Abortion, whether performed medically or surgically, is the act of terminating a pregnancy. This topic has been a source of controversy for a long time. Some argue that women should not be forced to continue a pregnancy if they do not want to, emphasizing their right to make decisions about their own bodies. On the other hand, there are individuals who consider abortion illegal and in conflict with religious doctrines. They see it as ending the life of an unborn person and defying divine intentions.
Opponents of abortion also support the punishment of individuals who perform abortions as a means to deter others from engaging in similar actions. Many countries have laws prohibiting abortion, but these regulations are frequently contested in legal proceedings. Women have diverse reasons for seeking abortions, such as feeling unready for parenthood or being involved in an un
...stable partnership. This article aims to demonstrate that abortion is deemed unacceptable due to its infringement on a fundamental right, perception as a sin, contribution to further complications, and unjust treatment of individuals.
According to Ensor et al., performing an abortion is seen as a violation of civil rights because it prevents individuals from living their lives as intended. The authors argue that by sacrificing the baby, individuals secure their plans for the future (105). This denial of fundamental rights, such as the right to life, leads to discrimination and a breach of civil rights. Unborn children who are aborted are denied their basic entitlement to life. Some mothers decide to terminate these unborn children based on factors like their location and development within the womb.
This heartless and inhumane action, which can be likened to murder
is an unfair punishment for individuals who do not deserve it. A child, who is initially innocent, should not have their life taken away because of their parents' failure to use contraception or engage in responsible sexual behavior. Therefore, unborn children should be exempt from being penalized as they are innocent.
Abortion raises concerns and presents additional problems. Some individuals believe that ending a pregnancy can solve issues such as continuing with school or hiding the pregnancy from their parents. However, women who desperately seek an abortion put themselves at risk. They fail to realize that terminating the pregnancy only hides the problem; it does not erase their actions. It is important to note that legality does not determine moral rightness in abortion. Furthermore, engaging in abortion can have negative emotional, spiritual, or mental effects on women (Perrucci and Alissa C, 120). Tragically, some women even lose their lives during attempted abortions.
Despite the previous success of abortions, there is always a possibility of complications or death. Women who decide on an abortion are endangering their fertility and may experience increased rates of miscarriage afterward. Even with awareness of these risks, women still choose this path. Some argue that rape justifies abortion since the woman did not consent to unprotected sex. However, assuming the existence of another human being does not solve one problem by addressing another.
When faced with such a situation, it is crucial to prioritize disregarding the rights of the father instead of resorting to the heinous act of killing an innocent child in response to a rape. The child should not suffer for the actions of their rapist father; instead, it is vital to
show compassion and support towards rape victims. However, it's important to understand that showing compassion does not mean terminating the unborn baby of a rape victim. The statement "Whether or not a fetus is human, killing humans should be illegal" (Gabbay; Michael J, 16) remains valid. Women who have been raped should not be directed towards abortion as a solution but rather receive counseling on how to accept the pregnancy and embrace the child once they are born. During this counseling, they should also be informed about both the advantages and disadvantages of abortion.
Even if a child is conceived through rape, a woman may choose to terminate the pregnancy. However, she might later regret this decision if it prevents her from having desired children in the future. Consequently, she may decide to keep the existing child regardless of how it was conceived.
It is crucial to acknowledge that abortion is seen as an offense against God, who has ultimate authority over life and death. The Bible explicitly declares that abortion is equivalent to murder and goes against the intentions of the Creator. Biblical teachings do not allow for any compromises or exceptions regarding abortion. Whether a woman ends a pregnancy early on or at later stages, it is considered sinful from God's perspective.
The reason why abortion is not a solution to one's problem is because the existence of a human being in a woman's womb begins at conception, regardless of the weight or size of the fetus. The essence here is that it is a new human being in existence.
Religious identification plays a significant role in shaping people's attitudes towards abortion, although its influence varies across
different ethnic groups. Studies have shown that conservative Protestants among US Latinos oppose abortion more than Catholics (Shehan et al, 16).
Abortion has detrimental effects on relationships and families. When a member of a family dies, it affects others within the family unit, and this situation is no different with abortion as it involves the killing of a child.
Using abortion as a means to prevent a partner from leaving often leads to disappointment, as women are still abandoned. It is crucial to understand that relying on abortion for relationship maintenance or keeping a man in one's life is wrong. Additionally, it should not be viewed as a method for finding love and long-term commitment. Moreover, terminating a pregnancy has permanent consequences that persist even after the procedure is finished. This act can be seen as avoiding responsibility, as stated by Ensor et al., (105), "We abort because of money, believing we cannot afford a child and do the other things we want to do with our money." Although those who have undergone an abortion cannot change the past, counseling can offer potential healing. Ultimately, using abortion as a solution to problems is misguided.
Terminating a pregnancy carries various risks and can present challenges, contradict religious beliefs, and potentially harm the wrong individual. Despite these factors, some women choose to have an abortion instead of taking on the responsibility of raising a child. However, it is important to recognize that abortion should only be considered as a solution in cases of ectopic pregnancy. Many women who undergo abortions later regret their decision. Therefore, it is crucial for women to avoid hastily resorting to terminating a pregnancy as a
quick "solution" because it ultimately fails to provide one.
Work Cited
- Shehan, Constance L, and Melanie Duncan. The Wiley Blackwell Encyclopedia of Family Studies., 2016. Print.
- Gabbay, Michael J. Logic with Added Reasoning. Peterborough, Ont: Broadview Press, 2002. Print.
- Perrucci, Alissa C. Decision Assessment and Counseling in Abortion Care: Philosophy and Practice.
The text below includes information about three books:
, 2012. Print.
