Reproductive Rights - Essay Example

REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS Reproductive Rights I. Introduction Reproductive rights is a topic which is a hot-button issue in politics in the United s. There are several avenues which must be considered when one is considering what his or her reproductive rights are, based on the laws and particular ethical boundaries of a particular geographical area. Here, it will be attempted to: identify and evaluate the ethical principles used in resolving ethical dilemmas—taking into account the identification and discussion of applicable state and federal laws or regulations as well as ethical theories and principles; apply the principles to specific ethical issues that may have professional, sociological, economic, legal, or political implications; and, with a focus on the “implications” stated above, discuss conditions under which it is ethical for physicians to perform abortions. II. Identification and Evaluation of Ethical Principles of Reproductive Rights Reproductive rights are controversial for several reasons.

According to Bellieni and Buonocore (2006), some ethical principles which can be evaluated include: the potential abuse of womens’ bodies in a male-dominated medical profession; the debate over the validity of the embryo being seen as a ‘person,’ with regard to state and federal law; and the fact that studies have shown that in vitro fertilization has shown higher risks of birth defects such as cerebral palsy in children formed as a result of the procedure (pp. 93). Abortion is legal in the U.S., according to federal law. III. The Application of Principles to Ethical Issues with Various Implications One of the main arguments that naysayers usually make with regard to embryonic procedures is that embryos are actually people, and that scientists are ‘playing God’ by creating children in a scientific fashion—sometimes discarding embryos that are damaged, which to some people is unethical because a person’s life is being discontinued.

According to “The Anniversary of Roe v. Wade” (2011), laws vary by state and locality as to the extent of how abortions may be performed, but federal law guarantees a woman’s right to an abortion under Roe v. Wade—“the [makers of the Constitution] conferr[ing], as against the government, the right to be let alone-the most comprehensive of rights and the right most valued by civilized men” (pgh. 5). IV. Conditions Under Which It Is Ethical for Physicians to Perform Abortions There is an age requirement for girls to be able to have abortions.

Being under a certain age, some young women may need permission from their parents in some states to have an abortion procedure. Local and state laws vary in these minute details. However, by federal law, women are able to have an abortion if they so choose. This includes cases of rape and incest, and also in cases where a birth might pose a health risk to the mother. Right-to-life advocates will only allow for the latter three cases to consist of exceptions when a woman may have an abortion; however, pro-choice groups insist on these rights. V. Conclusion The principles of reproductive rights, the application of those principles, and conditions under which doctors can conduct abortions is always debatable due to the fact that state laws are always changing, while federal law regarding the procedure remains.

Even though reproductive technology has allowed many people to have children who would otherwise not be able to do so, reproductive rights will continue to be one issue that continues to be hotly debated on both sides. REFERENCES The anniversary of Roe v. Wade. (2011). Available: . Bellieni, C., & Buonocore, G. (2006). “Assisted procreation: too little consideration for the babies?” Ethics & Medicine, 22 (2): 93. Duin, J. (1999). “Reckless reproduction?” Insight on the News, 15 (26): 41.