Abortion:views of Obama and Romney - Essay Example

Abortion Abortion is one of the most controversial social issues in America at present. It is one of the major issues discussed widely in the comingpresidential election. Both Obama and Romney have contrasting opinions about this issue. Being a democrat, Obama favours the legalization of abortion whereas Romney is against the legalization of abortion. This paper analyses the views of Obama and Romney. “Romney previously supported a woman’s right to decide, but he is now adamantly opposed to abortions, unless it involves cases of rape, incest or if the mother’s life is in mortal danger” (2012 Candidate Comparison).

In other words, Romney is not much sure about this issue. He is changing his opinion occasionally. Obama can label Romney as an opportunist. It should be noted that in the 1994 Massachusetts senatorial debate against Edward M. Kennedy, Romney favours the women’s right to decide whether to keep or abort the fetus. However, he has changed his opinions in the ongoing presidential election. He strongly criticises the legalization of abortion. Replying to the question of moderator Sally, Romney said; “we recognize the right of all people to believe as they want, and not to impose our beliefs on other people” (2012 Candidate Comparison).

Obama deputy campaign manager Stephanie Cutter accused Romney of trying to "cynically and dishonestly hid[e] his real positions" after he told the editorial board of the Des Moines Register that there is "no legislation with regards to abortion that I’m familiar with that would become part of my agenda." (O'Brien). Romney is trying to liberalize or simplify his stands on abortion for political gains. He knows very well that majority of Americans are supporting abortion and it is illogical for him to criticize the legalization of abortion.

On the other hand, Obama has no such doubts in supporting the legalization of abortion. According to the views of Obama “a woman should be able to obtain an abortion at any time, for any reason, regardless of ability to pay or stage of pregnancy” (Barack Obama on Abortion). In his opinion, women should be allowed to take decisions about the future of the fetus since they are the ones who suffer from pregnancy related problems. Obama perceives abortion as a human right issue. He has pointed out many times that the freedom of choice should be ensured in America.

"You don't want a bunch of politicians, mostly male, making decisions about women's health care decisions," Obama said. "Women are capable of making these decisions in consultation with their partners, with their doctors, and for politicians to want to intrude in this stuff often times without any information is a huge problem."(Liptak) In 2008, presidential election also, abortion was an issue. In that election also, Obama supported legalization of abortion. In other words, Obama is not changing his opinions just like Romney.

He wanted to see this issue as a moral one rather than political. He has argued that it is choice of the women whether to perform abortion or not. There are plenty of religious groups in America. Some religious groups advocate abortion whereas others criticize it. Obama argues that people should approach this issue only on moral terms rather than political terms. In other words, those who believe abortion as a sin can stay away from it whereas others can perform it. In my opinion, Abortion should be considered as a personal or private issue rather than a social or political issue.

I do believe that Obama’s opinions are suitable to the needs of a civilized society like ours. Unintentional pregnancies may create lot of physical and psychological problems to the mothers. There are plenty of teenage non-married girls, who conceive unintentionally. Unwanted pregnancies have the ability to destroy the life of a teenage girl. It is illogical to punish a teenage girl for a momentary lapse in emotional control. It should be noted that the burdens and curses of unwanted pregnancies may follow the girl until her death.

It is unethical and illogical to put a woman into lifelong suffering for a momentary lapse in concentration. It should be noted that the tax payer’s money will be utilized for the treatment and rehabilitation of the mothers who conceived unintentionally. In other words, disallowing abortion may result in huge financial losses to the government. To conclude, Obama’s views on abortion is more acceptable and suitable to a civilized society like ours. Romney is trying to acquire political gains from this issue.

He is approaching this issue through political perspectives and keeping silence over the social aspects of this issue. In short, Romney is an opportunistic at least in this issue. Works Cited “2012 Candidate Comparison”. 2012. Web. 25 October 2012. “Barack Obama on Abortion”. 2012. Web. 25 October 2012. Liptak, Kevin. Obama On Mourdock: Male Politicians Shouldn't Make Abortion Decisions 2012. Web. 25 October 2012. O'Brien, Michael. “Obama Team: Romney 'Trying To Cover Up' Views On Abortion” . 2012. http://nbcpolitics.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/10/10/14343409-obama-team-romney-trying-to-cover-up-views-on-abortion?lite