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Positive and Negative Aspects of Abortion

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Positive and Negative Aspects of Abortion
“Abortion is defined as the ending of a pregnancy before birth” (O’ Brien). “Half the percentage of women getting an abortion done is below the age of 25” (Buzzle 1). “Abortions caused by rape, incest and possible health concerns to mother or baby constitute just seven percent” (1). A little more than half of the abortions performed, are on women who have never been married (1). Abortion is one of the most debated topics in today’s society (1). Many people have opposing sides, in which they take because they do not agree with the concept of abortion (1). There are two main sides to the argument of abortion (1). One side of the argument is that abortion should be considered murder because people believe that the life of the child starts as soon as it was conceived (O’ Brian, 15). The other side that people can argue is that there are circumstances where abortion should be allowed (15). There are many positive and negative aspects of abortion. Abortion has a huge effect on today’s society. Abortion was first practiced by the Hebrews (O’ Brien 15). The Hebrews did the procedure only when the mother’s health or her life was at risk (15). At first, the Christian church was against the idea of abortion (15). Later on for the Christians, abortion became debatable in whether or not it is ethical (15). During the 1300’s through the 1800’s, abortion was accepted in Europe only if it was performed within forty days after the child was conceived and if the mother’s life was at risk (15). If a child was aborted after the forty days, many people frowned on the idea but did not consider it murder to the child (15). The idea in which abortion should be acceptable or not has changed over hundreds of years, for example: In 1895, the Roman Catholic Church declared that abortion is never justifiable. Today, the Catholic Church condemns all forms of direct abortion-that is, the intentional ending of pregnancy. Current Catholic teachings permits indirect abortion, in


Cited: Computer Class. Interview. 16 April 2010. “Learn about Abortion Procedures and Abortion Risks.” Pregnancy Centers. 2010. Web. 16 March 2010. . “Men Hurt Too.” Priest for Life. 2010. Web. 16 March 2010. . Nathanson, Bernard. “Abortion: Possible Effects on Your Body.” Pro-Life America. 2010. Web. 16 March 2010. . O’Brien, David. “Abortion.” World Book. 1995. “Pros and Cons of Abortion.” Buzzle. 2010. Web. 5 April 2010. . “Pros and Cons about Abortion.” Life Style. 2010. Web. 5 April 2010. . Reardon, David C. A List of Major Physical Sequelea Related to Abortion. Springfield, IL: Elliot Institute, 1990.
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