and above all the stupidity of those who are working hard to see it legalised. There are numerous, far more feasible alternatives for those in pain and difficulty.
The State is obliged to support life and not to support its termination.
Steve Pace is a company director and ICT consultant.