Tebow Family's Abortion Story: An Evangelical Christian Myth From The Phillipines?

CINCINNATI (TDB) -- A New York blogger contends University of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow's family is being deceitful by claiming that a Philippines doctor suggested the athlete's mother have an abortion. If she had agreed, Tebow would not have been born. Inland Z in Buffalo points out the procedure would have been illegal under Philippine law, and notes that the island nation is one of the most Roman Catholic nations in the world. The Catholic Church is fierce in its opposition to abortion. The Tebow's were missionaries trying to convert Catholic Filipinos into becoming Protestants. Here's some of what Inland Z published today:

"The big problem:
1. Pam [Tim Tebow's mother] was seriously ill, post coma, and heavily medicated when the doctor made the alleged suggestion for an abortion. You don't discuss that sort of thing with a woman doped up with medications.
2. The Philippines Federal Penal Code ( Revised Penal Code of 1930) is very stringent when it comes to abortions. The grounds on which abortion is permitted is severely restricted:
To save the life of the woman - Yes
To preserve physical health - No
To preserve mental health - No
Rape or incest - No
Fetal impairment - No
Economic or social reasons - No
Available on request - No"

The Bellwether located a United Nation's document that has more details about abortion in the Philippines. It clearly states that abortions take place in great numbers because the anti-abortion laws aren't enforced. Inland z appears to quote material from the same document without attribution. Here's a pertinent excerpt from the UN report:

"Despite the severity of the law, abortion appears to be widely practised in the Philippines as a means of birth control and is rarely prosecuted. The International Planned Parenthood Federation reports estimates ranging from 155,000 to 750,000 induced abortions per year. However, illegal abortion is performed in a climate of fear and shame resulting from strong cultural, religious and legal prohibitions. Surveys indicate that women resorting to abortion are often from economically disadvantaged groups and take this step because they are unable to provide for another child. Surveys also indicate a high incidence of repeat abortion. In a context of poor health conditions and widespread malnutrition, and where some 76 per cent of deliveries occur at home and only 21 per cent are attended by a physician, induced abortions are poorly performed and result in high maternal mortality and morbidity. The maternal mortality ratio was estimated at 280 deaths per 100,000 live births in 1990. Hospital surveys have found that about one third of maternal deaths occurring in hospitals can be attributed to induced abortion."