ESPN jumps into Abortion debate.

On vacation but couldn't let this go.

ESPN Anchorman and Republican State Sen. Dan Patrick has introduced legislation that would pay women $500 to not have an abortion and put the baby up for adoption.

First off, I understand Rep Patrick's intentions and motivations. $500 is nothing to save a life. It also puts the onus on the pro-lifers, kind of a put-up or shut-up moment. I don't think there's anything underhanded going on, or that he's trying to be overly clever. If anything, its up-front and straight forward. Well, unless the $500 is meant to be a "gateway" to banning abortion all together. Sort of a "abortion is illegal, but you get $500" plan in the future. I'm just not there yet that that's the plan.

Anyway, I don't like it.

1. It sends a very weird message, and, in essence "values" life at $500. Some lawyer will figure this out and use it in court, either for medical malpractice, product liability, child support, abuse, etc. I'm not saying it will work, but anytime the government sets a "price" standard, it has ripple effects, I'm just trying to figure out what they might be.
   
2. It does touch on the whole "people trade" issue. Only here, the government is the broker. Again, weird.
3. Hugely, hugely expensive, which shouldn't matter, but we talk about money when it comes to health care and education so clearly, "money is no object" isn't the...objective. There's the $500 a pop, but also the cost associated with what to do with the kids next. Bluntly, white babies will go like hot cakes, but minority babies are much harder to place. I didn't see anywhere in Rep Patrick's bill for additional funding for foster care, funds to adoption agencies, or health care.
4. Which leads to, what if you know you're baby will have major medical issues or special needs? You can give the baby up for adoption, get your $500 but the state has a new ward.
   
5. Also on health care, anyone who's ever had a baby will tell you that it costs a whole lot more that $500 to have said baby. Will the state cover all cost's associated with delivery and post partum?
6. I'm sorry, but this bill just isn't very well thought out.
   

Which is why I'm nearly positive this bill was introduced to spur conversation, and not a serious attempt to pass legislation. Call it "discussion legislation." But just in case, I wanted to arm our readers with the above handy guide so they can rule the dinner debate.