We have referred to an apparent disregard of fœtal life, obtaining in the
medical profession, as a prominent cause of the prevalence of criminal
abortion. We now proceed to show that the opinion is not unfounded.
* * * * *
Premature labor, or obstetric abortion, may be justifiably induced by the
physician for one of two reasons; either to save the life of the mother
or that of her child. In each case it must be, absolutely and only, to
save a life.
* * * * *
Performed for the child’s sake, it is evident that the operation can
be only available during the last three months of pregnancy, for then
only can the fœtus with any degree of probability be considered viable.
We grant that there are a few cases on record where, born during the
sixth month and even in the fifth, the child has survived; but it is
equally certain, despite the popular notion concerning the mortality
of eighth-month children, that the later the operation can be safely
delayed, the better the chance for the infant’s life.
The rules for the induction of premature labor must, of course, vary
for different cases. In this early stage of the inquiry, it is perhaps
impossible to state them precisely, but they may still be approximately
arrived at.
1. The operation, performed for the child’s sake, is but seldom required;
and in general,
(2.) only after the commencement of the seventh month of pregnancy.