Overview of Ethical Issues on Abortion Essay Example
Overview of Ethical Issues on Abortion Essay Example

Overview of Ethical Issues on Abortion Essay Example

Available Only on StudyHippo
Topics:
  • Pages: 5 (1304 words)
  • Published: November 5, 2021
View Entire Sample
Text preview

Abortion remains a contentious ethical issue that sparks impassioned debates. It involves the intentional termination of a pregnancy.

There are varying viewpoints on abortion. Some believe it is morally acceptable because it allows parents to decide what happens with their own bodies. Conversely, others strongly oppose abortion, considering it a criminal act similar to murder and advocating for the preservation of life. It is crucial to acknowledge both perspectives as they provide valuable ethical considerations.

The main aim of this research paper is to foster comprehension of diverse perspectives on a particular issue, while remaining impartial. One viewpoint asserts that abortion is ethically unacceptable as it results in the unintended demise of an innocent child.

The termination of a life is ethically and morally incorrect and should carry legal consequences. Numerous studies indicate that life commences at conception. To avoid unwanted pregnancies an

...

d the subsequent creation of children, individuals who do not desire parenthood are advised to utilize the readily accessible contraception methods. Despite being unseen, a fetus possesses distinct genetic characteristics that differentiate it from any other person. Consequently, inflicting harm upon another individual is also morally unacceptable.

According to Smyth (116), a fetus can feel pain at 18 weeks gestation, making it morally objectionable to perform an abortion beyond this stage. Additionally, research suggests that abortion does not bring liberation to women but rather results in feelings of regret. Ultimately, most women will naturally desire motherhood as it is ingrained in their nature.

Instead of seeking abortions, women desire an environment that supports childbearing and parenting. This includes accessible and affordable childcare, flexible work arrangements with maternity benefits, and governmental assistance for women to reintegrate into the workforc

View entire sample
Join StudyHippo to see entire essay

(Smyth 116). Rather than using starvation or abusive relationships as justifications for abortion, these issues should be addressed directly. Creating a sustainable income and stable relationships will ultimately create a favorable environment for a woman to welcome her unborn child. Regrettably, abortion can have long-lasting negative effects on a woman's reproductive capacity, potentially rendering her permanently infertile (Smyth 117).

This will significantly affect her future when she chooses to marry and begin a family, which includes having children. Abortion contradicts the principles of feminism, particularly the principle of non-violence. It primarily serves the self-centered desires of men who wish to engage in sexual activities without assuming responsibility (Smyth 118). Men contend that pregnancy denies them their right to engage in sexual activities with their partner, using this unfair and egotistical rationale to support abortion.

The Bible condemns abortion, asserting that it would jeopardize the salvation of humanity. Mary, despite being unmarried and pregnant, could have opted for an abortion. Such a decision would have spared Jesus from pain but deprived humanity of the heavenly gift of salvation.

After a thorough evaluation, it is clear that abortion contradicts ethical and moral principles. It breaches the laws set by God to direct human conduct as terminating a baby's life in the womb cannot be justified. Additionally, the child's future could closely resemble that of its parents in several aspects. However, there is an opposing perspective that advocates for abortion.

There are ethical arguments in favor of abortion, particularly when the pregnancy is unwanted or poses a risk to the mother's health or life. These arguments prioritize the well-being of the mother over that of an undeveloped fetus (Ferris 50). Additionally, advocates

for women's rights also support abortion.

Empowering women to make decisions regarding their bodies, such as the choice of abortion, is crucial for achieving gender equality. Unplanned pregnancies have significant consequences for women's lives, affecting their education and future prospects. Legalizing abortion provides a solution to this problem by granting women the ability to decide when they are ready to have children.

Ensuring access to safe and legal abortion is of utmost importance in safeguarding women's health and well-being. By denying women the right to undergo an abortion, they may resort to seeking illegal means of terminating their pregnancies, which can lead to severe consequences such as infertility or even death. Thus, it is crucial that we acknowledge the provision of abortion access as a fundamental aspect of pregnancy rights, granting every woman the autonomy to make decisions concerning her own body. Particularly for young women still attending school, unintended pregnancies often disrupt their aspirations (Ferris 56). Consequently, they resort to unsafe and unlawful abortion services due to the current prohibition on abortions.

It is important to prioritize and value women's rights and choices beyond their involvement in pregnancy. Unlike men, pregnancy significantly impacts the lives of women, influencing their physical appearance. This can result in a transition from being perceived as attractive and desirable to becoming overweight and unattractive. Consequently, numerous women face challenges with self-esteem.

Many women do not realize their own importance and worth. In some instances, employers may terminate a woman's employment when she becomes pregnant, especially when financial stability is crucial (Ferris 60). Alternatively, certain women may opt to postpone or abandon their education in order to care for their child. The presence of

a baby can impede women from accomplishing their objectives and ambitions.

The central point is that women possess the right to choose whether to proceed with or end a pregnancy. This belief stems from the notion of women having control over their own bodies, given that the fetus resides and progresses within a woman's body. Ultimately, it should be the woman's decision as to whether she will permit the fetus to develop inside her or not.

According to Ferris (66), when abortion is prohibited, it limits women's freedom to make decisions that are beneficial for them. However, there is an opposing viewpoint that argues in favor of abortion, stating that it is ethically and morally justified. This perspective emphasizes the importance of women's autonomy over their bodies and choices, while disregarding the rights of the fetus. Therefore, laws should permit and safeguard abortion in order for women to exercise their unrestricted rights completely.

The main argument supporting the notion that abortion is morally wrong and poses a danger to life is valid. It involves ending the life of an innocent person, which goes against legal standards. Hence, it should remain prohibited by law. Additionally, there have been numerous cases where women lost their lives due to participating in unsafe and uninformed abortion procedures, underscoring the inherent risks it presents for women.

According to Smyth (118), parental guilt arises from causing the death of an innocent life entrusted to them. The worth of a fetus's existence is on par with any other person's, and it must not be violated. It is also essential to acknowledge a man's entitlement to his own child, which should not be denied by a woman

resorting to abortion. Conversely, individuals possess autonomy over their bodies, granting mothers the choice to terminate a pregnancy if they desire since it primarily concerns their own physicality (Ferris 53). Moreover, the legalization of abortion holds utmost significance in attaining complete equality as only women have the capacity for pregnancy.

Although there are different opinions on the ethics of abortion, I firmly believe that it is morally wrong and should be forbidden. While women have the right to make decisions for themselves, they should not have the power to end innocent lives. It is crucial to acknowledge that a fetus has its own life and potential. Additionally, individuals do not always have absolute control over their bodies, as evidenced by the illegal nature of suicide. Therefore, I support maintaining the prohibition on abortion.

Works Cited

  1. Smyth, Dawn, and Paula Lane. "Abortion In Modern Health Care: Considering The Issues For Health-Care Professionals." International Journal Of Nursing Practice 22.2 (2016): 115-120. Academic Search Premier. Web. 11 Nov. 2016.
  2. Ferris, L.E. "Legal And Ethical Issues In Evaluating Abortion Services." American Journal Of Evaluation 21.3 (2000): 329. Professional Development Collection. Web. 11 Nov. 2016.
Get an explanation on any task
Get unstuck with the help of our AI assistant in seconds
New