In a pivotal Texas Supreme Court decision, a previous ruling by a Democratic judge that would have allowed a 31-year-old woman named Kate Cox to terminate her pregnancy was overturned. Cox, who was more than 20 weeks pregnant, had sought an abortion after learning her unborn child had Edwards syndrome, a condition also known as trisomy 18.
Edwards syndrome, a genetic disorder characterized by the presence of an additional 18th chromosome, significantly impacts the development and survival of affected children. The Cleveland Clinic notes that while 20-40% of these children survive the first month, only around 10% live past their first year. The disorder is relatively rare, occurring in approximately 1 in every 2,500 diagnosed pregnancies, and 1 out of every 5,000-6,000 live births.
Cox’s legal move to obtain an abortion was based on concerns about the implications of her pregnancy on her health and future fertility. However, Texas law restricts abortion primarily to scenarios where the mother’s life is in immediate danger or there is a serious risk to her physical health.
The initial ruling in favor of Cox’s petition was given by Travis County District Judge Maya Guerra Gamble, who issued a temporary restraining order, permitting the abortion. Judge Gamble’s decision was influenced by the risks the pregnancy posed to Cox’s ability to conceive in the future, describing the prevention of the abortion as a “shocking” potential miscarriage of justice.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton challenged Judge Gamble’s ruling, focusing on the legal criteria under Texas law that do not consider the future fertility of the mother as a justification for an exception to the abortion restrictions.
The Texas Supreme Court, responding to Paxton’s challenge, overturned Judge Gamble’s decision. The Court’s ruling stressed that while Cox’s pregnancy complications were severe, they did not meet the heightened risk criteria required by state law for an abortion exception.
The case has sparked significant debate around the restrictive nature of Texas’s abortion laws and the broader national dialogue on reproductive rights. The overturning of the lower court’s decision underscores the complexities and challenges faced in navigating the intersection of healthcare, legal frameworks, and ethical considerations in reproductive choices.
Post-ruling, reports suggest Cox is considering seeking an abortion outside of Texas, reflecting the lengths individuals may go to access reproductive healthcare under restrictive state laws. This case exemplifies the ongoing tension between state laws and individual reproductive rights, highlighting the personal and societal implications of such legal battles.
Abortion is not a reproductive healthcare. It is Murder plain and simple. I have had several miscarriages and each one was a blow I had a hard time accepting. This woman wants to kill her baby because it will have health problems. I wish for each baby I lost that I could be in her place. I would not abort my child.
Demonic people, like the ones who support killing an innocent child, use language in such a crafty way.
This term “reproductive rights” is one example. “Reproduction” means to create another living being, not to kill that being.
SMH.
They need to redefine the law period NO don’t like abortion BUT #1 if the mothers life is in danger #2 If it does have unserviveable illness or deformative condition ( some times it may take hours or days for these babies to pass if they are born alive so it is in many ways better to abort very early not only for mother but also for the fetus.) There needs to be a very specific time limit on weeks where abortions can be done. definitly not months or up to delivery
While there are cases when abortion is required (rape, incest, health of the baby or mother). I have heard the figure of over 90% were because of the birth was just “unwanted” because the women failed to take precautions. That is the “murder’ that people talk about. That is where the “healthcare” argument turns into b.s. It is sad that politicians seem to only have to answer one question anymore no matter what position they are running for (dog catcher included) is “What is you stand on abortion”. This is how sad this nation has become.
They need to up the education for prevention now days young women still in high school can go to health department there are pills, IUD’s But there is also one that lasts for 2-3 yrs small put up under the skin . They make abortion sound easy they don’t talk about the guilt about what you’ve done or the regret down the road. Now our president is stating that Americans aren’t reproducing enough to keep our numbers up there for we need these illegal immigrants to bolster our numbers. No they want to replace us for people easier to control
Also our esteemed VICE PRESIDENT is going on a tour promoting ABORTION
Every human being is a person. There is no such thing as a human being that is not a person.
This is exactly why the supporters of abortion state that what is in a woman’s womb is nothing more than a GLOB of cells not a HUMAN BEING.
We are all a glob of cells.
I understand abortion here (also rape, incest, imminent death to mother/child as a result of birth). Certainly not to be used as general “birth control”. But, If not in this case, then never. How does this case trump “rape or incest”? Which would/could have mental impacts, as opposed to medical impacts.
I have a strong opinion on this one, and many of you will be angry and may not fully understand this situation. But first, I am pro-life, anti-abortion in most instances, and a conservative. Secondly, I am a medical professional with over 50 yrs experience in virology research, but primarily intensive care level medicine at a couple world renowned medical facilities with many more treatment options than most places have. Third, the rare (1 in 5,000 -6,000) Trisomy 18 genetic disorder is a done deal when the sperm enters the egg. That’s because in those rare cases, the extra/third Chromosome 18 is present in either the sperm or the egg, occurring/present for unknown reasons or occurrences. It may or may not be present in other sperm or eggs this couple produces. Unfortunately early detection of a fetus having the extra Chromosome is rare. Not before 10 weeks and usually at or after 20 weeks. It is not usual to test sperm and eggs for it, though this couple might ask about that before any future pregnancy attempts. During pregnancy, OB doctor may notice an abnormally large amount of amniotic fluid forming in what is becoming an abnormally large uterus, while the placenta is usually abnormally very small. As soon as this disorder is found present, parents have huge decisions and are usually recommended to join support group. This is NOT at all like Chromosome 21 disorder, which just produces Downs Syndrome. Downs is not easy, but basically like a little bump in the road and workable for life compared to Chromosome 18 Trisomy. The parents are facing a Himalayan mountain climb and Unfortunately will never reach the apex.
There is no treatment, no cure. Many are miscarried as the body is sensing an inadequate placenta and other problems in the fetus. At least 40% die before or during labor. More die in the first few hours to a week span.Only 10% or less survive a few months to a year. EVERY SYSTEM of the body usually has problems, usually severe. They usually have microcephaly/small head and small Jaws. Severe cardiac abnormalities are common, even expected, including septal/wall between chambers having holes in them, both upper/atrial and lower/ventricular chambers, causing leakage between chambers and great increased heart strain that causes heart failure. They can have hypoplastic/NONFUNCTIONING left ventral/pumping chamber that would normally be the strongest muscle area of hearts as it circulates blood throughout body. That chamber may not even exist with Trisomy 18 disorder. So no pumping blood to entire body. Heart surgeries are rarely approved for Trisomy 18 patients, as they have deformities in al systems. Lung deformities. Shortened breastbone/sternum and scoliosis often present, deformed chest. All make breathing hard. Severe mental deficiencies, including areas that trigger functions. The brain may not be capable of triggering breathing at all, requiting permanent mechanical respirator machine. Difficulty eating/being fed, and often aspirate saliva or other liquids into lungs, causing frequent pneumonia. Permanent feeding tubes may need to be inserted for direct access to stomach through the side. Gi problems. Difficulty defecating as left and right abdominal muscles often don’t connect so no muscle strength there. Hearing problems snd about 50% are totally deaf. Vision problems are common, including blindness possible. The eye irises may have HOLES or splits in them. Most are unable to speak, no matter if in the small % that live past one year. Skeletal system is weak, usually scoliosis of spine, bowed and poorly developed bones and joint deformities. Also Club feet. Rocker feet. Short, underdeveloped fingers and thumbs all crossing, twisted. Urinary tract abnormalities. Prone to getting Wimns tumors of adrenal glands. Cleft lip possible, including septal area, plus jaw deformities. Frequently inguinal and hiatal hernias present. Small, underdeveloped body in general. Mental development deficit is usually Severe.
If they survive at all (90-95% don’t make it to one year), they will need CONSTANT 24/7 care and lifetime home or facility nursing care, often with medical machines help. Respirators may be needed. They will never be able to be independent in any way during whatever their lifetime may be. Cost of all this would be astronomical. Multi multi millions, depending on survival length. Surgeries are often needed, but many won’t qualify to have them as their muti system deformities would make surviving the surgery difficult or impossible, considering heart and lung problems alone. Heart transplant, live donor or mechanical, unlikely to be approved.
Worst case scenario? Add up the PARTIAL LIST of problems above. It would be crushing. An undeveloped baby with poor nutrition with digestive problems. Possibly needing 24 hour mechanical breathing machine/respirator. Tubes for feeding and possibly for urine and stomach for stool to go into a bag on their outside. Possibly blind, deaf, nonverbal re communication.
I have knowledge most don’t re medical care and devices, and mental toughness/strength. I must honestly say, depending on testing results, I would be seriously considering abortion as possible best path. Again, don’t compare this to Downs Syndrome. Absolutely no comparison, this is such a severe and multi organ disaster. And you won’t know the fetus has this until quite far along, often at or past 20 weeks. These parents I will assume wanted a baby and abortion is not a choice they thought they’d have to consider. But they are in a massively life and family alternating situation. On the slim chance the baby survives, it will be their life and siblings would have drastic changes in their lives, too. Financial straits would be overwhelming and impossible for most families.
I would not look with anger if they choose an abortion. This is one disorder that warrants being an exception. They need our understanding and caring to get through whatever comes. No matter what, it will be difficult.
Very eye opening. I would hate to have to make that decision.
Me also. Thank you for all the clarification.