The Hippocratic Oath, and Hypocrisy

Let's compare the actual number of deaths from COVID-19 with other main causes of death. Our whole country and most of the world are dealing with the effects of this new outbreak caused by a coronavirus (there are various strains). So far, there have been around 34,000 deaths in the world, and around 2,500 in the U.S., from this immediate cause. Proper testing may show far more cases, and a corresponding lower death rate, but these are the reported numbers now (as of 3/30/20).

Off the top of my head, and without looking at facts and statistics, I know some major causes of death in the U.S. (The numbers after each one are annual deaths, from 2017 CDC data.)
I did not think of Stroke (146,383), Alzheimer’s (121,404), Influenza (55,672), Kidney disease (50,633), and Suicide (47,173) – which round out the top 10 reported causes of death.

Assuming those numbers from this highly-respected agency are correct, that comes to 2,081,531 deaths from the top 10 causes of death in 2017. That amounts to 5,703 deaths each and every day that year, on average, from these causes. So death is happening all the time.

Further down the list, we would find murder, guns/shootings, lightning, shark attacks, and other various ways people die. The “news” would have you believe mass shootings are the foremost cause of death in America. Though they are dramatic and draw a lot of attention, they are relatively far fewer in numbers.

So often, a politician has been heard to say, "If this (law, effort, ban, whatever) can save just one life, just one child, then it would be worth it."

Yet – the most common cause of death in America…IS ABORTION – 862,320 in 2017. That is an average of 2,362 abortion-deaths EVERY DAY! That is nearly half of the deaths from the supposed top 10 causes of death in America. But then to qualify for this list, abortions would have to be recognized as deaths. Many CHOOSE not to see an abortion as death. How absolutely wrong!

I bring this discussion about COVID-19 back around to one of the hottest debated topics of our time – abortion. This is critically important to me. Some might say this is not the time to discuss abortion - that is the politicization of the issue. When might be a better time to discuss it? That is what this whole disruption of our country and the world is all about right now, isn't it? So we can "save lives," right?

Most cases of death by abortion could be prevented – they would simply not be performed. The baby would be spared, and live. Yet they are doctors who perform these baby-deaths.

I mention the "Hippocratic oath" in the title for a reason. It is interesting to read some of the history of this statement that is so foundational to medicine throughout the development of Western culture. It is a very impressive personal promise made by those giving their lives to practicing medicine. It is really worth reading, in its various forms, as it has changed over the centuries. One important phrase that sticks out for me is the medical professional "will abstain from all intentional wrong-doing and harm" for those being treated. Originally in the oath and profession, abortions were not allowed, nor the administering of poisons if desired by the patient to end his own life.

Right now in our country, we are talking about life. It is life and death, for each of us, and especially for each little baby when it comes to abortion. Whether you are for or against abortion reveals the very heart of one’s conscience and morality. If you find any justification for legally allowing the killing – the murder – of babies in the womb of their mothers, I sincerely question how God’s love can be in you. It is God who gives and sustains LIFE! It is life for which this country was founded, alongside freedom.

What would be the value or cost that we could offer up to save “just one life?”

What would we (or “they”) really do to save just one life?


Many doctors and nurses and supporting staff are working to save lives and provide relief during this time (and always). God bless them in their efforts.