Pro-Choice Abortion Essay Example

when their mother is overwhelmed with a large number of children and lacks enough time to nurture and educate them properly. According to EI (2011), studies have indicated that 44% of women who have undergone an abortion experienced nervous disorders, 36% had sleep disturbances, 31% expressed regret about their decision, and 11% were prescribed psychotropic medicine by their family doctor (p. 1). This quote illustrates the psychological repercussions that can arise from a difficult and personal choice for a woman.

Abortion can have various psychological effects on women, including anxiety, sleep problems, and feelings of regret. It is important to recognize that women already experience significant stress during this time and should not be burdened with moral and legal consequences. An article in Women's health (2013) highlights the negative circumstances faced by women who were refused abortion care and forced to continue their pregnancies. These women were more likely to be unemployed, dependent on public assistance, living below the poverty line, and victims of domestic violence. Furthermore, denying abortions increased the risk of physical health complications associated with childbirth for these women.

This quote emphasizes the repercussions of an undesired pregnancy, such as the economic hardships faced by individuals and the burden on government when offering aid. The financial difficulties not only affect the government but also impact the unintended child. Hence, it is essential to maintain legal abortion in order to address the wellbeing of other family members, psychological concerns, and economic and societal matters. Despite abortion being legalized, there remains controversy concerning access to contraceptives and abortions. Concerns related to these issues include price, awareness, and availability.

Rachel (2012) argues

that allowing the contraceptive pill to be obtained without a prescription could lead to increased expenses. This change may cause the current $4 pharmacy offers to rise above $100 per month (p. 1). The resulting higher price, potentially reaching up to $1200 annually, is concerning for women who rely on this pill for preventing unintended pregnancies. Many of these women, aged 11-25, are either too young or financially burdened by their education to afford such costs on their own.

The danger of inaccessible abortions also includes the risk of death. According to Perry on MSNBC (2013), prior to 1973, complications from abortion were the primary cause of death in women who could bear children (p. 1). If performed by an untrained person, an improperly done abortion can potentially result in a fatality. Abortions are a invasive procedure that can pose significant harm to women, emphasizing the importance of this procedure being available from a trained professional for any woman in need. With limited access to abortion once again, women's lives are endangered.

The text emphasizes the significance of prevention in reducing risks when it comes to different contraceptives. Pennington (2013) brings attention to this matter by pointing out the lack of birth control education in her sex-ed class, where only condoms were mentioned for preventing STIs (p. 1). To decrease both abortion rates and the chances of more severe outcomes, it is essential to provide teenagers with up-to-date and valuable information on all available contraceptive methods.

In her work, Rachel (2012) highlights the importance of knowledge and contraceptives in preventing unwanted pregnancies. Rachel supports White's suggestion that birth control should be accessible

over-the-counter. According to White, the existing restricted access to birth control contributes to increased rates of unintended pregnancy (p.1). This statement underscores that women without access to birth control face a higher risk of becoming pregnant.

Increasing the availability of contraceptives can result in a decrease in unwanted pregnancies and the need for abortion. According to Perry (2013), "87% of counties in America lack an abortion provider" and "40% of women seeking abortion are below the poverty line." Perry also points out that despite its legality, obtaining an abortion has become increasingly challenging due to various restrictions. This highlights the significance of affordable access to contraceptives as a way to reduce the number of abortions performed.

In order to reduce the number of abortions and protect women's health, it is important to address the factors of cost, awareness, and accessibility. Furthermore, women persist in their fight for their rights, which has been an ongoing challenge. In line with the established rights charter, abortion should remain legal as it encompasses elements of freedom, safety, personal life, and individuality. "Everyone has the right to [...] liberty and security of person" (Charter Section 7).

The charter of rights ensures that individuals have the right to exercise control over their own bodies, including making decisions about abortion. Violating a woman's physical well-being contradicts her security rights. Denying or delaying an abortion increases the chances of complications and health risks. The right to personal freedom includes being free from physical constraints and having the independence to act based on one's beliefs, especially in regards to moral choices regarding abortion. As per the charter of rights, everyone has the entitlement

for their personal life to be respected. Choosing whether or not to have an abortion falls within the realm of an individual's private life.

The government is obligated to respect personal choices, even if it is not legally obligated to provide assistance. There are people who oppose abortion and support the rights of fetuses. To receive rights and protection under the charter, a person must be recognized as both human and a person. These individuals also argue that abortion meets the definition of homicide as stated in section 223(2) of the criminal code.

The criminal code defines homicide as causing harm to a child before or during its birth, resulting in the death of the child after it has become a fully formed human being. According to this definition, for legal purposes, a child is considered a human being once it has completely exited its mother's body while still alive. This definition does not take into account factors like breathing, independent circulation, or the cutting of the umbilical cord. Therefore, under the charter of rights, a fetus at the stage where abortion is permitted is not recognized by law as an individual and does not receive protection. The recognition of the fetus as a human being only happens after completing full-term pregnancy and being born with the ability to sustain life independently.

The legality and accessibility of abortion should be upheld because, according to the law, it is not classified as murder. It is crucial to take into account factors like the right to freedom, safety, and personal life, alongside the concept of personhood. Abortion ought to remain lawful based on individual

situations, inadequate preventive measures, and principles outlined in the charter of rights. Although it is a complicated choice that could be avoided with improved availability of contraceptives and information, ultimately it relies on personal ethics and independence.