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By: Pro-Life Advocate, Defender of Individual Rights, Gerardo Serrano
As a Pro-Life Republican with a Libertarian philosophy, I firmly believe that the rights of a child begin at conception. This conviction is rooted in my deeply held spiritual beliefs, but I also recognize that my faith alone cannot dictate policy in a nation that values individual freedoms. If we want to create laws that save lives, we must rely on principles that everyone—religious or not—can recognize and respect.
That’s why I take issue with President-Elect Donald Trump and other so-called conservative Republicans who propose 15- or 16-week abortion bans. These compromises may seem politically convenient, but they are scientifically indefensible and ethically inconsistent.
Grounding the Debate in Science
When does life begin? Scientifically speaking, the answer is at conception, when a unique set of DNA forms. This is not just a collection of cells—it is the blueprint of an individual. By 7 weeks of gestation, we have additional markers of life and individuality:
- Unique DNA: By this stage, fetal DNA is detectable and distinct from the mother or father, underscoring the individuality of the unborn child.
- Heartbeat: At 6–7 weeks, a detectable heartbeat shows organized biological activity.
- Neurological Development: Early brain structures are forming, laying the groundwork for future cognition.
These are not spiritual beliefs—they are biological facts. By 7 weeks, the individuality of the unborn child is undeniable. A law rooted in science, limiting abortion to this stage, strikes a balance between respecting life and honoring the freedoms of those who hold different beliefs.
The Problem with 15- or 16-Week Limits
Proposals for 15- or 16-week abortion bans, championed by figures like President-Elect Donald Trump and Senator Lindsey Graham, fail to address the core issue. While these limits may seem moderate, they fall short scientifically, ethically, and politically. Here’s why:
- Science Is Ignored: At 16 weeks, the fetus has organs, fingerprints, and the ability to move in response to stimuli. If we recognize individuality at 7 weeks, why allow abortions for an additional nine weeks?
- Few Lives Are Saved: According to the CDC, 93% of abortions occur before 13 weeks. A 15- or 16-week limit does little to significantly reduce the number of abortions compared to a stricter 7-week policy.
- Pro-Life Principles Are Undermined: These compromises suggest that life’s value is negotiable. But if individuality is established by science, any delay in protections is a betrayal of pro-life values.
These policies don’t represent true conservatism—they represent political expediency. They fail to uphold the principle that life, once scientifically established, deserves protection.
The 7-Week Solution
A 7-week limit on abortion offers a path forward that is scientifically sound, ethically consistent, and respectful of individual freedoms. It is a framework that:
- Protects Life: More than 40% of abortions occur before 7 weeks. Limiting access after this point would dramatically reduce the number of abortions while still allowing women time to make decisions early in pregnancy.
- Respects Science: By basing the policy on DNA, heartbeat, and neurological development, it avoids ideological arguments and focuses on objective evidence.
- Balances Rights: A 7-week limit acknowledges the rights of the unborn child without disregarding the freedoms of those who disagree with this perspective.
Faith and Freedom
As someone who believes deeply in the sanctity of life from conception, I must also acknowledge that others in this country are entitled to their own beliefs and freedoms. In a pluralistic society, we cannot rely solely on spiritual convictions to shape our laws. Instead, we must turn to principles that all Americans can recognize: science, reason, and the commitment to protect individual rights.
This is not about abandoning my faith—it’s about ensuring that my advocacy is persuasive to those who don’t share it. By focusing on the undeniable markers of life that science provides, we can build a case that respects both liberty and life.
A Call to Conservatives
President-Elect Donald Trump and other conservatives who propose 15- or 16-week bans may believe they are finding common ground, but they are compromising the very principles we claim to defend. True conservatism is not about bending to political pressure—it’s about standing firm on the values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
I urge my fellow conservatives to embrace a scientifically grounded 7-week limit. It is a policy that saves lives, respects freedoms, and reflects the principles that define us as Americans.
Who I Am
I am Gerardo Serrano, a Pro-Life Republican with a Libertarian philosophy. I believe in protecting life, respecting liberty, and standing firm on the principles of individual rights. I have fought for these values at the highest levels, including in a landmark case before the United States Supreme Court. My commitment to liberty and life is not theoretical—it’s personal, and it’s unwavering.
I challenge conservatives to reject half-measures and compromises that fail to protect the unborn. Let us honor life and liberty by embracing a policy that is rooted in science, guided by reason, and respectful of the freedoms we hold dear.
Contact Information:
Gerardo Serrano
Pro-Life Advocate, Defender of Individual Rights
