The key phrase there is "in the professional judgment of the pregnant patient's treating physician". However, just as key are the wishes of the pregnant patient.

My point is simply that the professional medical judgment and assessment of the doctor along with the reproductive rights of the pregnant patient should be the ONLY factors to consider.

Will doctors be performing abortions right up to the point of birth? Of course, not. What about performing abortions past the point of 'fetal viability'? That should be left up to the professional physician in consultation with the pregnant patient.

There is so much than can be done - even legislatively - in order to reduce the need for and number of abortions to ensure that the procedure is 'legal, safe and rare' without unnecessarily restricting abortion rights. Restrictions based on what legislatures and the judiciary decide should not enter into the equation.

However, there is the notion of compromise and consensus-building to be entertained. But, the overwhelming emphasis and overriding concern should be to respect the reproductive rights of the pregnant patient and the sound medical advice and practice of physicians.

The November referendum, if it passes, will enshrine abortion rights in the state's constitution.

Will there be restrictions or will the matter be taken completely out of the judicial and political realms and left entirely to the woman and her doctor?