Tragically many doctors will recommend abortion at the earliest sign of trouble, even late in pregnancy. As medical advancements continue, unborn babies are able to survive when born as early as 21 weeks in some cases. When these premature babies are born they display the undeniable reality of life in the womb. This week we are joined by Dan and Deborah FioRito as they share their story of navigating premature birth.
Here are pictures of Thomas through the years.
Resources
Age Doesn’t Determine Value
In 1973, the point of viability – the ability to keep a baby alive outside the womb – was about 28 weeks. Most infants at this age weigh slightly over two pounds.
Today, viability is 22-24 weeks gestation. The average weight of these babies is approximately 15.17 ounces at 22 weeks, 1.10 pounds at 23 weeks, and 1.32 pounds at 24 weeks.
Babies have survived even earlier.
It’s rare but not unheard of that some infants have survived at 21 weeks.
Abortion Industry Between a Rock and a Hard Place
Viability is not a medical or scientific measure of the humanity of the unborn child. It is only the earliest point at which technology can keep a baby alive outside the womb.
The good news is that viability is receding earlier and earlier into pregnancy. A study published early this year demonstrates just how effective the medical community is at successfully keeping these extreme preemies alive and ultimately sent home to their families.
Cheerleaders for Extreme Preemies
Viability does not define an unborn baby’s humanity. It is a scientific benchmark at which medical technology can keep an extremely premature newborn alive.
It is a particularly important milestone due to the life and death decisions that are routinely based upon whether or not a premature baby is considered viable.
One little boy was born at 22 weeks, five days. Even though his parents desperately wanted them to do all within their power to save him, the doctors held a vote on whether or not to provide medical care.
Skateboards for Preemies
Researchers in Paris have come up with an innovative way to develop the motor skills of babies born very prematurely – that is thirty-two weeks or earlier. They came up with a medical type of skateboard the baby can use to acquire motor skills. This can counter the delayed development many premature babies experience.
Preemies Attend Prom
Tatum Kelly and Leighton Long were born very prematurely in Tennessee and spent the first months of their lives in Tristar Centennial’s NICU during 2005. The parents of these babies, just two beds away from each other, bonded and kept in touch over the years. The two now-healthy kids did, too.
Babies Survive at 22 weeks
Fatima Goines went into labor at just twenty-two weeks. Methodist Hospital in Minneapolis refused to treat the baby. So, she checked into a birthing center just seven miles away associated with Children’s Minnesota Hospital where her baby received treatment and is doing great.
Saving Babies Earlier
The British Medical Journal has published new guidelines in treating very premature infants. In the past, hospitals in the United Kingdom required a baby be at least twenty-three weeks along in the pregnancy. They are rolling that back by one week, which is huge for parents of these extreme preemies.
Guests
Dan and Deborah FioRito have 9 children. They call their eight-year-old, Miracle Man Thomas. Together they have a Christian Based Outdoor Family adventure camp that brings families together and in touch with God’s creation.
Leave a Reply