The pros and cons of abortion - Coursework Example

Other common causes include pressure from family on the grounds of religious belief or family ‘status’; pressure from a spouse; or individual’s decision in the name of careers demands. The legal and religious issues associated with the practice have also largely determined its adoption especially in the developing and ‘religious’ countries. The pros and cons of abortion The debate on whether or not abortion should be legalized has caused ripples across boundaries. Those against its adoption (Pro-life) have condemned it in the strongest terms possible, while those in favor (Pro-choice) have equally enumerated the advantages of the practice.

First, the opponents of abortion argue that, abortion is akin to murder because life begins at conception. It is furthermore in direct defiance of the commonly accepted belief of preservation of human life. Secondly, civilized societies ought not to allow intentional harm of taking another person’s life without permission. Thirdly, abortion (especially if poorly performed) can result in medical complications later in life; some of which include risk of ectopic pregnancies doubles, increase in pelvic inflammatory diseases, and the chance of future miscarriages.

Fourth, with 1.5 million American families willing to adopt a child, adoption which is as viable an option as abortion, should ensure that there is no such thing as an unwanted child (Schwarz & Latimer, 2011). According to Colker (1992), proper medical care after a case of rape and incest can ensure that the victim does not get pregnant; thus the otherwise tormenting abortion that would have ‘punished’ the innocent unborn child is avoided. Sixth, while abortion ought not be used as another form of contraception, women who profess complete control of their bodies should know that control includes fervently preventing the risk of unwanted pregnancy either through responsible use of contraception or abstaining from sex.

Seventh, obedience to the people’s voice includes not using the taxpayers’ money to fund abortion if the public are principally against the practice. Eighth, many lifelong regrets recur afterwards, because those who opt for abortion are often minors or young women with little or no life experience to fully comprehend what they are doing. Often times, irrespective of age or reason, there is intense psychological pain and stress associated with abortion (Colker, 1992). On the other hand, the Pro-Choice proponents of abortion believe that the mother has the choice whether or not to keep the pregnancy.

Fundamentally, because in the first trimester (during which most abortions occur) the fetus is attached to the mother by the placenta and umbilical cord and is fully dependent on the mother, it cannot be termed as a separate entity; thus, unable to exist outside the womb. Secondly, the concept of human life is different from that of personhood. Although human life commences at conception, human lives resulting from in vitro fertilization, but not implanted are usually discarded; which is not equivalent to murder.

Third, most abortions have been medically proven as safe procedures (except for those procured in the “backs alleys” of countries that have illegalized it). The procedure has less than 0.5% risk of serious complications, hence does not affect a woman’s future prospects of being pregnant (Schwarz & Latimer, 2011). Fourth, the violent cases of incest or rape, in addition to being a traumatizing experience become a psychological harm if the victim is forced to