9-Year-Old Has Abortion Despite Church’s Objections

Guest Thu Mar 05, 2009 10:20 pm

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/05/world/americas/05briefs-9YEAROLDSABO_BRF.html?_r=1&ref=world

Brazil: 9-Year-Old Has Abortion Despite Church’s Objections

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: March 5, 2009

ABORTION A 9-year-old girl who was carrying twins, and whose stepfather is suspected of raping her, underwent an abortion on Wednesday despite complaints from Brazil’s Roman Catholic Church. The stepfather has been jailed since last week, the police said. Abortion is illegal in Brazil, the country with the most Roman Catholics, but judges can make exceptions if the mother’s life is in danger or the fetus has no chance of survival. Fatima Maia, director of the public university hospital where the abortion was performed, said the pregnancy, which was in its 15th week, posed a serious risk to the girl, who weighs 80 pounds. But Marcio Miranda, a lawyer for the Archdiocese of Olinda and Recife in northeastern Brazil, said the girl should have carried the twins to term and had a Caesarean section. “It’s the law of God: Do not kill,” he said in comments reported by the newspaper O Globo.

**Cincy Fan 44** Thu Mar 05, 2009 11:02 pm

Hmmm...interesting find, interesting (and sad) story.

If I was ruling for a day I would say if her life was indeed in danger, okay on the abortion. If it wasn't, gee that is still a toughie. Double-edged sword here (one I'm sure some would love to cut me with). While I hate, hate, haaaaate to see any human life aborted, this specific case of a 9 year old girl, I would have to say she did the right thing. Any pregnancy would have been tough on her, but with it being twins, well, that's asking alot.

Generally speaking, I'm against abortion in cases of rape or incest (it is still a life afterall), but when the mother's life is in danger, I'm okay with it. But again, with this specific case, it's not as black and white as I tend to usually see it.

Pez Fri Mar 06, 2009 7:44 am

This is a tough issue... I would say that this would be an argument for the pro-choice side, but to what extent can a 9 year old make a choice...

If their schools were K-12, mom and the kids could ride the bus together, and come home to find grandpa daddy waiting for them by the mailbox.

You hit on it Cincy... the issue is so gray that it's difficult to argue one side or the other.

iberlingirl Fri Mar 06, 2009 12:10 pm

I am not fully Pro Life or Choice, probably more towards choice, only because, I think that each case is different. For example, this one, I have no problem with any 9yo having an abortion and nailing the SOB that did it to her unless he too is 9yo (if that is even possible)

Guest Fri Mar 06, 2009 3:15 pm

Yep, tough call here. I would say that if she has the abortion, I would support her choice to do so, the "babydaddy" should have his balls cut off and given to her in a jar upon release. Maybe a 9 year old would not have much use for a guys nuts in a jar. I'd bet that some time during her life she'd feel like doing much worse than that to him.

Then proceed with "regular" justice for him, jailtime, etc.

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