The Leonard Lopate Show

I don't know whether speaking openly about one's experience is acceptable, but it certainly is intimidating. Nonetheless, it is important not to hide your decision. When a CVS revealed that my baby had trisomy-21, my husband and I made the difficult decision to terminate. Our values dictated that it was wrong to bring someone into the world who could never be independent, healthy, and free to chart the course of his own life. I thank God (yes, God-- I have faith) that I was able to make the best decision for my family, and I respect that termination is the wrong decision for others. I never hide my decision because my experience my help others realize that even people who want to have a baby may find themsleves in this difficulet situation.

why are you using the term "abortion doctor"?

isn't the DR an OB/GYN who performs abortion as part of her practice?

I don't think it's currently acceptable for women and men to talk about their experiences with abortion because it is the killing of a human being. But I think it would help. The pro-life groups are encouraging people to talk about their experiences, they have 'Silent no more' chapters and they try to heal people who have undergone the trauma of abortion. The slogan is 'American won't stop abortion until America sees abortion'.

I would beg your guest to reconsider what she is doing. She is killing my brothers and my sisters, and she is killing her brothers and her sisters. Like Bernard Nathanson, I beg her to just do something else, to just walk away from this. No doubt she is trying to help people, but she has been misled by circumstances. Let other people do it.

The idea that she is in danger from pro-life people, I think, is a red-herring. A few weeks ago a man offering counseling legally at a clinic in Pennsylvania was thrown off the roof of his car (he's 69 years old), leaving him unconscious. He almost died. This never made it into the press. The man who charged him and almost killed him originally left the scene freely, but was later charged.

A few years ago three men were sitting in the driveway of an abortion clinic saying the Rosary and they were put in jail and charged under the RICO racketeering statute. It is more dangerous to be a pro-life protester than an abortion provider.

Since it is not "the killing of a human being" in my opinion, I would encourage the doctor to keep doing what she's doing and I commend her bravery in speaking out.

I agree with comment #2...why the term "abortion doctor"? Does she only perform abortions or is she just simply a doctor who performs abortions as one of her services?

The one time I had to face the idea of abortion, and ended up taking the "morning after" pill, I found it to be a very sobering experience. I did feel as if I were assuming responsibility for the discontinuation of a potential life, and realized what a grave decision it was. I decided to go through with it because I felt I was doing the right thing, all things considered. However, it led me to understand even less the people who believe that women who get abortions do so in a frivolous manner. I was very grateful for the ability to control my future, and regarded life with even more gravity than ever before.

However, my life was already formed, and I had no idea of what kind of a life I was possibly bearing -- mind you, I had no idea if I actually was pregnant or not -- but I did feel that my life, as the lifeline to whatever life I might bear, was the one that had priority. Anti-abortionists might think that's wrong, but I am firm in my belief that without my full cooperation and ability to provide a good life, the life that had not yet begun was already at a disadvantage.

I don't think it's for anyone else to decide that for me.

It's amazing how little has changed...I had an abortion in Canada in 1993, and I was told to be quiet, lie still, and when I had started to become upset at the "check-in", was given a pill (obviously a sedative) with hardly a word!

I don't regret the procedure, either, but would like to see a time where no one is made to feel ashamed.

Medical World News had a story about doctors who gave abortions to anti-abortion activists when they or their relatives needed abortions themselves.

Have you ever performed abortions for anti-abortion activists?

I have mixed feelings about abortion. At age 18, I found myself having and abortion. I was a freshman in college and I felt trap, especially because I came from a very traditional family in a country where abortion was illegal and extremely religious. I feel that I didn't have another option at this age but today at age 30 I have a huge feeling of guilt. I steel struggle with those feelings.

I wish more people would talk about it more.

Thanks

I have had 4 abortions, 3 when single and being stupid, one when married and with a newborn child, not ready for another. I regret none of them. I was using birth control at the time, and obviously the method was not perfect. I am not only pro-choice but pro-abortion, but I have not admitted to anyone else that I had 4 abortions. I feel comfortable discussing my opinions on abortion but not my personal experience. I wish I could. They were not particularly traumatic, and I never felt there was a human being inside me yet. My life would have been ruined by the births.

The title of Dr. Wicklund's book is very apt, in my opinion.

I wanted to share a resource for other women, like myself, who may not be able to speak about their abortion experience with friends or family members. It is a meetup group (you can see and join here- http://postabortion.meetup.com/11/) with the aim of providing a safe space where women can share their stories and support one another.

I had two abortions, 1972 and 1975 (?) and have never regretted either. The first was a mistake and the second was with my then husband who was an alcoholic. I am grateful that I was able to make these decisions legally and safely. It angers me that these supposed "pro-lifers" think life begins at conception but abandon those in need after birth. Is the unborn truly worth saving more than the living and needy?

Are you afraid of Christain fundalmentalist terroist?

As a person with cerebral palsy, I am uncomfortable with the women who abort their children for minor physical problems. There was a big piece about this in the NY Times. What do you think?

When asked if Dr. Wicklund would give an abortion to an anti-choice activist who said that she would not change her tune if she preformed the procedure, the Dr. said she would refer the patient to another Doctor. If you preform abortions it is your responsibility to preform an abortion on a woman who needs/wants one regardless of their political beliefs. I know it must be hard to help someone who is being a hypocrite and causing you problems with her anti-choice work, but you are still supposed to help her because you believe in abortions and you believe in choice and it is her choice to be a hypocrite and her choice to go through with the abortion.

Wondering if this segment might discuss the choice to have the baby and put it up for adoption as was illustrated as a nice option in the movie Juno. I realize this isn't possible for everyone, but the character in the movie makes a tough decision at a tough time in her life. Yes it was fiction, but it illustrated how bold she was and, it seems, made a better decision than choosing to terminate the pregnancy. What about adoption vs. abortion?

When the guest revealed that the baby she wanted to abort was eventually birthed and then killed by someone in the girl's home, the host(ess) pitied "the plight of women." What about the murfered infant? This is a sensitive and sad subject and must be dealth with compassionatrwely. However, the girl refused to give the baby up for adoption, if i heard corrctly. I ask: Why does ot a young woman allow this precuious life to live ad give the cvhild to a deserving childless family? I ask the guest doctor, why she did opt do this. She had a family who though poor and not well-educated seemed to be very supportive. The largest group of murderers in our civilization are mothers. Sad but true. I ask all women to protect the other body inside you.

I wonder what would have happened if Mary told God: "It's my body. I have a right to do whatever I want?" There are many good cases for certain abortions. This doctor's case was, in my opinon, not one of them. To say to me, as a man, it's one of my business, is unacceptable. We are all one body and those we need to protect the most are the children.

Sincerely,

M

I'm not sure I understand why Dr. Wicklund won't accept the idea that some women are using abortion as a form of birth control. If a woman repeatedly gets pregnant after consensual sex and decides that, after each time, she is not ready to have a child, what terminology would she use to describe her choice to repeatedly have abortions? I am pro-choice and middle class, and probably the majority of my friends (girls) have had abortions, especially when they were younger (high school/college). On one hand, I want to openly support abortion, but on the other I feel that there should be more of a positive emphasis on making better choices before this tough, personal decision has to happen.

I just want to give your guest some support. I am a strong supporter of a woman's right to choose. I dont know what she has had to go thru as a doctor nor as a patient but I want her to know there are people behind you and support you. the more i hear the more i am convinced that pro-choice is the right way to go. and to those who wish her harm, well lets just say I wish I personally could give you the protection you have had to seek. after one conflitct I'm sure I would make your attackers think twice about doing it again. You have my thanks and appreciation for what you have done and continue to contribute.

Lisa Birnbach's interviewing style is irritatingly subjective. I absolutely agree with everything she is saying on this subject, but what kind of journalist says "I'm just going to agree with everything you're saying" in the context of an interview? I also support abortion rights, but I'm listening to this piece because I would like to hear about Susan Wicklund's experiences, not Lisa Birnbach's personal convictions and beliefs.

I have had one child, whom I gave up in an (open) adoption. While I was very pregnant, I yelled at a protest line that was routinely in front of the local Planned Parenthood. I was only 17 and though I did not choose abortion, I would never tell anyone to go with my choice. Each one takes courage and personal resources. I'm glad that the choice is there, that there are doctors that help women in need, with compassion. Compassion seems to be the biggest lack on the part of those that prosecute from on high.

I was a genetic counselor and worked in Billings Montana for about 4 years. I wanted to echo how difficult it was for so many of our patients to have access to termination procedures and to thank Dr. Wicklund for the work that she does. I worked within a high risk pregnancy facility and certainly saw our share of abnormal outcomes. These were devastating to the patients and they often struggled with the decision as to what to do next, even if the prognosis was lethal. There were 3 providers that did abortions in the State, and most were located pretty far from Billings. Patients that had abnormalities that were identified later in pregnancy would often have to travel to Colorado for termination. An option that was financially and emotionally draining.

Brava Dr. Wicklund. All women should have a choice. I would never tell someone how to live their life. I had an abortion 25 years ago and have never regretted that decision for one second. It was the right thing for me and my partner

Regardless of my view about abortion and choice, I was astounded and offended by the most biased interview of the doctor and author. This topic (abortion) can be smartly discussed with reflections on the complicated and often blurry circumstances that influence a woman's decision to abort. It can be truly interesting. Instead, after hearing 10 minutes of the interviewer's dominating the conversation by pushing her own views, I simply turned off the radio.

What is the opposite of an NPR driveway moment? I don't have a pithy catch phrase without using rude words. Regardless, I hope a journalist who understands objectivity as opposed to leading questions will fill in for Mr. Lopate in the future. For now, though, I'll listen to WFUV.

I also would like to reiterate my absolute agreement with Mae (post 19 above). How can you say "i'm just going to agree with you" to reiterate the guest's points as a journalist interviewing someone who represent a specific side of a controversial issue?

One of the things I love best about Brian Lehrer and Leonard (Terry Gross as well) is their abilities to get new ways of considering issues by pushing guests with the tough questions (and questioning toughly). Softball questions are one thing, but communitcating pure subjective opinions is not the place of the journalist in this setting (or at least it normally isn't).

regarding comment 15 - how in the movie "Juno" adoption was illustrated as a "nice option". Adoption is fraught with problems for the birth mother, the adoptee and the adoptive parents. the movie "Juno" was irresponsible in showing the main character as if nothing happened after the birth. That's what they tell you - forget it and move on with your life. Impossible.

I'm curious what people think of women aborting, not because of severe disabilities, but because a fetus is the wrong gender or missing a finger. This happens in NYC all the time.

I enjoyed listening to the views of Dr. Susan Wicklund. However, it is my perspective that the interviewer handled the interview in an unprofessional manner by agreeing so adamantly with her guest's political views -- saying things like "I'm going to echo what you are saying because I agree so strongly." It is my understanding that WNYC cannot both offer tax deductions to its members for our donations AND endorse a political point of view. I think Lisa should remain neutral and objective in her interviews and let her guest be the one to spout political views.

I terminated a pregnancy for Trisomy-21 (Down Syndrome) at 19 weeks by D&E. I believe that we made the best decision that we could and the decision is something that I live with everyday. I am thankful for the brave doctors who allow women like me to make a difficult choice and dread the day that this choice is not possible or is made by judges instead of doctors. It is not something I talk about with other people because most people cannot understand unless they have been through it.

People may not "feel" or "believe" that a fetus is a)an individual living creature and/or b)human. But that doesn't change the scientific fact that it is indeed a "human being" regardless of one's political beliefs. Someone might not "feel" that you are fully human and advocate for the right to terminate you. It has happened throughout history and happens today in abortion and euthanasia. It's great for individuals to have "choice", but not so lucky for the individuals who suffer and die due to those choices.

I was in shock listening today. Basically, they were promoting abortion. If u do NOT want a baby, USE BIRTH CONTROL!Its a lot cheaper & easier on your body than getting abortions as well. DIY also that some people who get a abortions cant get pregnant down the road when they want to. If u are nervous that the form you are using is not 100%effective (which none are).use 2!There are at least 15choices for birthcontrol. Isnt it worth it to save a life, because a fetus IS a human being...whether you"feel"like it is or not.You can see the heart beating at 6 wks. How is that not alive? 2nd, I find it interesting that this show didnt even mention the possibility of adoption. 3rd, the show was trying to dispel the myth of people feeling guilty about abortions..It will never go away, the thought that u may have had a child...the month they would have been born, when you see another child about the same age. Unless we have a personality disorder, humans feel remorse at hurting someone...its just human nature. What also made me upset was that they were putting down Crisis Pregnancy Centers saying that they give people false information. They give free MEDICAL care! They give free baby & maternity clothes, food, shelter, counseling, diapers, etc.They are not judgmental or condemning. They seriously want to help, whether it be a post abortion woman or a woman who needs compassion and understanding in her unwanted pregnancy. I think it really stinks that npr cant get their facts straight.

Adoption is not a solution. Abortion is a perfectly reasonable choice and should be available to all women.

I'm adopted and have a same age brother who is also adopted. One of the first things I remember is being told that I am adopted. It made me think I could be exchanged for a different child at any time. I lived in constant fear.

By kindergarten I kept overhearing my adopted mother ask my adopted father when she could send us away to boarding school. They sent both of us away without prior discussion when we were 15 (my brother to prep school and I to couch surf half a world away while finishing high school).

My birth mother was 19 and I'm sure my birth father was much older than her and married. Abortion was legal in Japan when I was born; it was not socially acceptable for expatriate Americans to practice it.

My adopted father arranged for a number of US women to take trips to Japan in the 1960s to take care of their "problem."

I fought with medical practitioners to get my tubes tied from 16 until 40. They did not want to believe I had fully made up my mind that I did not want to have children and repeat the childhood I was subjected to. Yes it looked pretty on the outside but it was Dickensian on the inside.

Until I had my tubes tied I made absolutely certain I would not get pregnant and if I did I would have gone directly to the closest Planned Parenthood and asked for an abortion.

I profoundly admire the courage and honesty of both the doctor interviewed who performs abortions (as well as other reproductive-related services for women who need them) and the interviewer, herself, who, during the interview, was not afraid to give her whole-hearted support to the Doctor. "Objectivity" is not compromised by such support. Rather, the interviewer is being honest about her (quite correct) belief that, in this time of the danger of Roe v. Wade being defeated, that strong support is vital.

And I despise - absolutely despise - the absolute hypocrites who will get pregnant and then go for abortions for themselves (or, if men, have their wives or other family members have them) and yet still have the gall and completely outrageous dishonesty to then go on to still protest the right to have an abortion (for *other* people, of course). Those liars are people who should rightfully be *denied* abortions for being such cowards. It would serve them right and show them how awful it can be to be pregnant against one's will. Yet, all Dr. Wicklund does is refer them to another doctor if they admit to her that, yes, after their abortion, they will still protest her office (and contribute to putting her life in danger)! She is quite right to show them the door. Cowards and hypocrites may deserve medical care, but not from those whom they would see fire-bombed and shot at after *they* themselves use that care. Despicable! Bravo to the good doctor and interviwer.

If the bible thumpers of the USA want these babies to live, then let THEM take care of them.

An abortion is something between a woman and her conscience and should never be controlled by others or our governments.

but as long as the bible thumpers put their religious beliefs before their country, it's going to be painful.

Birth control is not properly taught in schools (where it really shouldn't be anyway) but because again our government is pushing the 'self control, just don't have sex' routine.

education of the facts is what is necessary. our children are NOT stupid and do not need to be coddled with misinformation.

Put on a condom and get on the pill. that'll be a great start to stopping the unwanted and the abortions.

Well, Denise, it is much easier to rid yourself of a problem that may require you tender love for many years. Now, that could be a real pain in the ass, eh?

Let's just kill the baby and we won't have to bother with the TLC.

Until the fetus is actually born, it is nothing more than a parasite.

Think about it this way, if the pregnant woman died, then the fetus would be gone as well. So if she took her own life, would she be charged with murder?