Is a baby born (or aborted) prematurely not a life because he or she may require temporary medical intervention (breathing support or other life-maintenance aid) to remain alive? Today, many more babies survive than did 50 years ago because of improved medicine. Was a premature child born 50 years ago who did not survive (not “viable”) not a life while one exactly the same age today that did survive is a life? I think not. In today’s miracle world of medicine, viability can be maintained from conception in a test tube through in vitro placement in the uterus to birth – there is no future tense involved or necessary. Norman is correct. Some people don’t want to admit the facts.

Russ Smeds

Las Cruces, N.M.