In light of the recent Supreme Court decision outlawing a medical practice which, to all intents and purposes, does not exist, there's been much reason for concern and fretting and the like over the past week.

I've made my point clear with anyone who'll ask (and some who don't). I actually have two of them:

1) The foes of abortion are not pro-lifers. That implies that their foes are anti-lifers. They are anti-choicers. No one runs around saying "gee, can't wait until I can have my first abortion!" — no one is pro-abortion. They are pro-choice. Semantics are crucial in shaping opinion. Do not allow anyone to get away with "pro-life" and "anti-abortion."  Ultimately, it is a matter of choice. There are those who believe women can choose, and those who don't believe they should be allowed to choose, what to do with their bodies. I'm of the mind that a sentient being with all of his or her faculties should have that ultimate choice in all areas, and that includes euthanasia and refusal of medical treatment.

2) I am against any legislation on the subject. I am for regulation, to keep the procedure safe and within AMA guidelines. I disavow Roe v. Wade because it twists everything I believe in to have a government that thinks it can legislate a medical procedure of any kind. I wince when courts make boneheaded decisions that are, at core, guided by religion — which should not be a guiding factor in any governmental decision — but ultimately it feels like noise to me. I'm not above it, but I don't feel there's anything to be gained from the discussion because I don't believe the laws should have ever been put on the books. Let me know when we get a law about heart transplants, or splinting fingers, or plastic surgery, or vasectomies — and we'll talk.

Anyway. All of this comes up because for once in my life I worked on a campaign for a guy who won office, and for once I am proved, over and over again, correct in my decision. I heart Eliot Spitzer, my Governor. Today, this:

Mr. Spitzer’s bill, the Reproductive Health and Privacy Protection
Act, would update the current law, which — for example — does not
include a provision allowing for abortions late in pregnancies to
protect a woman’s health. State laws on the books also consider
abortion a homicide, with broad exceptions allowed.

Mr.
Spitzer’s proposal would remove abortion from criminal statutes and
make it a matter of professional and medical discretion. It would also
repeal an old statute “that criminalizes, among other things, providing
nonprescription contraception to minors.”

“Even if the Supreme
Court does not understand the law, we do,” said Governor Spitzer,
appearing briefly today at a Manhattan luncheon hosted by Naral
Pro-Choice New York. “New York State will continue to be a beacon of
civil rights and protection of women’s rights.”

Removing abortion from criminal statues, making it a matter of professional and medical discretion.

Finally, someone who's actually got things in perspective. Hallelujah.

I'm off to buy Mr. Spitzer some flowers. Or something.