This is an older article I found, but very pertinent in light of Canada's proposed late-term abortion bill. British research shows that some fetuses younger than 24 weeks-- Britain's upper limit for abortion-- can be born alive, and some do survive for a short period. The research shows that between 1996 and 2001, there were 31 cases of this in one region alone.
An interesting quote from the article:
Although 14 of the babies had only a heartbeat, in four cases there were regular breathing movements. In two cases there was a gasp and another two babies gave out an audible cry.
Another interesting quote:
Dr. Trevor Stammers, senior lecturer in general practice at St. George's University Hospital in London, said the latest research was "deeply distressing."
"I know of obstetricians who have been doing abortions for many years who have broken down saying they cannot carry on any more," he said.
"Despite all attempts at emotional neutrality, the heart does not work that way when you get a baby in front of you that colleagues on another floor of the same building would be trying to keep alive. For the parents it must be extremely upsetting, as it is for the doctors."
