The cruel intent of the 2008 Victorian legislation is made apparent through the amendments that were rejected. One such amendment was anaesthetic for the unborn baby being aborted.
In the abortion debate many argue that the unborn babies do not experience pain. Research has indicated that this is not the case, but in fact abortions performed on babies between 20-30 weeks is a "uniquely vulnerable time, since the pain system is fully established, yet the higher level pain-modifying system (pain inhibitors) has barely begun to develop. A 20-30 week old foetus actually will feel more pain than an adult. (“Physical Examination and Health Assessment” by Jarvis 5th Edition p 183)
Dr. Paul Ranalli made a presentation on "Pain, Foetal Development, and Partial-birth Abortion" on June 27, 1997. He said that, "The foetus can feel pain at 20 weeks. This is probably a conservatively late estimate, but it is scientifically solid. Elements of the pain-conveying system (spino-thalamic system) begin to be assembled at 7 weeks; enough development has occurred by 12-14 weeks that some pain perception is likely, and continues to build through the second trimester. By 20 weeks, the spino-thalamic system is fully established and connected."
He described three indicators that provide evidence for the pain felt by an unborn baby (see below).
"There are three different indicators providing evidence that the foetus feels pain.
Anatomical
- pain receptors spread over the body in stages: 8-16 weeks
- pain impulse connections in the spinal cord link up and reach the thalamus (the brain's reception center): 7-20 weeks (summarized by Anand, K.J.S., Atlanta)
Physiological/Hormonal
- foetuses withdraw from painful stimulation
- two types of stress hormones, normally released by adults subjected to pain, are released in massive amounts by the foetus subjected to a needle puncture to draw a blood sample:
(a) from 19 weeks onward (N. Fisk; London, England)
(b) from 16 weeks onward (J. Partch; Kiel, Germany)
Behavioral
- withdraw from pain
- change in vital signs. "
This scientific information is extremely disturbing in the light of the recent increase in late term abortions in Victoria.
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