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Thursday, April 12, 2007 12:00 AM

Birth certificates for stillbirth?

Some argue stillborn babies don't deserve a death certificate.

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  • Saturday, April 14, 2007 04:38 PM

    Pick your battles, Carol

    "It's all about symbols: birth certificates that offer a symbolic token from the state that the mother really did give birth, a symbolic token in an argument that women are killing their babies when opting for abortion."

    I cannot see how this has anything to do with abortion. The only people who see a link are those making a huge, huge logical stretch to fit their own personal agendas.

    Mothers of stillborn babies do give indeed birth. They go through labor, or perhaps have C-sections, same as those who bear healthy, happy babies. I can't imagine how awful it would be to go through full labor knowing your baby is dead. And I can certainly see how a birth certificate would give, at least, some dignity to the dead baby.

    In my state, the legislature is considering such a bill, and it has wide support, from adamantly "pro-life" and "pro-choice" lawmakers alike.

    These birth certificates seem to be something that will offer some comfort, and no real harm. So Carol, pick your battles a little better.

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