To be a partisan for a moment, the term “partial birth abortion” is a triumph of framing over substance (since the technical terms D&E and D&X, when expanded to their full names and explained, are fully as evocative and shocking), particularly when the phrase P.B.A. is used to imply “baby” rather than “foetus” (spelling Greekified as much as possible). As should always be noted in such cases: I am not a Female, so I believe I have limited rights to speak on this subject; I am Not A Doctor, so take anything I have an opinion on with a grain of salt, but make it low-sodium salt; and heed my advice: ignore anything a lawyer says about abortion, and listen carefully to what (reputable) doctors, nurses, psychiatrists, social workers, and religious ethicists of all kinds have to say.

The Religious Right is partially Right (so to speak); abortion should be taken out of the courts. However, it should also be taken out of the legislatures, and put in the hands of doctors and patients, as it always has been for the rich and never has been for the poor.