Spontaneous and Induced Abortion - Assignment Example

Abortion Outline Introduction - According to the medical terminology, abortion is ified into twotypes which include spontaneous abortion or induced abortion (Keeling and Khong 102). - Spontaneous abortion is the expulsion of the fetal contents without any voluntary involvement or utilization of induction methods (Keeling and Khong 102). -On the other hand, induced abortion is the voluntary disruption of a pregnancy. This form of abortion is a controversial subject (Hou Chap. 29 n.p.). - In 1973, the Supreme Court of the United States declared abortion to be legal in the Roe v Wade case (Hou Chap. 29 n.p.). -Rates of abortion rose dramatically following this court decision (National Right to Life Committee 4). -Following this, different states in the country implemented different decisions with regard to abortion (Hou Chap. 29 n.p.). -The current trends in abortion reveal a reduction in its rates (National Right to Life Committee 4). - Considering the reduction in the rates of abortion and the increase in the individuals opposing it, anti-abortion policies should be implemented and it should only be permitted under special circumstances. Body Paragraphs -The important policy that should be strictly implemented is that abortion should not be allowed after twenty weeks (Belluck n.p.). The reason behind this is that the fetus starts perceiving pain following the twentieth week and thus this act should not be permitted (Belluck n.p.). The thalamus of the brain is developed by the twentieth week and it allows the fetus to detect pain (Belluck n.p.). Opponents to this policy argue that fetal pain cannot result prior to the twenty fourth week because the cerebrum is not developed and this part of the brain is mainly involved with pain perception (Belluck n.p.). Research has supported that pain can be felt even when the cerebral cortex has been removed. Thus, cerebral cortex alone is not necessary for feeling pain (Belluck n.p.). Also, another study revealed that fetuses that underwent surgical procedures had a rise in their levels of stress hormones. This indicates that pain is perceived very early by the fetus and thus it should not be permitted after 20 weeks (Belluck n.p.). -The ultrasound of the paper should be shown to the mother prior to the abortion. This should be embedded in the abortion policy (National Right to Life Committee 22). This is because a mother should know about the development of her baby and her final decision with regard to abortion should be taken after she is informed of all the fact regarding her baby (National Right to Life Committee 22, 23). The ultrasound has proved to make many women opt for life rather than aborting their unborn baby (National Right to Life Committee 29). Opponents argue that the implementation of this policy is a breach in the rights of freedom of speech and this law should not be legalized (Associated Press). A study has also shown that women who are determined to have an abortion do not tend to change their mind and go ahead with the abortion even after the ultrasound images. 98.4 percent of the women in the study had an abortion even after the ultrasound (Dockterman). An ultrasound does not tend to invade into the rights of women and it is rather the right of a woman to make an informed decision relating to the fetus. Thus, an ultrasound should be performed (National Right to Life Committee 22). The study shows that 98.4 percent of women opted for abortion even after ultrasound but there were still 1.6 percent of the women who changed their minds. Thus, this option should be implemented so that individuals who are pro life became strong enough to take their decision. -A policy implementing a compulsory counseling sessions of the women undergoing abortion should also be added (National Right to Life Committee 23). Every woman has a right to have complete knowledge of the procedure that she would undergo and the risks associated with it. This purpose is fulfilled by counseling (National Right to Life Committee 23). Anti- abortion groups argue that the main purpose of this counseling is politically motivated and it aims to prevent the women from undergoing abortion. They argue that this step is only to create a barrier in their decision regarding abortion (Kumar). A study which was published in 2013 and carried out by Vandamme and his colleagues revealed that women showed a very positive response towards the counseling sessions and these sessions were helpful for them. Thus, counseling sessions are encouraging sessions for the women undergoing abortion and they also tend to provide a complete picture of the procedure and the dangers linked to it. -These policy changes would be beneficial for the residents of Texas who would have access to safe abortion methods. - The women would be provided proper guidance prior to their procedures so that they would be absolutely sure of their decisions. -The abortion rate in the United States has dropped drastically over the years and in 2011, it was recorded that the lowest number of abortions had occurred in comparison to the last thirty years (Eckholm). -Considering, this drop in the rates of abortion, it can be understood that these policies would be welcomes by the masses who have become more pro life over the years. -Negative consequences may result due to these policies. Women who are determined to have abortions beyond 20 weeks or who do not wish to have an ultrasound or counseling would have to travel to other states to undergo this procedure. - These implementations would be welcomes by pro life groups including National Right to Life Committee that campaigns against abortion and works towards lowering its rate. -On the other hand, abortion clinics and staff working at these institutions would not favor these implementations as it would affect their working. -American Civil Liberties Union (A.C.L.U) would also oppose these implementations as it is a pro abortion group. -The Republicans would also not favor these policies as they follow a pro abortion stand as well. Conclusion -Policy changes in Texas with regard to abortion can be very helpful for the masses. -Important changes can be made in the current practice which include mandatory ultrasound and counseling. -Also, abortion should be limited up to 20 weeks because many health professionals believe that the fetus starts feeling pain following the 20th week. -These laws would be welcomed by pro life groups and most of the Americans because the American mindset has changed over the years and they have become more pro life. -This has been revealed by the drop in the abortion rates. -Republicans, ACLU and the abortion clinic owners would not favor these laws. -But, in conclusion considering the beneficial outcomes of these policy changes, they should be implemented. Works Cited Associated Press. "Judge: N.C. abortion ultrasound law illegal." USA Today. 18 Jan. 2014. Web. 27 Oct. 2014. Belluck, Pam. "Complex Science at Issue in Politics of Fetal Pain." The New York Times. 16 Sep. 2013. Web. 28 Oct. 2014. Dockterman, Eliana. "Will Looking at an Ultrasound Before an Abortion Change Your Mind?" Time. 9 Jan. 2014. Web. 27 Oct. 2014. Eckholm, Erik. "Abortions Declining in U.S. , Study Finds." The New York Times. 2 Feb. 2014. Web. 27 Oct. 2014. Keeling, Jean, and T Y. Khong. Fetal and Neonatal Pathology. London: Springer, 2007. Print. Kumar, Anu. "Abortion, the States and the World Health Organization." Huffington Post. 8 Oct. 2012. Web. 27 Oct. 2014. Hou, Melody Y. "Therapeutic Abortion. " Obstetrics and Gynecology: The Essentials of Clinical Care. Ed. Reece, E A, and Robert L. Barbieri.  Stuttgart: Thieme, 2010. Chapter 29. n.p. Print. National Right to Life Committee. "The State of Abortion in the United States" National Right to Life Committee. 28 Jan. 2014. Web. 17 Sep. 2014. Vandamme, J, E Wyverkens, A Buysse, C Vrancken, and R Brondeel. "Pre-abortion Counselling from Womens Point of View." The European Journal of Contraception & Reproductive Health Care : the Official Journal of the European Society of Contraception. 18.4 (2013): 309-18. Print. Read More