I had meant to comment on this story in the Daily Mail when it came out, but one thing led to another and none of them back to this article, till now. Hat tip Drudge.

The lead paragraph:

One of the country's leading hospitals is throwing aborted babies into the same incinerator used for rubbish to save only £18.50 each time, it has emerged. Addenbrooke's Hospital, in Cambridge, said it was no longer able to afford the dignified disposal at a local crematorium of foetuses from unwanted pregnancies. Instead, they are being burnt in the hospital's main incinerator - which is normally used for rubbish and clinical waste.

My intitial reaction was to think--well, it has finally happened, the logic of the abortion position has led to consistent action. If an unwanted baby is thought of as something to be rid of like waste, then dispose of it like waste.

The next paragraph got me thinking:

The revelation sparked anger and distress among church leaders and pro-life groups, as well as women whose pregnancies were terminated at the hospital.

I would expect anger from church leaders and pro-life groups, but am not accustomed to seeing the feelings of "women whose pregnancies were terminated" mentioned. (more below)


The next paragraph really surprised me:

Pro-life groups claim that, while not illegal, it goes against the spirit of guidelines issued by the Royal College of Nursing. The RCN's guide, Sensitive Disposal of all Foetal Remains, says disposal alongside clinical waste is 'completely unacceptable'. It adds: 'It is acknowledged that sometimes parents don't recognise their loss at the time, but may return months or even years later to enquire about the disposal arrangements. 'Therefore, it is important to respect the wishes of parents who may not want to be involved, but to ensure also that sensitive and dignified disposal is carried out.'

The Royal College of Nursing expresses awareness, codified in guidelines, that parents who choose to abort may not feel loss at the time, but may do so months or years later. This is a truth not usually expressed in the media, at least not in the American media.

As a pastor I have seen the reality of delayed grief over an abortion. Not so long ago a women, not a member of our church and whom I had not seen before, stopped by my office, wanting to make confession and be forgiven for an abortion a few years ago. She stated that when faced with the decision she had been confused, stressed, and pressured by friends to go ahead with the abortion as the only alternative. So she said yes to death. Today she lives with the regret and sense of loss. Death hurts.