Donna L. Clark
University of Maryland University College
Abortion: Pro Choice or Pro Life?
The issue of abortion is one of the most contentious, and emotive dilemmas faced by modern societies (Devanny, 2000). Women should have the right to choose whether or not they want to continue or terminate their pregnancy. Since the infamous Supreme Court case of Roe vs. Wade, women were given the right to choose what’s best for them and their unborn child even if it means to end life. Since abortion became illegal, there have been many debates between pro choice and pro life that women have the right to choose but in the process they are killing a living human being.
Pro Choice Women all over the world should have the right to a safe, legal, and accessible abortion (Lee, 2007). Pro choice groups agree that it’s the women’s right to decide whether or not to bring a child into this world is a personal matter and we shouldn’t try to interfere with her right to choose. Statistics have should that when abortion is made illegal and inaccessible to women, she would turn to every unsafe procedure in order to terminate an unwanted pregnancy. Women may attempt to induce miscarriages or will try to self terminate the pregnancy by using home remedies. If this happens complications may include inflammation, hemorrhaging, kidney failure, infertility complications, and may also result in death. Each year it has been estimated that 78,000 deaths occur due to homemade abortions. In the cases of rape or incest, forcing a woman who got pregnant in a violent act would cause more psychological damage to them. In these types of cases, abortion is best option which will allow the victim to not bring a child into this world which was conceived through a violent crime.
Pro Life Abortion is a tragedy; there are far too many in the United State today (Chittom, 2007). Since the landmark Supreme Court case of Roe vs. Wade which gave the right for women to seek medical help for terminating a pregnancy. The debate between pro life and pro choice has been going on for years. Pro life groups have made continuous efforts to inform women who are contemplating abortion to consider the consequence that come with it. Some pro life women who had abortions have experienced some emotional, psychological, physical, and spiritual scars that stay with them for the rest of their lives. Depression and other stress related illness have derived from abortions. Due to abortions, mental health services costs have increased to women suffering from post-abortion trauma. Studies have shown that abortions can lead to medical complications later on life which included the risks of ectopic pregnancies, pelvic inflammatory diseases, and a chance of miscarriages with future pregnancies, Pro life movements have expressed that life begins at conception and getting an abortion is like committing murder.
Abortion Debated Abortion is an option that must remain accessible to women if they decide to choose to terminate the pregnancy. Before abortion was legalized woman waited longer before deciding to seek abortion which makes it more dangerous to the welfare of the mother and child. Abortion can also be present psychological pain and stress that comes after abortion. Abortion is important option to women who faces an unplanned pregnancy. Some argue that a child who is unwanted should not be brought into this world. Pro lifers look at a child as blessing and there are many other options that will allow you to get rid of any unwanted pregnancy. Adoption should be considered for women who don’t want to terminate their pregnancy to give their child up to people who will give them the love and care that they deserve. The most heated debate between pro life and pro choice is rape. Pro choice forces believe that a woman who has suffered through rape or other violent crimes should be able to terminate the unwanted pregnancy with no remorse. Pro life forces believe that the rapist should be punished not the child. Terminating the pregnancy punishes an innocent child not the rapist.
Conclusion
The battle between for pro life and pro choice has been debated for years. It’s up the women to do what she thinks is necessary when it comes to unwanted pregnancies. Since the 1973 case of Roe vs. Wade, many have taken sides for and against abortion. Is it right for the federal government to interfere with a women’s right to choose life or not? This debate will continue for until the end of time. Who are we to say who’s right and who’s wrong when it comes to abortion?
References:
Lee, M. (2007) Point: Abortion is a Health and Human Right Issue. Points of View: Abortion. Retrieved on June 28, 2009 from the Points of View Reference Center Database
Chittom, Lynn-nore. (2007) Counterpoint: Why Women Should Choose Not to Abort. Points of View: Abortion. Retrieved on June 28, 2009 from Points of View Reference Database
Wilson, Brian. (2007) Counterpoint: Outlawing Abortion. Points of View: Abortion. Retrieved on August 14, 2009 from the Points of View Reference Center Database
Anderson, Tim (2007) Point: The Right to Safe and Legal Abortion. Points of View: Abortion. Retrieved on August 13, 2009 from the Points of View Reference Center Database.
Devanny, Joe (2009). Should abortion be permitted? Retrieved from www.idebate.org
Lowen, Linda Ten Arguments for Abortion and Against Abortion Retrieved on August 12, 2009 from www.womenissues.about.com
References: Lee, M. (2007) Point: Abortion is a Health and Human Right Issue. Points of View: Abortion. Retrieved on June 28, 2009 from the Points of View Reference Center Database Chittom, Lynn-nore. (2007) Counterpoint: Why Women Should Choose Not to Abort. Points of View: Abortion. Retrieved on June 28, 2009 from Points of View Reference Database Wilson, Brian. (2007) Counterpoint: Outlawing Abortion. Points of View: Abortion. Retrieved on August 14, 2009 from the Points of View Reference Center Database Anderson, Tim (2007) Point: The Right to Safe and Legal Abortion. Points of View: Abortion. Retrieved on August 13, 2009 from the Points of View Reference Center Database. Devanny, Joe (2009). Should abortion be permitted? Retrieved from www.idebate.org Lowen, Linda Ten Arguments for Abortion and Against Abortion Retrieved on August 12, 2009 from www.womenissues.about.com
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