Abnormal fetal development and abortion

Fetal development is defined by chromosome blocks and DNA code. Anything out of sync, brings about fetal abnormalities.

The recent misadventure by the Irish government has let everyone down in the recent abortion bill. What appeared to be a courageous political push to legislate for abortion in Ireland, has only annoyed both pro choice and pro life camps. The government certainly did make every effort to bring abortion into Ireland. But the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act seems too restrictive to pro choice lobbyists. Fetal abnormality restrictions are the hot topic of today in the Irish news. Amanda Mellet, Ruth Bowie and Siobhán Murphy have brought the fetal development dilemma in Ireland’s abortion restriction to the UN. Many lobbyist feel it may be time for a referendum on abortion in Ireland.

What are fetal development abnormalities?

There are many different forms of fetal abnormalities, some of which are fatal. According to the Irish Maternal Fetal Foundation, fetal development is chromosome related. Chromosomes are the building blocks of life, containing our DNA. Our bodies are made up of 46 chromosomes. Any more, and we’ll have problems. Trisomy 21 is a medical term for down syndrome. This is the result of the fetus having one extra chromosome (numbered 21). Extra chromosome passing are generally susceptible in older pregnant women. This was most probably the case for Ms. Mellet, who was in her late 30s when she concieved.

Weighing up the situation when considering abortion.

It is understandable that women want to have an abortion in cases of severe fetal development abnormalities. It cannot be an easy time for these women, when they are trying to conceive and bear children. It is never easy to hear that the fetus will not survive the pregnancy. We do live in an age where we now have access to this knowledge. In the past, abortion procedures didn’t surface for lack of knowledge on fetal developments. With the understanding that older pregnant women are susceptible to passing on extra chromosomes, holding off judgement on aborting maybe best. Abnormal fetal development is not always fatal. Given the context, and the overall situation, it maybe best to seek good abortion advice.