Abortion/Consciousness/Life

[Losty]

I don't think any forms of abortion should be illegal. I think women should be strongly encouraged to give birth to viable fetuses so long as their life is not in danger. I do not, however, believe that they should be forced to do so.

Should be, no. May be, yes.
I will say for I think the millionth time (not to you my sweet chas but just in general), there's no point in discussing late term abortions. Less than 2% of abortions are late term. If we had real sex education and easy affordable access to birth control and early term abortions, late term abortions would be almost completely eliminated outside of emergency situations where the mother's life is at risk.

I'm not actually arguing about late-term abortion, per se. I know that they are not common and are generally medically indicated.

I am trying to find a rational, humane, ethical basis for abortion law.
The facts are:
When a baby is born, that baby is legally a person.
Before that, there is a point where the fetus is viable. It is difficult to argue that that is not a person.
Somewhat earlier, there is a point where the fetus has a complete nervous system and brain. That fetus can feel/experience pain.
Earlier than that, it is difficult to say that the fetus is a person.

We can make the boundary for personhood anywhere from conception to birth. Let's choose a rational, humane, ethical one.

You said you're not arguing late term abortion and then proceeded to argue late term abortion? There is no point in outlawing late term abortion. It's about as relevant as Florida's ban on sex with a porcupine on the beach. Just a waste of time and resources. Just a talking point to stop people from considering real issues that are actually important.
I think having no limit in abortion at all is the most rational, ethical, and humane option. You can't enforce a late term ban on abortions without endangering the lives of women who may need an abortion in an emergency situation. The whole argument is pointless there's no need for a boundary. No one wants to have a late term abortion. People usually do it for emergencies or because they needed time to save up money.