Drive By Abortions

In the Netherlands, those wishing to kill themselves can call "Life End," a company that will provide mobile euthanasia units, making house calls to those - or their families - who submit applications for the service.  Of interest to me is that this company will contact the person's doctor, who presumably has refused to administer deadly drugs, to demand why he or she will not comply with their patient's wishes.

Meanwhile, in California, a bill has been introduced by a state senator that would allow people other than physicians to perform abortions in early pregnancy, specifically aspiration (vacuum) abortions.  This legislation is needed, according to state senator Christine Kehoe, because women in the rural areas of California lack access to abortion clinics, many of which are found in the lower economic neighborhoods of urban areas.

I do not think the two are unrelated.

Death - that is, the infliction of such - is primed to become big business.  And why not?  As society continues to convince itself that choosing death over alternatives like palliative care or adoption remains something "noble," corporations will be formed to make it quick, easy, and profitable.  I thought after reading the story of the proposed law in California, I could picture "clinics" popping up on street corners, with safe, nondescript fronts that belie what happens within, and so numerous that even the most ardent pro-lifers can demonstrate outside of all of them.  Ah, but there is a difference, then - because when abortion becomes a business, those pesky pro-lifers can be charged with tortious interference with a business, unlike a non-profit like Planned Parenthood.  I can already see the coupons for "Jiffy Tube" - oh, I am being facetious, it would have a dignified name like "MedChoice" and  could even be franchised - in the local newspaper.

But maybe people would still be too nervous to go to one, since it would mean everyone would know their business (as someone who has prayed outside of Planned Parenthood clinics, rare is the person entering their parking lot )who will look you in the eye, instead keeping them averted and looking away).  So . . . go mobile!  Just as the Dutch have done, if the law passes in California, what is there to stop discreet, unmarked vans coming to your home - maybe even your office, maybe even your child's school - to perform a quick and secret procedure?  After all, people are willing to pay for the convenience of a mobile car detailing or pet grooming service - why not abortion-on-the-go?  "Peace of mind in the quiet and comfort of your own home!"

I wish I could say this was written in parody - but there is too much money at stake.  I wonder if a for-profit corporation would give Planned Parenthood a "run for its money," as it were, but I suspect if abortion became just another commodity offered in America, you might see Planned Parenthood give up its non-profit status, or copy the business model and seek the government contracts under Obamacare.