I oppose elective abortions at University of Vermont Medical Center.

I am the mother of 7 sons, one of which has Down syndrome. I gave birth to my last 5 boys at the UVV Medical Center (formerly Fletcher Allen). I remember strongly the underlying message of the High Risk OBGN at my 13 week ultrasound with my 5th son who I later found out has Down syndrome and how he went from being a child to be protected to someone I was given the right to kill in a "heartbeat". It was a jarring experience to say the least. I was given no information about positive outcomes for those with any chromosomal abnormalities or even any thoughts from the High Risk OBGYN on the value of an "imperfect" and possibly short life. Fear could have so easily ruled the day if I had been a woman without faith. I could have taken the life of my son Gus, I could have denied him from us and us from him in a moment of fear. At five years old Gus is a funny, smart, and mischievious brother, son, and friend. He has Down syndrome and speech has been a particular challenge for him. As the mother of 7 sons Gus is no different in having personal challenges, as all of my boys and for that matter, all human beings do. We cannot guard ourselves against potential hardship by preying upon our weakest moments and our most helpless citizens. Please UVM Medical Center help give women true choice by supporting them through troubling moments with hope, compassion, and resources, not a loaded gun. Honor the pledge your doctors make to "Do no harm." Would you hand a suicidal patient a gun? Or would you give that patient helpful resources, remind them of how there is light beyond their darkness, that there is hope? Care for us at our most vulnerable moments with honor UVM. Keep elective abortion out of UVM Medical Center.

A child conceived should have a right to life. Abortions should be limited to health decisions only for mother or child.

please share the real gift of life by promoting life and the care of life for all that come to the Medical Center.

As a former resident of Essex Jct. Vermont, I am saddened to hear of this decision.

We are praying you reverse this horrible decision - the lives of innocent children are at stake

I would not be able to recommend that ANY parent send their child (or go themselves) to a hospital that kills in the name of health care. Remember, VT is the state that wants to name everyone who has not specifically, legally opted out, as an organ donor. In a medical culture in which a baby's (or an accident victim's) organs are worth more than s/he is, why would ANYONE want to put his/her life or that of their loved ones in the hands of these practitioners?

I'll pray that this doesn't happen, live is so important to God and to us.

Very upset that this was not openly discussed before a decision was made

The goodwill generated by the University of Vermont Children's Hospital in saving the lives of some of the smallest among us cannot overcome the horror experienced by knowledge of the barbaric means now being employed to end the lives of other pre-born babies, even in the latest stages of pregnancy.

Please have the courage to save lives of innocent children

Let us pray for one another, that life is precious, that we have no right in any circumstances be the the judge who who lives or should end it. Let us remember we will be judged on love and our commitment to protect all, especially our little ones. May God's love burn in our heart and seek His will in all our decisions that His will may be done.

Stop abortion at UVMMC now.

I believe that's murder--how can people not think so??

Please make the hospital a safe place for all people. Knowing that abortions happen in the same hospital I am being treated in make me wonder if my life will be valued. So upsetting that this decision was made. Please stop it.

Please respect all life

Allowing elective abortion or any abortion is killing a human being. Our country has become a society of death. Please don't allow this to continue.

I am again abortion completely and to allow abortion at a late term is inhuman.

I trusted the UVM Medical Center to give birth to my child. How can I trust them now with the lives of my grandchildren when they don't see unborn children as human beings?

This organization is where I brought my baby to be born with an extremely serious high-risk heart condition. It’s very disturbing to know that the same doctors that helped us in the crisis of her birth. Could be involved in the death intentional death of another baby that just was not wanted. How could this be OK in a healthcare network who is culture is about preserving saving and reinforcing life ? I am personally withdrawing all of my medical treatments (over 100k a year) and will be looking for a new medical home. And will only come back if elective abortion is off the table!

Health care should promote health not death!