Jump to content

Draft:Abortion survivors

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Gianna Jessen, an abortion survivor and anti-abortion activist, speaking at an event.

Abortion survivors are people who were born alive during or after an attempted abortion. While uncommon, abortion survival can occur if the feticidal part of the abortion is skipped or unsuccessful, if the abortion is mistakenly thought to be complete, or if the abortion results in a live birth. Many survivors face medical, emotional, and social challenges due to the attempted abortion and the circumstances of their birth. Abortion survivors are at the center of many discussions in the abortion debate, and as a result, many laws around the world have been proposed or passed to protect infants born alive during abortion procedures.

A majority of abortion survivors die shortly after birth. Some, however, may end up living a normal or near-normal lifespan. A few notable abortion survivors include Gianna Jessen[1], Melissa Ohden[2], Hope Hoffman[3], Claire Culwell[4], Nik Hoot[5], and Carrie Fisher[6]. Hundreds of other survivors are part of the Abortion Survivors Network, a non-profit organization founded by Melissa Ohden that exists to bring together people who have survived failed abortions.[7]

Abortion survivors are often left with physical or mental disabilities that can endure throughout their lives. For example, Gianna Jessen was born with cerebral palsy as a result of a failed saline abortion that attempted to kill her in-utero.[8] As another example, Nik Hoot, a survivor of a dilation and evacuation abortion, does not have legs as a result of the dismemberment portion of the procedure.[9]

Overview

[edit]

Abortion survival most often occurs in second or third trimester abortions where the fetus is developed or nearly developed enough to survive outside of the womb. In most jurisdictions, any baby that is born alive—regardless of gestational age—is legally considered a live-born infant and must be treated as such​. However, these regulations are not always followed.

Survival is most likely to occur when abortions are performed near or past the edge of fetal viability (around 20–24 weeks gestation) and in cases where no feticidal injection is administered to kill the fetus prior to extraction. Modern abortion practice often involves steps to prevent live birth (such as injecting a chemical to stop the fetal heartbeat before the procedure), but these measures are sometimes skipped or unsuccessful.

The term “born-alive infant” is used in legislation and medical literature to describe these cases, and they have spurred both support networks for survivors and debates over prenatal rights, neonatal healthcare, and abortion.

Prevalence

[edit]

Globally, there is no precise count of abortion survivors, as reporting standards vary by country and region. However, healthcare data and studies from several countries confirm that the phenomenon, while relatively uncommon, does occur.

Australia

[edit]

Although Australia lacks centralized national reporting on abortion, data from several states indicate that infants are frequently born alive during abortion procedures and left to die. Between 2010 and 2020, Queensland reported 328 neonatal deaths (15.1% of all neonatal deaths) following live births during abortions, while Victoria reported 396 such deaths (17.1%). In a letter to the Parliament of Australia, law professor Dr. Joanna Howe presented these and additional figures in support of legislation to protect abortion survivors. Reported live births during abortions followed by neonatal deaths also include 54 cases in South Australia, 27 in Western Australia, 1 in New South Wales, and 1 in the Northern Territory. In total, there have been 806 confirmed cases of live births following abortion procedures in Australia, nearly all of which resulted in neonatal deaths.[10]

Neonatal Death Statistics in Queensland, Australia
(2010-2020)
Year Neonatal Deaths following Failed Abortion Total Neonatal Deaths
2010[11] 21 (9.0%) 233
2011[12] 20 (9.5%) 210
2012[13] 21 (10.8%) 195
2013[14] 22 (10.6%) 207
2014[15] 28 (13.9%) 201
2015[16] 32 (17.2%) 186
2016[17] 31 (16.2%) 191
2017[18] 35 (18.0%) 194
2018[19] 29 (17.4%) 167
2019[20] 48 (24.6%) 195
2020[21] 41 (20.9%) 196
Total 328 (15.1%) 2,175
Neonatal Death Statistics in Victoria, Australia
(2010-2020)
Year Neonatal Deaths following Failed Abortion Total Neonatal Deaths
2010[22] 24 (10.2%) 235
2011[22] 40 (17.9%) 223
2012[23] 53 (25.2%) 210
2013[23] 43 (17.7%) 243
2014[24] 38 (16.5%) 231
2015[24] 31 (16.4%) 189
2016[25] 33 (15.5%) 213
2017[26] 28 (13.9%) 201
2018[27] 29 (14.4%) 202
2019[28] 34 (18.9%) 180
2020[29] 43 (22.1%) 195
Total 396 (17.1%) 2,322

Canada

[edit]

Health records in Canada document hundreds of live births following abortion attempts. A long-term study in Quebec, Canada between 1989 and 2021 found that among 13,777 abortions between 15 and 29 weeks of gestation, 1,541 of those (11.2%) led to a live birth.[30]

Italy

[edit]

In 2007, a baby in Florence, Italy was born alive during an abortion procedure at 22 weeks of gestation. The baby was being aborted after doctors suspected a disability, but it turned out to be false.[31] The baby was resuscitated and was fighting for its life in critical condition, dying a day later.[32]

In 2010, another baby in Italy was born alive during an abortion procedure at 22 weeks of gestation. The infant, originally left to die, was discovered by a priest at the hospital to be showing signs of life, wrapped in a sheet with his umbilical cord still attached.[33] The infant was transferred into the NICU, but died two days later.[34]

United Kingdom

[edit]

In the West Midlands of the United Kingdom, a 10-year study (1995–2004) of abortions for fetal anomalies found that 3.2% of those abortions resulted in a live birth. Out of 3,189 abortions for fetal abnormalities (i.e. suspected or confirmed mental or physical conditions), 102 infants were born alive, ranging between 17 and 33 weeks of gestation. The infants had a median survival time of 80 minutes, with six of them surviving for 6 hours or more.[35]

United States

[edit]

Live births during or after abortion procedures have been documented in the United States, though such events are rare. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified 143 infant deaths from 2003 to 2014 where the child was born alive following an attempted abortion.[36] Only 4.2% of these infants survived for over a day.

A small number of states have implemented specific reporting requirements for abortions that result in a live birth. As of the late 2010s, at least six states – Arizona, Florida, Michigan, Minnesota, Oklahoma, and Texas – had laws mandating that providers document born-alive cases and, in most of these states, report them to health authorities. Three of these states have reported multiple instances:

  • Arizona (2017-2021): Arizona enacted its born-alive reporting laws in 2017.[37] Between 2017 and 2021, there were 55 live births during abortion attempts. From August through December 2017 (the first five months of required reporting), Arizona recorded 10 infants delivered alive during abortion attempts.[38] There were 12 such cases in 2018,[39] 15 cases in 2019,[40] 9 cases in 2020,[41] and 9 cases in 2021.[42]
  • Florida (2019-2025): In Florida, at least 52 cases of live births during or after an attempted abortion were reported between 2019 and 2025.[43]
  • Minnesota (2015–2022): In Minnesota, there were a total of 24 born-alive cases between 2015 and 2022. All died shortly after birth.[44]

While live births following abortion attempts are rare, these events have influenced U.S. legislation, including the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act (2002) and various state laws requiring medical care for infants born alive during abortion attempts.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Bever, Lindsey (September 30, 2016). "'The only reason I am alive is the fact that the abortionist had not yet arrived at work'". The Washington Post. Retrieved December 10, 2024.
  2. ^ Eley, Adam; Adnitt, Jo (June 5, 2018). "The failed abortion survivor whose mum thought she was dead". BBC. Retrieved December 10, 2024.
  3. ^ Etzel, Gabrielle M. (October 16, 2024). "Florida anti-abortion advocates file suit to disqualify high-stakes ballot measure". Washington Examiner. Retrieved December 10, 2024.
  4. ^ McArdle, Mairead (January 27, 2020). "Abortion Survivors Encourage Forgiveness at March for Life". National Review. Retrieved December 10, 2024.
  5. ^ "Young amputee's sports success brings joy to family". Catholic News Agency. February 22, 2013. Retrieved April 8, 2025. However, unlike most American teens, Nik was born in Russia at 24 weeks after surviving a failed abortion. [...] The attempt on his life left him missing parts of his legs and without a full set of fingers on both hands.
  6. ^ Ulmer, Chris (February 14, 2019). An Abortion Survivor's Story (Living with Facial Paralysis and Other Conditions). Special Books by Special Kids. Retrieved December 10, 2024 – via YouTube.
  7. ^ "About – Abortion Survivors Network". Retrieved 2025-04-03.
  8. ^ Howard, Marcus E. (2015-09-09). "Abortion 'survivors' criticize Planned Parenthood on Capitol Hill". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2025-04-08. 'If abortion is about women's rights, then what were mine?' asked Gianna Jessen, who was left with cerebral palsy due to a lack of oxygen during her mother's attempt to terminate the pregnancy.
  9. ^ Sharon (April 22, 2019). "Dismemberment Abortion Survivor Proves Viability In The Womb". Canyon News. Retrieved April 8, 2025. An infant born alive in a dismemberment abortion 23 years ago in Russia has shown viability for infants born-alive in late-term abortions. [...] The child's mother, now known as Apryl Hoot was 24 weeks pregnant at the time and the infant was born alive, but lost his legs to abortion.
  10. ^ Howe, J. (May 13, 2024). Termination of Pregnancy (Live Births) Amendment Bill 2024. https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/com/HEAC-7F95/TPLBAB2024-FFD1/submissions/00000126.pdf (PDF)
  11. ^ "Perinatal Deaths, Queensland, 2010" (PDF). Perinatal Data Collection, Queensland Health. Table 10.13. 2010. Termination of pregnancy, fetus and newborn [...] neonatal [deaths are] 21 [out of] 233 [total].
  12. ^ "Perinatal Deaths, Queensland, 2011" (PDF). Perinatal Data Collection, Queensland Health. Table 10.13. 2011. Termination of pregnancy, fetus and newborn [...] neonatal [deaths are] 20 [out of] 210 [total].
  13. ^ "Perinatal Deaths, Queensland, 2012" (PDF). Perinatal Data Collection, Queensland Health. Table 10.13. 2012. Termination of pregnancy, fetus and newborn [...] neonatal [deaths are] 21 [out of] 195 [total].
  14. ^ "Perinatal Deaths, Queensland, 2013" (PDF). Perinatal Data Collection, Queensland Health. Table 10.13. 2013. Termination of pregnancy, fetus and newborn [...] neonatal [deaths are] 22 [out of] 207 [total].
  15. ^ "Perinatal Deaths, Queensland, 2014" (PDF). Perinatal Data Collection, Queensland Health. Table 10.13. 2014. Termination of pregnancy [...] neonatal [deaths are] 28 [out of] 201 [total].
  16. ^ "Perinatal Deaths, Queensland, 2015" (PDF). Perinatal Data Collection, Queensland Health. Table 10.13. 2015. Termination of pregnancy, fetus and newborn [...] neonatal [deaths are] 32 [out of] 186 [total].
  17. ^ "Perinatal Deaths, Queensland, 2016" (PDF). Perinatal Data Collection, Queensland Health. Table 10.13. 2016. Termination of pregnancy, fetus and newborn [...] neonatal [deaths are] 31 [out of] 191 [total].
  18. ^ "Perinatal Deaths, Queensland, 2017" (PDF). Perinatal Data Collection, Queensland Health. Table 10.13. 2017. Termination of pregnancy, fetus and newborn [...] neonatal [deaths are] 35 [out of] 194 [total].
  19. ^ "Perinatal Deaths, Queensland, 2018" (PDF). Perinatal Data Collection, Queensland Health. Table 10.13. 2018. Termination of pregnancy, fetus and newborn [...] neonatal [deaths are] 29 [out of] 167 [total].
  20. ^ "Perinatal Deaths, Queensland, 2019" (PDF). Perinatal Data Collection, Queensland Health. Table 10.13. 2019. Termination of pregnancy, fetus and newborn [...] neonatal [deaths are] 48 [out of] 195 [total].
  21. ^ "Perinatal Deaths, Queensland, 2020" (PDF). Perinatal Data Collection, Queensland Health. Table 10.13. 2020. Termination of pregnancy, fetus and newborn [...] neonatal [deaths are] 41 [out of] 196 [total].
  22. ^ a b "Victoria's Mothers, Babies and Children 2010 and 2011" (PDF). The Consultative Council on Obstetric and Paediatric Mortality and Morbidity. Victoria State Government: 16–18. 2019.
  23. ^ a b "Victoria's Mothers, Babies and Children 2012 and 2013" (PDF). The Consultative Council on Obstetric and Paediatric Mortality and Morbidity. Victoria State Government: 96. 2016.
  24. ^ a b "Victoria's Mothers, Babies and Children 2014 and 2015" (PDF). The Consultative Council on Obstetric and Paediatric Mortality and Morbidity. Victoria State Government: 92–93. 2017.
  25. ^ "Victoria's Mothers, Babies and Children 2016" (PDF). The Consultative Council on Obstetric and Paediatric Mortality and Morbidity. Victoria State Government: 111. 2018.
  26. ^ "Victoria's Mothers, Babies and Children 2017" (PDF). The Consultative Council on Obstetric and Paediatric Mortality and Morbidity. Victoria State Government: 98. 2019.
  27. ^ "Victoria's Mothers, Babies and Children 2018" (PDF). The Consultative Council on Obstetric and Paediatric Mortality and Morbidity. Victoria State Government: 71. 2019.
  28. ^ "Victoria's Mothers, Babies and Children 2019" (PDF). The Consultative Council on Obstetric and Paediatric Mortality and Morbidity. Victoria State Government: 50. 2021.
  29. ^ "Victoria's Mothers, Babies and Children 2020" (PDF). The Consultative Council on Obstetric and Paediatric Mortality and Morbidity. Victoria State Government: 70. 2022.
  30. ^ Auger, Nathalie; Brousseau, Émilie; Ayoub, Aimina; Fraser, William D. (June 2024). "Second-trimester abortion and risk of live birth". American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. 230 (6): 679.e1–679.e9. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2023.11.004. ISSN 0002-9378. PMID 37939985.
  31. ^ Hooper, John (2007-03-08). "Baby fights for life in Italy after abortion attempt". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2025-04-08. A baby was struggling for life in an intensive care unit in Florence yesterday after being resuscitated following an attempted abortion at 22 weeks' gestation because of indications of abnormalities which turned out to be false.
  32. ^ CNA. "Mistakenly aborted child in Italy died after hours of agony". Catholic News Agency. Retrieved 2025-04-08.
  33. ^ "Baby Boy Survives Nearly Two Days After Failed Abortion". Fox News. 2015-03-27. Retrieved 2025-04-08. The infant, who was left to die by doctors following the procedure, was discovered by a priest who had gone to pray beside the body nearly 20 hours after the operation was performed, according to the report.
  34. ^ "Baby boy survives for nearly two days after abortion". The Telegraph. 2010-04-28. Retrieved 2025-04-08.
  35. ^ Wyldes, Mp; Tonks, Am (2007). "Short communication: Termination of pregnancy for fetal anomaly: a population-based study 1995 to 2004". BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology. 114 (5): 639–642. doi:10.1111/j.1471-0528.2007.01279.x. ISSN 1471-0528.
  36. ^ "Health Policy Data Requests - Mortality Records with Mention of Termination of Pregnancy". CDC. 2024-05-26. Retrieved 2025-04-17.
  37. ^ Robertson, Lori (2019-03-04). "The Facts on the Born-Alive Debate". FactCheck.org. Retrieved 2025-04-17. Arizona enacted a law in August 2017 requiring physicians to report born-alive cases and to 'document that all available means and medical skills were used to promote, preserve, and maintain the life of such fetus and embryo.'
  38. ^ Kemp, Marguerite L. S.; Gupta, Sanhita; Torres, Clare (September 21, 2018). "2017 Abortion Report" (PDF). Abortions in Arizona. Arizona Department of Health Services: 21. From August 2017 to December 2017, 10 abortion reports involving fetus or embryo delivered alive were submitted to ADHS along with the physician's statement documenting the measures taken to preserve the life of the fetus or embryo.
  39. ^ Kemp, Marguerite L. S.; Huang, Yan; Torres, Clare (September 21, 2019). "2018 Abortion Report" (PDF). Abortions in Arizona. Arizona Department of Health Services: 21. In 2018, 12 abortion reports involving fetus or embryo delivered alive were submitted to ADHS along with the physician's statement documenting the measures taken to preserve the life of the fetus or embryo.
  40. ^ Bailey, S. Robert; Huang, Yan; Torres, Clare (September 21, 2020). "2019 Abortion Report" (PDF). Abortions in Arizona. Arizona Department of Health Services: 25. In 2019, 15 abortion reports involving fetus or embryo delivered alive were submitted to ADHS along with the physician's statement documenting the measures taken to preserve the life of the fetus or embryo.
  41. ^ Roach, Matthew; Huang, Yan; Torres, Clare (September 21, 2021). "2020 Abortion Report" (PDF). Abortions in Arizona. Arizona Department of Health Services: 25. In 2020, 9 abortion reports involving fetus or embryo delivered alive were submitted to ADHS along with the physician's statement documenting the measures taken to preserve the life of the fetus or embryo.
  42. ^ Roach, Matthew; Huang, Yan; Saranya, Murukutla; Torres, Clare (September 21, 2018). "2021 Abortion Report" (PDF). Abortions in Arizona. Arizona Department of Health Services: 25. In 2021, 9 abortion reports involving fetus or embryo delivered alive were submitted to ADHS along with the physician's statement documenting the measures taken to preserve the life of the fetus or embryo.
  43. ^ "Frequently Requested Data". Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration. Retrieved 2025-04-09.
  44. ^ "Induced abortion in Minnesota". Minnesota Department of Health. Retrieved April 17, 2025.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Draft:Abortion_survivors&oldid=1286213702"