The other day the state of New York passed the “Reproductive Health Act,” which legalized abortions up until the infant’s birth, meaning that a full term infant can now be killed for any “reason.”
When I read this story, I felt like I was going to throw up. I still feel sick just thinking about it.
Many people on a wide variety of social media platforms are voicing their opinions on this subject, both in support and in opposition. Twitter, in particular, has been going crazy. (Yes, I have a Twitter account, and it’s not connected with any of my other social media accounts, so as to remain somewhat anonymous).
In response to my tweet about having worked with 22-23 week preemies, one gentleman commented the following:
“22-23 wk gestation are not generally resuscitated due to immaturity and the fact their survivability without major developmental deficits is poor. I worked 20+ in high risk OB facility and 23 week is limit per researched criteria. Do not lie”
Now, aside from a few grammatical errors (sorry, had to mention it), there were many things about this comment that bothered me, so after taking a deep breath, praying, and typing everything out on a word document beforehand, this was my reply:
“First of all, I do not appreciate you calling me a liar. You are free to hold and voice your opinions, but my personal experiences are not up for debate. Let’s keep this professional, shall we?
Secondly, scientific advancements are being made continually in the NICU, and in OB/neonatology in general. While 22-23 week resuscitations are not standard nationwide , there ARE hospitals across the US who will attempt resuscitation of 22-23 week preemies.
The hospitals that have made these decisions have done so after reviewing the literature and first-hand accounts of those who have done it before. Nothing is certain, but there is a CHANCE.
You are correct in stating that there are very real risks of major developmental issues. Even the survivors I mentioned before have some lingering health issues, but they are loved dearly by their families and are leading active and happy lives. They deserve a CHANCE.
Do all 22-23 weekers survive? Unfortunately, no. I’m not going to pretend that saving them is a sure thing, but THERE IS A CHANCE. I have worked with both survivors and those who have died due to overwhelming complications. That’s the risk of working in such a high risk area.
I’m curious (and I mean this sincerely, not as a personal attack) how long it has been since you worked in high risk OB – since you have used the past tense “worked” instead of present tense “work”, I am making the assumption that you no longer work in this area.
Since things change very quickly in this particular area of medicine, perhaps there have been advancements and research of which you are unaware. I encourage you to look into it – they are truly stories of miracles!
Now, whether or not this gentleman will ever take the time to read all of my reply is out of my hands. I just had to reply, he can choose to read it or not.
You know what? I am done standing by in silence as these atrocities are lauded by the media and general public. I know that times are getting darker and darker, but that is all the more reason for Christians to speak up and shine for all He is worth. It is in the darkest of times when the light of Christ shines the brightest.
I know that the whole pro-life / pro-choice debate is a hot topic in today’s climate, but God has put me in my position as a NICU nurse for a reason, and I will continue to advocate for my babies. I know this isn’t going to make me insanely popular with the world (like I ever was in the first place?), but I’m not here to please the world, I am here to obey Jesus.
God, forgive our nation.
Come quickly, LORD.
A Special Strength 