ATTORNEY APPOINTED TO REPRESENT PREBORN CHILD IN ALABAMA

In a development that people on both sides of the abortion question believe is ground-breaking for the U.S., an Alabama judge has appointed an attorney to represent a preborn child whose mother wants to procure an abortion. Whether or not the case becomes precedent-setting may be determined by its outcome; nevertheless, pro-life forces praise Judge Mark Anderson’s initiative. Tom Blackerby of the Alabama branch of the American Family Association calls it “a brave first step forward.”  Judge Anderson has been described as a very religious man who believes that a preborn child is a human being. The attorney he appointed to represent the preborn baby, Julian McPhillips, is a board member of Alabama Lawyers for Life. Mr. McPhillips noted that Alabama’s judicial rules allow a judge to appoint a guardian for a preborn child in property and inheritance matters, adding that if this is the case, “why can’t he appoint an attorney to represent the life interests of an unborn child?”“I think it’s a groundbreaking case,” he added.  The case in question involves a girl under the age of 18. The details of her case, however, remain sealed under state law. In Alabama girls under 18 require parental consent before having an abortion, except if a judge rules she is mature enough to make the decision on her own or if she is a victim of parental abuse. In these cases, the judge appoints an attorney to represent the girl’s interests.