Government Regulation of Abortion - Essay Example

When the question of rights is brought up, there are always points and counterpoints flung across the table. Rights have become the epitome of our existence on one hand and also the topic of many a coffee table conversation on the other. Besides, if one claims the right to exist, one wonders if the corollary is thought of - how would one exist Perhaps, another very compelling question would be the fact that a mother has to bring forth a life and ensure its sustainability. Therefore, the question of abortion has to be viewed not just from the point of the unborn infant, but also from the viewpoint of the mother and others associated with the newborn.

A discussion on abortion and its relevance in American society would be incomplete without a reference to Roe v. Wade, the all-important case that gave all pro-choice supporters a boost. The United States Supreme Court upheld the view that a mother could abort her fetus up to a "point at which the fetus becomes 'viable'" (410 U.S. 113, 1973). Here the court described 'viability' at around 24 weeks of pregnancy. Apart from this, the court also mentioned that the mother could choose to abort a fetus, if she had reason to believe that her physical health was in jeopardy.

This landmark decision has led to heated debates and not much of an end in sight. " the Issue Legalized abortion has become the most hashed-over political and theological debate in a nation devoted to debates." (Baird & Rosenbaum, 2001).Political & religious thoughts on abortion: It is difficult to isolate politics from religion. The two are so closely intertwined that very often what is a political statement, might sound like a deeply religious one. There is a very fine line that can be drawn between religion and politics and it is a commonly accepted fact that this has been the position from time immemorial.

Though abortions have been legalized in most states in the US, there are constant dissensions on the issue that flare up into major verbal as well as physical clashes. It would be relevant to mention here that political parties have always had to face the questions raised by pro-life as well as pro-choice voters as part of their political campaigns. As an election issue, it is just as important as the amount of federal money that is being spent on the defence services and probably more so when an election is imminent, as the situation right now is.

When the subject of discussion and debate is a contentious one like abortion, political parties try to project a very unified view; however, their credibility on their stance is always at stake. It is commonly believed that Republicans are pro-life and would like to see Roe v. Wade relegated to the back pages of legal history. John McCain, for instance, has been a consistent pro-lifer since 1984. (Head, 2008). The Democrat viewpoint is generally one of pro-choice. However, a recent report on the views of Barack Obama on the issue recounts his commitment to take constructive measures to reduce the number of abortions in the country (Chicago Tribune, 2008).

This seemingly near-pro-life attitude has led to the formation of a Catholic group that believes that voting for a supposedly pro-choice