Partial birth abortions are very rarely used for birth control and I am tired of political postures that imply they are. I have two SILs who were in situations where one would be recommended. In both cases the eight-month fetus was severely damaged. Not retarded in such a way that there was ANY CHANCE AT ALL that “quality of life” would enter into the decision. Simply put, these were lumps of tissue without brains and would not survive outside the womb except on a respirator and, even then, only for a very short while. In one case the doctor induced labor and the mother lives with memories of going through the whole birth process to produce a dead baby. She even gave it a full funeral. In the other case the mother opted fot the procedure villified by “pro-life” activists. Both babies were “wanted”—planned and provided for. Both mothers were traumatized by their loss and the decision they had to make. Turning either into a criminal for political gain is a callous and heartless act.