After birth abortion?

[sdelsolray]

I had heard a story recently on the BreakPoint podcast, that is somewhat related. 

The story was about a  couple who had twins born prematurely in Oregon.  This couple where of a Pentacostal group, which does not believe in going to the doctor.  They also reported, that Oregon laws on abortion, allow for the baby to be aborted up until the time of birth.  These twins where born prematurely; I believe they said that they where not quite 4 pounds.  With the premature birth, the babies required medical attention, and because of the parents beliefs, they did not get it, and one of the babies died within about 2 hours after birth.  

The state is bringing the parents up on charges of neglect.  This was a part of the story, with which the commentators at break point agreed with. It concerns the rights of the parents to raise the child as they see fit, with the right of the child to life.  That between the two, the childs right to life, takes precedence.  I go back and forth on this issue , but I do think there is a point where neglect is the reason for the loss, and the rights of the child, overrule the rights of the parents.

However the other part of this story, is that this couple could have went to a doctor just  2 hours prior, and legally killed these same babies (under Oregon law).  They pointed to the inconsistency of the laws in Oregon, and what was essentially the same human being.

A few points:

1)  Oregon law does not restrict abortion.  The choice is totally up to the pregnant woman.

2)  Under both the Oregon State Constitution and the US Constitution, once a fetus is born he/she becomes a "person" and (if born in the US or if born elsewhere with a US citizen mother), the born individual also immediately becomes a "citizen".  Under both Constitutions, a "person" and a "citizen" have certain rights which they do not have before they are born.  One of those rights is the right to not have their life taken without due process of law.

3)  Once the twins were born, premature or not, each became a "person" and a citizen".  The parents' subsequent failure to provide medical attention robbed one of the children of his/her life without due process of law.  The State of Oregon has several laws which punish such behavior, and it doesn't matter if the subjective beliefs of the parents conflict with that.  Such beliefs are subservient to the welfare of the born child.

4)  The parents were criminally charged with neglect and convicted.  Easy Peasy...at least here in Oregon.

5)  Your "just 2 hours prior" is an emotional plea and is not relevant.