What is the "pro-life" stance on ending ectopic pregnancies?

Question

When a fertilized egg develops outside the uterus, it's called an ectopic pregnancy The word ectopic means out of place.

Most ectopic pregnancies occur in the Fallopian tube, but implantation can also occur in the cervix, ovaries, and abdomen.

Ectopic pregnancies may cause massive internal hemorrhaging and death if left untreated.

Treatment for an ectopic pregnancy is the surgical removal of the embryo.

What is the pro-life stance on the treatment for ectopic pregnancies, namely, ending them?

Answer 1

In such cases, non-action leads to the death of both, action leads to the death of one. Ectopic pregnancies are universally fatal at this time with current medical techniques.

Action is permissible, though it is still the intentional killing of a human being. It is the preservation of one life instead of the loss of both.

However, if at some point, medical technology allows for the removal of the embryo/fetus and either transplant into the proper section of the woman's body, or artificial support (an artificial womb, perhaps), perserving the young life is morally required.

Answer 2

With the advances in medicine today, ending an ectopic pregnancy does not have to be the only solution available. There are also ectopic pregnancies that have ended in a healthy child and a healthy mother.

Very few abortions are due to ectopic pregnancies. The vast majority of abortions are for the convience of the mother.

Answer 3

My mother had an ectopic pregnancy about a year ago, and it had to be removed. There was no way the fetus would've continued developing, and my mother's life would have been in danger if she had not had the surgery. The doctor said my mother's age probably contributed to it (she was 45, I'm 23, and my siblings are 22 and 16), and it was harder on my mom's "old" body to carry a child to term.

Answer 4

When the pregnancy can kill the mother like an ectopic pregnancy can there is no stigma like an abortion. However, it still makes the couple hoping for a baby feel sad, just like a miscarriage does.

Ectopic pregnancy is just not the same as elective abortion.

I believe abortion for the sake of contraception is wrong. I believe any abortion for convenience is wrong. So many people would be willing to adopt babies. BUT, being hateful to women who have had abortions is not right either. We have to love the person and hate the wrong action. I thought this statement I read once said it best: "Abortion: One Dead, One Wounded".

Answer 5

I would assume losing two lives is more sinful than one...

Maybe not, I don't know. I'm not a Christian but I believe that ending an ectopic pregnancy is required of a woman because the child will not develop or live anyway....y'know? There should be NO QUESTION!

Answer 6

I have fertility issues so I am somewhat pro-life. I have also seen many children go into bad homes and have terrible lives so I am somewhat pro-choice.

The chances of the egg (not a baby yet) living and not having debilitating issues when it's older or even born is extremely unlikely even with current medical science. In this case, I think abortion is the only way.

Usually that gets washed out in a way with the woman's next period so it's not even a choice.

Answer 7

I am very much pro-life. With that being said, If I had an ectopic pregnancy that could wind up taking my life, I would end the pregnancy. One way or the other, the baby is not going to make it right? She/He can't grow and develop outside my body and can't survive inside my body if I die. Plus, I have 3 other children...I can't leave my babies without a mommy.

~Pro-Life~

Answer 8

When I was a Jehovah's Witness, I was under the distinct impression that 'life is life' and terminating it under any circumstances was a sin. Ectopic pregnancies were a touchy subject, but any discussion about them ended with vague conclusion of "Tough luck for the mother, but she'll be resurrected into Paradise".

Oh, and by the way...does Isaiah care to elaborate and enlighten us all on that one?!

Answer 9

Most pro life supporters believe that if it is a health issue with the mother where she may die, that saving her life is important, and thus a procedure to remove the displaced embryo would be moral, since the baby would likely have caused the mother her life and in turn that would have also prevented the baby from being born.

Answer 10

I really dont know the pro-life view pint, I am pro- choice, and an ectopic pregnancy can kill the mother and the embryo if let to progress, so what would be the point in trying to continue on? to risk both lives? I hope not.