this post was submitted on 08 Jul 2023
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Public Freakout
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How often does this happen in America? How many abortions are performed where a fully viable fetus is removed in pieces?
"In the United States, more than one half of pregnancies are unintended, with 3 in 10 women having an abortion by age 45 years 1. In 2008, 1.2 million abortions occurred in the United States, of which 6.2% took place between 13 weeks of gestation and 15 weeks of gestation, and 4.0% took place at 16 weeks of gestation or later 2 3. Only 1.3% of abortions are performed at 21 weeks of gestation or later."
From a quick Google search, so 1.3% of the 1.2 million 2008 abortions would be 15,600. Viability is generally ranged around 20+ weeks, I think google says 24ish, some premature babies are born earlier but are significantly more rare the further you get away from 20+ weeks.
The vast majority of those abortions performed after 21 weeks are due to medical issues and fetal non-viability. Women who make it to 20+ weeks of pregnancy virtually always want the baby, and an abortion is an incredibly sad and heartbreaking medical necessity at that point. I know someone who had to have a later abortion of a very much wanted child because the fetus didn't develop a brain.
And I know someone who, due to conservative propaganda, gave birth to a child without a brain. They attempted to keep it alive and it actually lasted a few weeks before dying. It was awful.