Avram
“Two options you do not suggest would seem to be the most reasonable for such legislation: “
Ok so option 10.
“the individual physician or an appointed team of medical experts who can assess each case individually.”
Ah but medicine and halacha define danger to life veeeery diferently. This comes up in many situations eg fasting (There is raely a medical indication for a person to avoid fasting for a day with the exception of the elderly) Rabbonim allow eating much more commonly especialy among pregant women, recent surgery etc. Delaying a bris milah is another example physiologic jaundice is not a medical reason to delay a bris. So unless your physician or medical experts would defer to a Competent Rabbi (which is my option 1 above) This isnt a viable option.
“Consulting a knowledgeable rav is something Jews should do regardless of civil legislation,”
I’m not sure what you mean by regardless of legislation, if abortions where illegal unless the life of amother was at risk, and your physician or medical expert felt there was no risk, and a competent Rav felt the life was at risk (either medicaly or psychologicly). What good would going to the Rav be?
“I am aware that in reality, such a setup would be extremely complex, potentially inconsistent, and fraught with conflicts of interest and values. For those reasons, I think it is unlikely for such legislation to be enacted into law. I therefore tend to agree that given the current culture, outright bans are not the best way to reduce the numbers of abortions in the US at this point.”
We whole heartedly agree! PErhaps in Israel, and certainly when Moshiach comes we can enact a Rabbinic advisory board of some sort.
“However, this does not mean I support the status quo!”
What do you support?
“What about non-frum Jews?”
They are number 2
“I wish this were true. But previous discussions in this forum have made me fear otherwise.”
You are right about that. But they fall into my number 2 category.