Abortion Quote by C. Everett Koop
“Protection of the life of the mother as an excuse for an abortion is a smoke screen. In my 36 years of pediatric surgery, I have never known of one instance where the child had to be aborted to save the mother's life. If toward the end of the pregnancy complications arise that threaten the mother's health, the doctor will induce labor or perform a Caesarean section. His intention is to save the life of both the mother and the baby. The baby's life is never willfully destroyed because the mother's life is in danger.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Public Health Forum, 1995
The claim that maternal health concerns justify abortion is misleading; medical practice aims to preserve both lives, not sacrifice one for the other.
In simple terms: Maternal health isn’t a valid excuse for killing a baby.
Key Takeaway
Recognize medical realities over political rhetoric.
Themes
ethics
medicine
abortion
maternal health
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
analytical
informative
When to use this quote
- obstetric emergencies
- policy debates
- patient counseling
Key Concepts
bioethics
clinical practice
risk assessment
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance maternal risk with fetal rights?
- What evidence supports or refutes this claim?
A Different Perspective
Medical decisions prioritize both mother and child, not a trade‑off.
