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Every Christmas season, beautiful Nativity scenes remind us of the miracle of life at the root of the holiday. Nativities in Christmas tree ornaments, churches, or little toy play sets all draw our focus to the humble beginnings of a little baby in Bethlehem who would forever remind mankind of the inherent value and dignity of every human person.
I've been an OB/GYN for the last 15 years. I spent three years of that time as a medical missionary in rural Kenya where I witnessed the miracle of new life amid simple beginnings. The sight of new mothers and fathers gazing upon their newborn children is awe inspiring, whether beside a manger or in a hospital room.
At a time when our country and world are so divided, it's even more critical that we appreciate the shared human experiences that unite us, such as welcoming a new life into this world. One of the greatest joys I get to witness is a couple watching their baby grow in the womb. In fact, advanced ultrasound technology gives us the ability to see the intricate developments of these preborn humans during the approximately 40 weeks of pregnancy.
From the moment of fertilization, that new human being already has genetically unique DNA, different from that of the mother and father. During the sixth week of pregnancy, expectant parents can see their child's heartbeat. At the 12th week, all of the baby's major organs have formed, and their heart has beat over 10 million times. By at least 15 weeks, both pro-life and pro-choice doctors agree the child in the womb can feel pain. This is why preborn babies can be seen recoiling from abortionists' fatal instruments, squirming for their very lives in the womb. At 17 weeks, the unborn child is large and strong enough that their mothers can physically feel their movements. In some cases, a baby can even survive on their own as early as 22 weeks.
These are just some of the many amazing fetal developments that occur during the first half of a woman's pregnancy. During the latter half, the baby responds to music, reading, and singing, and develops sleep patterns. All of this occurs before the little one is even born.
It's disheartening to see the value of these beautiful lives and that of their mothers take a back seat to misinformation about the care available to women after Dobbs v. Jackson. Ohio's recent passage of a radical abortion amendment joined Michigan, California, and other states in destroying all common-sense protections for the preborn, thereby endangering women and putting the lives of millions of preborn babies at risk.
The abortion movement has succeeded in these states due to misinformation and fearmongering. They've scared women into thinking that abortion is their only or best option, while ignoring the breadth of information, resources, and support available to them. Women deserve to know that they and their child have infinite value. They deserve to know that there are resources that can help them overcome difficult circumstances as they carry a child to term. And they deserve quality health care, knowing that their doctor will provide excellent care for both them and their preborn child.
Despite these recent election losses, it's important to remember that it took five decades and many setbacks to overturn Roe v. Wade. It's not possible to create a culture of life in America overnight, but a great place to start is by continuing to provide great medical care that supports both woman and child. OB/GYNs who practice life-affirming medicine do exactly that.
In addition to the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists, an organization of more than 7,000 medical professionals devoted to supporting and caring for women, there are more than 3,400 pregnancy resource centers and maternity homes across America. These centers help women overcome poverty, anxiety, abuse, addiction, and more by providing love, housing, community, and opportunity to those with unexpected pregnancies. Most offer these resources completely free of charge.
More than 32,000 lives have been saved since the Dobbs decision. As we reflect on these precious lives saved and our duty towards all life moving forward, the Nativity scenes around us this Christmas set a powerful example of what it truly means to love, protect, and stand up for the vulnerable. It also reminds us of the miracle that occurs when a new life enters this world.
This Christmas, let's reinvigorate our spirits to share the beauty of new life by protecting and valuing every life, born or preborn. For the thousands of pro-life physicians across the country, we will continue to make it a priority to celebrate and defend the lives of all of our patients by continuing to provide excellent and life-affirming health care to them all.
Dr. Christina Francis is a board-certified OB/GYN and CEO of the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.
