Abortion Policy Paper

Three part memo | Murderer or Mother? | Civics: Policy Paper | | Chase Charley | 5/1/2013 |

In this document you will find my view on Abortion, and the policy I have proposed. You will also see the history and views of abortion. |

PART 1: DEFINITION OF POLICY ISSUE
Abortion is the removal of an embryo or fetus from the uterus in order to end a pregnancy. Abortion is a highly controversial topic. It is controversial because there are many people on both sides of the issue, all with strong opinions. Some people may look at what is morally right, and not what is best for the mother or child.
Abortion dates back to the ancient times, when the first settlers arrived and was legal. In the 1800’s states began to make abortion illegal. In that time period, abortion was considered extremely risky. At that time hospitals and antiseptics was not common. Between 1967 and 1973, one-third of the state’s liberalized or repealed their criminal abortion laws. However, on January 22, 1973 the court case Roe v. Wade made abortion legal and changed the public health policy.
Abortion is important today because of funding and how people view the issue. Many think that money from the federal government should not fund abortions. For example, the Arkansas senate is aiming to cut off state funds to abortion providers. Another example is the North Dakota governor signed the “Heartbeat” Abortion Ban. Abortion is also important because of the role it plays in rape crimes, orphanages, and life threatening situations. Such as if a girl can not bear a child, or if the mother has seizures or other diseases.
Also, our nation’s political parties have chosen sides on abortion. Democrats are liberal, they side with pro-choice. Republicans side with pro-life. Obama favors abortion; he thinks the choice of abortion should be up to the woman and her doctor. Mitt Romney, Sarah Palin, and George W. Bush are pro-life. Mitt Romney thinks women should only get an abortion unless it involves cases of rape, incest, or if the mother’s life is in mortal danger. All in all, abortion is still important today, it involves the society and our political parties.
There are two sides to the abortion issue, pro-life and pro-choice. Pro-life believes in advocating full legal protection of embryos and fetuses. Pro-choice believes in advocating a woman’s right to control her own body. Both the pro-choice and pro-life have convincing arguments. An argument for pro-life is: “Since life begins at conception, abortion is akin to murder as it is the act of taking human life. Abortion is in direct defiance of the commonly accepted idea of the sanctity of human life.” An argument for pro-choice is: “Nearly all abortions take place in the first trimester, when a fetus cannot exist independent of the mother. As it is attached by the placenta and umbilical cord, its health is dependent on her health, and cannot be regarded as a separate entity as it cannot exist outside her womb.” There are many other arguments, viewpoints, and opinions. The one I listed is the ones I find most convincing.
PART 2: MY POSITION
My view on abortion is that women should be able to choose and decide for themselves. I am pro-choice. I am pro-choice because I think making abortion illegal will cause more women to die. Every year, 78,000 women die from unsafe abortions. I also think that religious idealology is no foundation for any law. Freedom of religion is guaranteed in the first amendment. I am pro-choice because I think it is unfair for a woman who has been raped to carry out her pregnancy. Also, if incest occurred, it is unsafe for the victim to have the baby. Teen girls whose bodies are not yet ready to bear a child are five times more likely to die from abortion. Each year 70,000 girls, aged 15-19 die from pregnancy and child birth. Abortion also reduces the number of children in orphanages. These are the most important facts of why I am pro-choice.
Although I am pro-choice, there are compelling arguments from the pro-life side. Abortion should be illegal because abortion is just like murder. Also, an abortion can result in medical complications later in life such as pelvic inflammatory disease. Abortion should not be used as another form of contraceptive. Women who want “control over their body” should be responsible and prevent unwanted pregnancy. Preventing an unwanted pregnancy is by being smart, responsible, and using contraceptives like condoms and birth control. Abortion also causes intense psychological pain and stress. But, so does carrying a child that you got from being a victim of rape or incest.
PART 3: PROPOSAL AND POLICY SOLUTION
As a congressman, I propose that you consider funding abortion. However, only in cases in which the mother was raped, incest, health risking, or doesn’t have the funds to raise a baby. Some positive things you could do include: having classes, fairs, and other occasions to raise awareness of abortion and it’s after effects. Funding for abortion should be made available to clinics in low income places and women centers. Overall, as a congressman you should fund abortion, not everyone has the funds. Abortions cost anywhere from $350 to $550. If you don’t fund abortion it’s an infringement of a woman’s right.
With the recommendations I listed, I propose that you go to places where not many people know about abortion. Also, you could reach out to local hospitals and high schools. If abortion is funded it can potentially decrease the number of unsafe abortions and death tolls. I am glad to have showed you my views and other views from different people. I am pro-choice and I think that you should fund abortion.