April 1, 2004

UNTHINKABLE (via Thomas A. Corcoran):

Judge Asks Doctor if Fetus Can Feel Pain (LARRY NEUMEISTER, 4/01/04, Associated Press)

In questioning that at times turned graphic, a judge deciding the constitutionality of a new ban on some abortions grilled a doctor Wednesday on whether a fetus feels pain during the procedures.

The inquiry came in U.S. District Court in Manhattan after lawyers on both sides had finished questioning Dr. Timothy Johnson, a plaintiff in one of three lawsuits brought to stop enforcement of the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act.

"Does the fetus feel pain?'' Judge Richard C. Casey asked Johnson, saying he had been told studies of a form of abortion usually performed in the second trimester had concluded they do.

Johnson said he did not know, adding he knew of no scientific research on the subject.

The judge then pressed Johnson on whether he ever thought about fetal pain while performing abortions involving dismemberment. Another doctor a day earlier had testified that a fetus sometimes does not immediately die after its limbs are pulled off.

"Simple question, doctor,'' the judge told Johnson. ``Does it cross your mind?''

Johnson said it did not.

"Never crossed your mind?'' the judge asked again.

"No,'' Johnson answered.


If you thought about it you'd have to despise yourself.

Posted by Orrin Judd at April 1, 2004 10:00 AM
Comments

Is this the same Dr. Tim Johnson who is a frequent guest expert on ABC news and "Good Mroning America?"

Posted by: J. Gerrish at April 1, 2004 11:13 AM

"Never crossed your mind?"

"No."

"I 'arranged' my mind..." -- Albert Speer

"I KNOW NOTHINK!" -- Sgt Schultz, Hogan's Heroes

Posted by: Ken at April 1, 2004 12:17 PM

Trying to square this particular circle is the fastest way to being pro-life out there. Assuming you're human, of course.

Posted by: Chris at April 1, 2004 1:03 PM

I'm sitting at my PC with my mouth open - did I really just read Johnson's reply?

Sweet Jesus strike this man down.

Posted by: Tom Chellew at April 1, 2004 2:21 PM

Oh, you wouldn't have to despise yourself, at least not consciously. All you would have to do is convince yourself that the abstract principle (in this case freedom of choice for women) was so important and so fundamental that no other principle can compete. Once you have done that, you are inured to suffering even if it occurs right before your eyes. You can even deny it and half-convince yourself it isn't occuring.

Think of all the isms, slave trade and property rights, sex trade and freedom of choice, international law and Iraqi slaughter, religious pogroms, etc..

Humans are always on the verge of scumminess.

Posted by: Peter B at April 1, 2004 3:10 PM

>All you would have to do is convince yourself
>that the abstract principle (in this case
>freedom of choice for women) was so important
>and so fundamental that no other principle can
>compete.

Ah, the Republic of Perfect Virtue (Liberte! Egalite! Fraternite!). The Cause so righteous it justifies any evil whatsoever to bring it about. The Perfect Utopian Omelet that always requires smashing more and more eggs. The Star Trek Federation always a few more "regrettable but necessary measures" away.

Posted by: Ken at April 1, 2004 7:20 PM

He despises himself and he's a liar.

Posted by: jsmith at April 2, 2004 11:21 PM
« IT'S JUST GOOD MANNERS: | Main | THEY JUST KEEP HANDING THE PRESIDENT ISSUES: »