8 Inches: The Distance Between Celebrated Choice and First-Degree Murder

Yesterday a young woman was arrested near me for putting her newborn baby in her backyard with his or her umbilical cord still attached. She is in police custody and the Douglas County Sheriff has recommended that she be charged with first-degree murder. Just hours prior to giving birth, however, she could have driven about 45 minutes north to Boulder County, aborted her baby, and been provided with support and even applause for doing what was ‘right’ for her and her child. 

• The difference of a few hours—between the baby being in utero and out. 
• The difference of about eight inches—between the women’s womb and the outside world. 
• The difference between celebrated choice and reviled murder. 

The ending of this baby’s life highlights the inconsistency in Colorado law and in the minds of people throughout our nation. In the womb in Colorado, the mother can choose to end her baby’s life right up until delivery, even at 40 weeks. But once that child has traveled eight inches down the birth canal, to end his or her life is considered first-degree murder. 

If babies deserve protection once born, they deserve protection eight inches or a couple hours prior. Their environment should not determine their rights. Their location should not determine their value. 

Author's Note: January is Sanctity of Life month, so I'll be writing more on pro-life and pro-woman issues all month. I encourage you to engage in this issue, as well. As J.D. Greear said yesterday, "I beg all people of goodwill to speak up against this injustice. Make it part of your mission this year to be unabashedly pro-life."