Perspective on Abortion Rights

Imagine a woman faced with an unexpected and challenging pregnancy. She has to make a difficult decision, weigh her options, and consider her future. Imagine a society where she’s deprived of that decision, and she’s compelled to carry the pregnancy to term, despite the circumstances. One must examine the deeply ingrained argument of both sides of the abortion debate to comprehend it fully. Abortion has been an ongoing issue for decades. The history of abortion is associated with societal issues over human rights, morality, and individual freedom. Abortion rights advocates contend that people should be in charge of their bodies and that equality and health depend on having access to safe and legal abortion. On the other hand, opponents view abortion as the taking of human life, advocating for the rights of the unborn, and pushing for alternatives like adoption. Furthermore, they argue that society has a responsibility to protect women and the most vulnerable members including unborn children, and that offering support to expectant mothers can lead to positive outcomes for both mothers and children. Despite the ongoing debate, understanding both perspectives is essential, as this issue affects society as a whole.

Both abortion and the safe use of pharmaceuticals are known to be safe medical procedures. According to Sage journal: Abortion in legal, social, and healthcare context, Jeanne Marecek, talked about a new abortion medication. “The introduction in 2000 of medication that induced abortion offered new possibilities for abortion access. In the U.S., for example, medication abortion (which is also known as medical abortion or “pill abortion”) currently accounts for roughly %25 of abortions that are registered in medical records.” When prescribed and taken correctly under the guidance of healthcare professionals, these pills are shown to be highly effective and safe for terminating early pregnancies. As stated by Planned Parenthood, “Medications for abortion are very safe. In fact, it’s safer than many other medicines like penicillin, Tylenol, and Viagra.” Research indicates that the risk of complications from medication abortions is minimal. Organizations like ParentHood affirm that when women have access to accurate information and appropriate medical care, medication abortion is not only safe but can be carried out in a private setting, which enhances comfort and privacy. Abortion pills have changed reproductive healthcare by offering a safe, non-invasive option under medical supervision, greatly lowering the risk of unsafe abortion.

The physical and psychological health risk, linked to abortion frequently goes unexamined, however, they provide significant reasons as to why the legality of abortion should be reevaluated. While proponents may argue that abortion is a safe procedure, cases show otherwise. For instance, Lorrain Thul had a hysterectomy following an abortion puncturing her uterus [an organ in women’s lower abdomen where babies grow and develop] (“Marching in the wrong direction”). Severe infections and excessive blood loss from uterine punctures result in complications like increasing the risk of infertility which affects a woman’s ability to have or conceive children. Additionally, research on the psychological impacts of abortion reveals that many women experience feelings of regret, depression, and even anxiety following the procedure (Abraham, MD). This results in conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), where one has difficulty moving on in life since they’ll be reliving the distress through flashbacks, nightmares, or unpleasant thoughts. Guilt and depression can cause one to feel hopeless in life leading to unhappiness, which can lead to social disengagement and isolating oneself. These symptoms of anxiety can disrupt sleep, focus, and emotional stability. Together, these mental health issues can affect the overall wellness and health of women. This implies that abortion has repercussions beyond the operation itself, highlighting the importance of women’s mental and physical health post-abortion and why it should be taken into thought and consideration before legalizing abortion as a way of prioritizing women’s overall well-being. 

A bioethicist quoted in Harvard Gazette, “The ethical question of whether to support someone who says, ” I’m pregnant and do not wish to be pregnant” involves the consideration of their body, the risk of pregnancy, and the rights of the individual. Many argue that forcing someone to carry a pregnancy to term, especially when they express a desire not to, places an undue burden on their physical and emotional well-being.” The Harvard Gazette, highlights this issue by making a comparison to organ donation, noting, “We don’t demand that people give blood or bone marrow.” Yet abortion restrictions effectively ask pregnant females to risk their health for another potential life. This perspective shows the importance of respecting an individual’s choice, especially when continuing a pregnancy might be risky or unwanted. It aligns with pro-choice arguments that emphasize personal autonomy and the medical realities of pregnancy. By focusing on these aspects, it shows the audience the need for individual freedom in making such significant decisions.

The ethical arguments against abortion are based on the idea that life begins at conception, the act of conceiving a child, which questions the morality of the procedure. In the case of partial-birth, a late-term abortion procedure where the fetus is delivered before being terminated, congress finds the practice particularly disturbing, “The gruesome and inhumane nature of partial-birth abortion and its disturbing similarity to the killing of newborn infant promotes a complete disregard for infant human life…” (U.S Congress). Society must protect life, as well as infants. This questions the significant moral and cultural consideration regarding the boundaries between life and death and the roles of medical professionals, who are entrusted with protecting life rather than ending it. This highlights the need to value human life and maintain moral principles during medical procedures. Additionally, “partial birth gives the fetus an autonomy which separates it from the right of the woman to choose treatments for her own body” (U.S Congress). Although decision-making on one’s own body is an important ethical principle, it does not allow one to take another person’s well-being into account. Since laws are put in place to protect people from harm done by others, society’s obligation to protect life should be extended to unborn children. 

Women’s rights to choose are protected under pro-abortion laws, guaranteeing access to safe and legal abortion services as a fundamental aspect of reproductive rights. According to Gale’s opposing viewpoint: Abortion, talks about support for abortion. “In 2024 pew research center poll, 63 percent of US adults believe that abortion should be legal in all or most cases,..some pro-life activist may condone abortions in case of rape or incest.” This indicates that abortion should be legalized to prevent victims of rape and incest from experiencing more trauma and suffering from carrying pregnancies to term. Abortion should be allowed in every state because it guarantees women access to safe medical treatments and lowers the danger of unsafe illegal abortions, resulting in death. 

Significant modifications have been made to abortion regulations, especially in the United States. The Dobbs V. Jackson ruling of the Supreme Court invalidated the legality of abortion under Roe v. Wade. The Dobbs ruling recognized the moral worth of life and allowed states to pass laws that prioritize the protection of fetal life. For instance, Dobbs upheld the Mississippi Gestational Age Act, which prohibits abortion beyond 15 weeks and only allows it when the pregnant woman’s life is in danger or if there are any serious fetal defects (Manninen BA). This law reflects a shift in policy, where Abortion is only allowed to protect one life whether it’s the mother’s or the child’s life. Protecting fetal life at critical points in pregnancy, the Dobbs decision is in line with state objectives to prioritize the development and rights of the unborn, reinforcing a moral comment to valuing life from conception. Abortion violates the fundamental right to life, which everyone has, even unborn children. This reinforces the need for a federal ban on abortion.

In conclusion, abortion is a complex topic that requires a balance of ethical consideration and personal autonomy. Advocates who support abortion support the idea of women’s right to autonomy over their bodies, emphasizing safe, legal access to abortion as being vital for equality and health. Conversely, advocates who are against abortion are pro-life. They defend the rights of the unborn and see abortion as an act of immorality. Over time healthcare has improved making safe medications available, but there are still concerns regarding the psychological and physical side effects of abortions on women’s health. Ultimately this debate affects both the people and society, therefore before making any decision on whether to legalize abortion or ban abortions the different aspects such as health, legality, ethics, and morals should be taken into consideration while considering one’s personal preferences and societal values. 

Works Cited 

Abortion in Legal, Social, and Healthcare Contexts – Jeanne Marecek, Catriona Macleod, Lesley 

Hoggart, 2017, journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0959353516689521. Accessed 29 Oct. 2024. 

“Abortion Risks: LA Dept. of Health.” Abortion Risks | La Dept. of Health, 

ldh.la.gov/page/abortion-risks. Accessed 27 Oct. 2024. 

Congress, U.S. “Partial-Birth Abortion Is Unethical and Should Be Banned.” The Ethics of 

Abortion, edited by Christine Watkins, Greenhaven Press, 2005. At Issue. Gale In Context: 

Opposing Viewpoints link.gale.com/apps/doc/EJ3010012224/OVIC?u=cuny_ccny&sid=bookmark-OVIC&xid=700832f0. Accessed 27 Oct. 2024

Gazettebeckycoleman. “How a Bioethicist and Doctor Sees Abortion.” Harvard Gazette, 6 May 

2022, news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2022/05/how-a-bioethicist-and-doctor-sees-abortion/

Is the Abortion Pill Safe? | Read about Abortion Pill Safety, 

www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/abortion/the-abortion-pill/how-safe-is-the-abortion-pill. Accessed 29 Oct. 2024. 

“Marching in wrong direction; Women deserve better than abortion.” Washington Times 

[Washington, DC], 23 Apr. 2004, p. A23. Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A115755194/OVIC?u=cuny_ccny&sid=bookmark-OVIC&xid=c965702d. Accessed 27 Oct. 2024.

Manninen BA. A Critical Analysis of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization and the 

Consequences of Fetal Personhood. Cambridge Quarterly of Healthcare Ethics. 2023;32(3):357-367. doi:10.1017/S0963180122000809

Scholarly Articles on Abortion: History, Legislation & Activism, www.gale.com/open-access/abortion. Accessed 29 Oct. 2024.

Scholarly Articles on Abortion: History, Legislation & Activism, 

www.gale.com/open-access/abortion. Accessed 29 Oct. 2024.