It is not difficult--although it is frightening--to imagine a scenario in which the government seeks to assert its newfound "regulatory authority" by establishing a process whereby any abortion, both induced and spontaneous, is treated as a potential felony and is subject to criminal investigation.  For example, if a woman were to experience a spontaneous abortion (better known as a miscarriage) during the second trimester of her pregnancy, would it now be reasonable for the government to take action to determine whether the rights of "the life within the woman" had been violated in some fashion?  Many women do not obtain the recommended medical care during pregnancy or engage in practices that may compromise the health and wellbeing of both themselves and their unborn child (e.g., cigarette smoking, drug and alcohol use, inadequate diet, exposure to stress, etc.).  If the spontaneous abortion could reasonably be attributed to such "neglectful" behavior, whether such was intentional or not, should the government pursue criminal charges against the woman because she caused or contributed to the untimely demise of her unborn child?  If the government, indeed, ought use its authority "to show its profound respect for the life within the woman," then ought it not respond to such reckless endangerment?  Ought it not intercede to stop such when it can and prevent the occurrence of such?  Ought it not enact regulations that provide for the regular monitoring and reporting of a woman's activities and practices during pregnancy, to ensure that the unborn child is being appropriately cared for?  Ought it not mandate certain standards of care and punish those who fail to comply with such?  Ought it not assume the role of guardian ad litem for every unborn child?  Isn't such governmental intervention the natural extension of the Supreme Court's decision?  Where will it all end?

The five men on the High Court who cast votes in support of the ill-conceived and ideologically-driven Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act have cast aside their judicial robes in favor of vestments and lab coats.  They have unwisely and recklessly shoved the nation--particularly all women of childbearing age and all those who may provide for their care--out onto a steep and slippery slope.  They have shown themselves to be activist judges of the most dangerous sort.  Where will it all end?

NOTE: This essay and others like it may also be found at Kmareka.com.