Update: Abortion for Dummies

Earlier this month, I wrote about the do-it-yourself abortion manual being assembled by a feminist blogger.

Molly, at Molly Saves the Day, was offering some self-help suggestions, with the promise of more to come.

I noticed that Drudge has now linked to the story, at Newhouse News Service. Now, the blogger and her how-to manual are sure to get more attention.

In the article, "Molly" is described as a "21-year-old Florida resident."

In an interview, the blogger said South Dakota's recent ban on abortion -- even in cases of rape and incest -- prompted her post, "For the Women of South Dakota: An Abortion Manual." The blogger, who has no medical background, said she has been compiling instructions for several years. She observed an actual abortion, interviewed providers and read medical texts, she said.

She posted directions for a dilation and curettage -- or D and C -- abortion, and plans to next place online the steps for a vacuum aspiration abortion.

"If anyone has a problem with this and they don't think non-doctors should perform medical procedures, there's a simple way to guarantee that won't happen: Make sure Roe v. Wade is not overturned," she said, referring to the 1973 Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion nationwide.

...Her posting troubles anti-abortion and abortion-rights activists alike.

Olivia Gans, an opponent who now regrets her own 1981 abortion, said she finds it "terrifying that anyone could advocate creating a subculture in which this dangerous, potentially deadly practice would be performed."

...Vicki Saporta heads the National Abortion Federation, an industry group for practitioners.

"Women want to be treated by a medical professional, not by a friend," Saporta said. "I don't see Roe falling. And if it were to fall, there'd be enough states where abortion was still legal that women could get on a bus."

I think "Molly's" actions are akin to posting instructions on how to make a bomb.

She's not offering help for women in crisis, nor is she raising consciousness about what America would be like if the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.

She's promoting a dangerous and certainly deadly (for the baby) procedure. Potentially, if a girl/woman were to follow her instructions, "Molly" would have the blood of the aborted fetus, and possibly the mother, on her hands.

Does "Molly" really think that what she is doing is beneficial for women?

I think feminists, those against abortion and those for it, should condemn her. She's no hero. Nothing good can come from her plan to compile and distribute information on how to perform an abortion.

"Molly" says, "I'm not advocating back alley abortions. But we need to make this information available. I firmly believe that abortion is something that can be done by someone who is not an M.D."

This 21-year-old provides an example of how a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing.

She claims not to advocate do-it-yourself abortions, but she's working to make sure that girls/women have access to the information on how to get the job done. Sounds contradictory to me. Her actions betray her words.

Moreover, if this "feminist" firmly believes that a doctor isn't necessary to perform an abortion, then it would follow that there's no need for her to be among those insisting that medical doctors be allowed to do the procedure. Why would she care?

If it can be safely done without a doctor, as she suggests, then I guess there's really no need for abortion activists to worry about abortion laws. A girl/woman can simply use "Molly's" guide to end her pregnancy. Very simple. All the debate and all the heated rhetoric about abortion can be put aside. Thanks to "Molly," the issue is dead politically.

Abortion can be done at home. How convenient!

A girl/women doesn't need to consult a professional to achieve results after all. I suppose it's sort of like discovering that it's possible to successfully dye one's hair at home rather than going to a salon.

Yippee!

I think "Molly" is an incredibly mixed up 21-year-old. Her "don't do it, but here's how" approach smacks of a childish prank instead of a serious endeavor.

Hopefully, there's someone in her life who can provide her with some guidance, someone with maturity and with a firm hold on reality. Perhaps Vicki Saporta could talk to "Molly."
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Whenever discussing abortion, I like to note that in the unlikely event that the Supreme Court strikes down Roe v. Wade, that decision would throw the matter of abortion back to the states. It would not automatically mean an end to abortion.

Furthermore, there is no way that abortion will ever be completely outlawed throughout the country. That's not going to happen. Even Saporta, an abortion supporter, is willing to admit that.

It's rare to come upon an abortion activist that looks at the matter realistically rather than hysterically.

Saporta is right. American women don't have to worry. No scare tactics are necessary. They will still be able to end the lives of their unborn children.