It seems like the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 1999 had been designed to appease pro-life advocates, and at the same time, sustain the status quo of having legal abortion in the United States. This Act provides yet another reason for life defenders to completely eradicate abortion with the probable argument that 'killing' an innocent life should not have limitations at all. In other words, abortion, whether in utero or partially outside the body, is simply wrong. Without the intention to debate if this Act is beneficial to the American public, the writer wishes to disclose and comment on the important aspects of this bill.
             The Act is to amend Title 18, United States Code, to ban partial-birth abortions. This tells the public that before the amendment, no such ruling existed, or rather, had been specifically cited. This means that women in the United States have had specific rights to terminate pregnancy, but it is not until 1999 (26 years after Roe v. Wade) that partial-birth abortion is prohibited. This ruling brings to light conservative legislation that does not seem to exist at the time of Roe v. Wade court decision. This ruling also tells the public that despite radical acts to end abortion [such as bombing abortion clinics], the government is still willing to examine the matter and act upon it.
             Under Section 1531 (a) and (b)(2), the term 'physician' is defined, and the penalty for any physician who conducts a partial-birth abortion is stated. It is also determined that any person who is not a physician, but performs a partial-birth abortion is subjected to the same punishment. Let it be known that the penalty for such offense includes a fine and/or imprisonment of no more than two years. Furthermore, it has been resolved that if the act of abortion had been performed to save the life of the mother, the charges do not apply. One may ask, "Is the value of life equal to dollar fines and two years in jail?" or "...