The United Kingdom, to most Americans, is a relatively moderate country on most political issues (besides arm bearing). Thats why a piece of news coming out of London has shocked people around the world.
The news that a mentally disabled woman in London will be forced to terminate her pregnancy act 22 weeks has horrified members of the pro-LIFE movement around the world. That’s not all though, the pro-CHOICE movement has also been reeling by such a decision. Especially since it is apparently against the wishes of the woman to have the termination.
The judge who ordered the termination had this to say about the ruling:
“I am acutely conscious of the fact that for the state to order a woman to have a termination where it appears that she doesn’t want it is an immense intrusion,”
There is more than meets the eye to this story though, upon further delving into the facts, we learn that the woman has the mental and cognitive ability of a 6-9 year old child.
The judge said in light of these facts that she had to act in the woman’s “best interests, not on society’s views of termination.”
No matter which side of the aisle you associate with, this raises some serious questions about the role of government. These questions and the precedent this court case provides, should alarm people everywhere.
For the right, government is here essentially just to protect the natural rights of the individual. For the left, government is exists to expand the options available to the governed. For both sides. Government force is not desired. (Remember, this woman committed no crime, which makes this case different to any criminal court case where government does have the duty to enforce.)
The woman has the capacity of a minor, but is not legally a minor. She had her family’s backing for having the child. She was also capable of coming to the decision to keep the baby. Add to this that her family supported her choice to deliver the baby, and you have one complicated legal and political debate for the future.
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