Abortion, a Right of Choice - Research Paper Example

Download file to see previous pages There is no compromise to discuss, no middle ground to be negotiated: one concerned with the freedom of choice and woman’s health the other the life of the unborn. To appropriately examine the subject, the opposing viewpoints including the legal, medical and moral aspects must be argued with similar determination and without bias. The topic of abortion is multi-faceted and each side of the issue provides thought-provoking, credible arguments. It’s up to the individual to disseminate the information and make up their own mind based on what they consider to be moral but everyone should understand both positions and approach the subject with a no prejudices so as to make the choice that is comfortable for them. This discussion first presents the ‘right-to-life’ view then follows with the ‘pro-choice’ position, both of which are complex and compelling. The moral case for and against are important in a social context yet inconsequential because these emotionally charged opinions will not decide whether abortions remain safe and lawful or not. The discussion concludes that legal abortions should be the law of the land. Pro-Life This country was built upon the foundation of the freedom of choice. Those who are for legal abortions use this catchphrase while insisting on a woman’s ‘God given right’ to make life choices on her own without the federal or state government interfering. This simple philosophy is accepted by some but the reasoning is flawed when the realities of abortion are studied. Research has shown that the majority of women who have abortions are coerced into committing this deadly act of a living being. In addition, safe abortions are a myth, there is no such thing as they would lead people to believe. Women who are experiencing an unwanted pregnancy know that there is precious little freedom of choice for them. The women themselves typically want to bring their child to full term. Other dominant influences in her life such as parents, boyfriends/husbands and friends are usually the forces that put pressure on her to end the pregnancy. “Eight out of 10 women surveyed after abortion said they would have given birth if they’d had support and encouragement from family and friends” (Reardon, 2002). It’s the abortion that, in most cases, is unwanted by the expectant mom, not the child. More often than not, the father of the baby, not wanting to accept responsibility, may threaten or mercilessly beg a mother until she agrees to have the abortion. “In 95 percent of all cases the male partner played a central role in the decision” (Zimmerman, 1977). This and other research has clearly illustrated that most women ultimately come to a decision that goes against her conscience. Legal abortion allows fathers to force their desire on women. Some women reluctantly consent to abortion out of desperation because they are afraid of continued abuse. That fear is validated because women who decline to abort their child have been subjected to severe abuses which have escalated to murder if the women continued to refuse to end the pregnancy. The primary cause of death for pregnant women is murder. What other motive than one involving abortion could there possibly be? “Sixty-four percent of women surveyed report being pressured by others into unwanted abortions” (Reardon, 1992).   Immediately after the abortion is performed, the one(s) coercing the ‘choice’ are relieved and rarely, if ever, give the inconvenient subject another thought. Women, in contrast, suffer long afterwards, consumed by guilt and heartbroken over their irreversible decision. “ ...Download file to see next pagesRead More