Radio Transcript

LIFE ISSUES NO. 2400

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
(More on the AMA & Abortion)

Last week you answered some questions about the American Medical Association. Yes, I did, and I pointed to the fact that 150 years ago their position was totally opposed to abortion, but that today they are permissive of it.

Well, give me some examples. What do or did they say back then about human life's beginning? Here's one from 1871: “No other doctrine appears to be consistent with reason or physiology but the fact that the embryo possesses vitality from the very moment of conception.”

Okay, what have they said in recent years about the scientific fact that human life begins at conception? They have not commented.

What did they say about who performs abortions? In 1871, they said it would be unlawful and unprofessional for any physician to induce abortion. But in 1970, they said abortion could be performed only by a duly licensed physician.

And what did they say about a physician/abortionist? Well, in 1871 they said: “These are men who cling to a noble profession only to dishonor it. They are false brethren, educated assassins, modern Herod's, executioners.” But a hundred years later here's what they said: “A doctor who does abortion is a conscientious practitioner, a conscientious physician.”

And what did they say should be done to these abortionists? 1871 – “These men should be marked as Cain was marked. They should be made the outcasts of society.” A hundred years later: “They should be permitted to perform abortions as long as they take place in an accredited hospital.”

Wow, what an about-face! Didn't they consider the ethics? Let me quote the AMA again in 1871: “Thou shalt not kill. This commandment is given to all without exceptions. It matters not at what stage of development the victim may have arrived.” But hear now a hundred years later: “This is a personal and moral consideration which, in all cases, must be faced according to the dictates of the conscience of the patient and her physician.”

But don't they know this is killing a baby? Well, let's end up with this one today. In 1859 the AMA said abortion was “the slaughter of countless children – unwarrantable destruction of human life.” A few years later, in 1871, they said: “the work of destruction – the wholesale destruction of unborn infants.” But in 1967 they said it was “the interruption of pregnancy, the induced termination of pregnancy.” And then in 1970: “Abortion is a medical procedure.”

So much for the American Medical Association.

[09/15/00]