In the long run...

Probably the most important news last week was the Court's abortion decision.

Who decides? Whether male, post-menopausal, celibate, smart, or one who knows the richness of embracing fertility, abortion doesn't affect all that many people percentage-wise. But the principle here should not be overlooked.

Let's take a minute:
It's not shocking to say that you'd prefer medical decisions to remain in the hands of the individual, with high regards to the opinions of chosen medical advisors/providers, is it? That was the (admittedly flimsy procedurally) foundation of Roe, right? Respect the doctor and the individual woman over the goverment. She has that individual right to bodily integrity.

To ban medical procedures for everyone because so few will be affected*... and to leave a crack as Justice Kennedy purportedly did for those few to further pursue their rights, it can just slip by. But the principle... that slipperly slope technique that advocates drag out so fondly in warning us to look ahead...

Is it rude to write that looking at their principles in practice, it's not wise to trust the government to be the decider -- that we're better on the road of encouraging people to think for themselves? Maybe that is egotistical, accepting responsibility for your own choices, but it makes for a much freer place in the long run. For all of us.

ADDED: Another interesting medical story last week was news of technology that a woman might be able to prevent monthly menstrual bleeding. Thinking ahead, someone suggested that convenience might lead to less recognition of early pregnancies -- many are not planned, they say. Might the government have an interest here too? Where does the reach into regulating technologies begin and end?
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*If puncturing the skull inside the woman to kill the fetus there before delivery causes chipping and possible bone fragmentation in the woman's womb, it's possible to imagine a scenario ** where a capable and medically trained doctor might wish to recommend this "partial birth" procedure for his patient. To clear the fetus skull from the womb where it can be cleanly punctured. Coldly but rationally acknowledging, either way the fetus dies.

** As in the case where it might affect whether she later could bear a healthy pregnancy and child. Rare admittedly, but repugnance -- religious or otherwise -- should not override the potential advice a principled OB/GYN can offer his patient. IMHO.