Life of the mother

Abortion: A gymnastics star is testimony to a mom who never saw saving her son or herself as a “choice” when illness threatened | Lynn Vincent

Gold, gold, silver, gold. At the Junior Olympics National Championship in Oklahoma City last month, 18-year-old gymnast Thomas Kelley ascended the podium again and again. The Libertyville, Ill., teen captured the national title for 16- to 18-year-old male gymnasts and also received the Mas Watanabe Award, an honor awarded to the highest all-round Class 1 gymnast in the country.

As usual, his mom, Susan, cheered from the stands. But had a certain day 19 years ago unfolded differently, Thomas might not be here at all.

When Susan was six weeks pregnant with Thomas, a medical emergency placed legitimate interests—an unborn child, the life of a mother, and a doctor's medical priorities—in conflict.