Abortion Ethical Dilemma: A young woman, who is 18 years old, faces a difficult choice – whether to proceed with her pregnancy or opt for an abortion. Her parents, who strongly adhere to religious beliefs opposing pre-marital sex, would disapprove of their daughter being pregnant. While she does not desire to terminate her baby’s life through abortion, she feels it may be the only viable option available to her. The decision regarding abortion presents a complex ethical predicament that resembles other situations where distinguishing right from wrong becomes unclear. The resolution process further complicates matters as what one person perceives as the correct choice may be viewed as incorrect by others.
In this particular case, the young woman desires to make a morally right decision by continuing with the pregnancy; however, she acknowledges that doing so will bring numerous challenges for her. It is essential to mention that Canada legally permits abortion, meaning no laws would be violated if she chooses this route. Nevertheless, she would have to accept and confront any consequences stemming from her decision. This scenario can be classified as a conflict between justice and…
The girl is confronted with a dilemma concerning mercy in the right vs. right pillar. She has conflicting desires – she wants to demonstrate mercy and spare her child’s life, but her parents seek justice and may penalize her for becoming pregnant. This situation can also be viewed as a departure from moral righteousness in the three pillars of right vs. wrong dilemmas. While it does not violate any Canadian laws, it contradicts the girl’s personal ethics. If she believes that having an abortion goes against her values, she should contemplate that it may not be morally permissible for her to make such a decision.
According to Follert (2008), individuals perceive a decision as wrong if it doesn’t feel right or good to them. In the case of the girl facing this dilemma, she has likely carefully considered her options and recognizes that each ethical dilemma has its own advantages and disadvantages. Specifically regarding abortion, the girl has several reasons supporting her decision to proceed with the procedure, primarily because of its potential impact on both her own life and the future child.
Strict and religious parents who fail to provide adequate support may lead their daughter and her child to be expelled from home, leaving them without any other means of assistance. This situation makes them realize the potential consequences of having a baby without a stable living arrangement. Consequently, after giving birth, receiving help becomes vital, and the lack of support from loved ones plays a significant role in young girls choosing abortion.
Financial stability poses a major challenge for an 18-year-old girl who desires to have a baby without assistance from her parents. The act of raising a child involves various financial obligations, and lacking support from her parents would probably result in financial struggles. Even if the father of the baby provides some monetary aid, the expenses associated with necessities like food, clothing, formula, and other essential items can rapidly accumulate. Moreover, relying solely on the earnings of two teenagers is insufficient to meet both the needs of the baby and cover living costs such as bills and rent. Ultimately, significant difficulties await both the parents and their child.
When considering the option of having an abortion, there are several factors to consider for an 18-year-old girl. These include her education – if she lacks financial resources and support from her family, it may be challenging for her to balance studying with caring for a baby. If education is not the main concern, finding employment becomes necessary as she will need sufficient income to support herself alone. Additionally, the maturity levels of both the girl and the baby’s father are important in determining their ability to handle parenthood responsibilities. Moreover, if their relationship deteriorates in the future, it is crucial for the girl to independently manage things.
Although abortion is a contentious issue, society has two legitimate motives for contemplating it. The first motive arises when the fetus is diagnosed with a health issue during early pregnancy. In such situations, parents may opt against subjecting their child to potential suffering or lifelong dependence on medication. Hence, women who contemplate abortion might perceive it as an act of empathy aimed at safeguarding the welfare of the unborn child.
Supporting a woman’s choice for abortion is justified if she has been raped, as continuing the pregnancy would constantly remind her of the person who sexually assaulted her. The girl and the baby both experience negative consequences in this situation. However, some people consider abortion to be equivalent to murder because they believe that the fetus has human status. This belief not only deters them from considering an abortion themselves but also leads to anger towards those who do.
There are contrasting views on unplanned pregnancies, with some considering them as a gift from the divine. However, there are also those who believe that it is not our place to play God and decide someone’s destiny. Women who find themselves pregnant may decide to proceed with the pregnancy for different reasons, including preventing future pregnancies and avoiding the emotional distress of losing a child. The consequences of losing a child can deeply affect a woman’s life in lasting ways.
Opponents of abortion claim that unplanned teenage pregnancies have alternative options, such as adoption and support services for women in difficult situations. They also object to the use of abortion as a form of birth control by legally eligible women. However, others argue that this viewpoint is flawed and believe that instead of being exploited, abortion should be viewed as an opportunity for women who have made a mistake.
Following an unintended pregnancy, it is crucial for the woman to take necessary measures, either by employing contraceptives or refraining from engaging in sexual activity, in order to prevent future pregnancies. It is of utmost importance to empower her in assessing her ability to raise a child since she alone comprehends her unique circumstances entirely. If she encounters any of these difficulties and concludes that terminating the pregnancy would be most beneficial for her, others should honor and support her choice.
Opponents of abortion often fail to consider the different situations a pregnant woman may encounter, which makes it inappropriate for them to categorically declare that abortion is morally wrong. Sometimes, a woman may find herself in circumstances similar to those portrayed here. Even if she holds the belief that abortion is immoral, she might feel compelled to proceed with the procedure due to limited alternatives. This could occur if her parents disown her upon learning about her choice to have a child outside of marriage, contradicting their religious convictions.
Initially, many women, especially young girls, initially state their reluctance to consider abortion. However, when confronted with real-life situations, they often discover it to be the most rational decision. Some individuals ultimately choose abortion after carefully evaluating all possible choices, even if it contradicts their own moral values and desires. Considering the ethical quandary involved, it is probable that an 18-year-old girl would opt for an abortion due to the potential for a bright future ahead.
Given the girl’s religious parents, it is probable that they would not approve of their teenage daughter getting pregnant at a young age by an unmarried partner. In my view, if this situation doesn’t violate any laws and the girl has personally justified her choice, then it could be deemed acceptable for her to proceed. However, she should fully understand the potential risks and consequences that may arise from her actions. Dealing with moral dilemmas can be difficult for everyone since people often have different views on what is morally acceptable or unacceptable.
Despite personal disagreement, differing perspectives can deem something as right. It is crucial for individuals to acknowledge that ethical dilemmas require personal resolution and a strong awareness of one’s moral principles. For example, if I am conscious that my actions would infringe upon laws, I would reconsider engaging in them due to the difficulty of justifying such behavior. Nevertheless, when it comes to contentious topics like abortion, the individual involved may find justification without violating any legal statutes.
