The topic of abortion is currently a major subject in our modern society. In 1973, the influential Roe vs. Wade case resulted in the legalization of abortion across all fifty states in the United States. Roe argued that denying her the right to have an abortion violated her personal freedom and privacy, and she was successful in her legal pursuit. Abortion is explicitly defined as “the intentional ending of a pregnancy.” While both sides present compelling arguments, the final decision on whether to allow or ban abortion rests with the general population.
In the abortion debate, there are two main sides: pro-choice and pro-life. Pro-choice advocates argue for the right to have an abortion during the first two trimesters, while pro-life supporters believe that the government should ban abortion as a personal matter. Although both factions present different arguments, pro-life advocates provide stronger validity and evidence rather than solely relying on emotions. Abortion should be eliminated because it not only ends an innocent human life but also poses risks to the individual undergoing the procedure.
Despite being legal, abortion is often used as a form of contraception. However, if it were to become prohibited, couples may be more careful in their decision-making process. According to a study published by the International Journal of Epidemiology in June 2003, around 15% of first-trimester miscarriages are linked to previous induced abortions (“Abortion Risk”). Additionally, the procedure itself can damage a woman’s uterus and pose obstacles for future conception.
Studies reveal that women who undergo abortions may face a higher likelihood of experiencing miscarriages. Additionally, statistics suggest an elevated risk of maternal mortality when abortions are conducted after the 21st week of pregnancy. Another health concern associated with abortion is the potential emergence of breast cancer. According to a source, during early pregnancy, estrogen levels escalate to facilitate breast enlargement for breastfeeding purposes. Nevertheless, when an abortion takes place and halts estrogen production, undeveloped cells might remain in the woman’s breast.
According to research conducted by the National Physicians Center for Family Resources, the presence of immature estrogen cells may increase the risk of breast cancer. Additionally, studies published in the Southern Medical Journal suggest that women who have undergone abortions are 154% more likely to commit suicide compared to those who have not. The Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology also reveals that male partners of women who have had abortions often experience regret, sadness, and depression. Feelings of guilt and regret commonly lead to depression in women after an abortion, resulting in post-abortion trauma. Considering these potential risks and emotional consequences, it is not advisable for women to choose abortion as it may endanger their well-being.
Furthermore, it is important to highlight that the abortion industry generates approximately $831 million in annual revenue. The cost of procedures typically exceeds $400, with some reaching over $1000. Profit-driven companies within this industry prioritize financial gain rather than providing genuine support for their clients. It is crucial for women to avoid relying on these morally bankrupt organizations as they put their lives at risk.
The pro-choice movement argues that access to abortion is necessary because contraceptives are not widely available. Many forms of birth control, such as the pill, patch, shot, and diaphragm, require prescriptions which can be difficult for women to obtain. It is important to note that about half of large group-insurance plans do not cover any prescription contraception, and only one-third provide coverage for the birth control pill (Health Benefits). Women are advised to use contraceptives instead of opting for abortion in order to prevent pregnancy. Understanding the financial and negative health consequences associated with abortion is crucial for women; therefore, they should consider utilizing birth control methods.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that approximately 25% of women who had an abortion in 2006 had previously undergone one or two abortions. The availability of abortion has led to a decrease in caution among women in selecting reliable contraception methods, leading to the use of abortions as a means of birth control. Kanwaljeet J.S. Anand, a renowned pediatrician, argues that fetuses can experience pain during an abortion, particularly when performed later in the pregnancy.
The Bible’s commandment against killing includes a prohibition on abortion, which goes against its teachings. Abortion is also condemned by religious beliefs. Therefore, it should not be seen as a contraceptive option for women. Instead, couples who do not want their baby can opt for adoption to avoid committing a cruel act. It is worth noting that there are currently more than two million couples waiting to adopt babies, while only 134,000 US children were available for adoption as of June 2002 (Forgotten Option, 1). Each person has the ability to make valuable contributions to society.
Abortion hinders society’s ability to gain valuable knowledge by preventing individuals such as doctors, engineers, lawyers, and scientists from having the opportunity to live and realize their potential. The pro-choice argument emphasizes that motherhood should be seen as a personal choice rather than a result of engaging in sexual activity. However, it is important to recognize that engaging in sexual intercourse is a deliberate decision and not an accidental occurrence. Those who willingly participate in such actions must also accept the possible consequences. If one is not ready for the responsibilities of parenthood, it is advisable to avoid activities that may result in pregnancy.
If a couple wants to avoid pregnancy, they should take appropriate measures during sexual intercourse. There are reliable contraceptives available, although they do not provide 100% guarantee. It is crucial to understand that abortion is not a form of contraception; it involves terminating the life of a potential future individual. Opting for abortion as a solution to irresponsible adults’ mistakes is unacceptable and another significant error.
The practice of abortion should be ceased due to its consequences of terminating a baby’s life and endangering the person undergoing it. It is imperative to safeguard the right to life of innocent unborn babies. Abortion should not be allowed as it carries various risks to women’s health, such as physiological problems and breast cancer. Additionally, abortion deprives society of valuable contributions from individuals whose lives are terminated.
Works Cited:
“Abortion ProCon.org.” Abortion ProCon.org. ProCon, 5 Feb. 2013. Web. 18 Mar. 2013.
“Abortion for Profit,” Abort73.com, Oct. 15, 2009. Web. 18 Mar. 2013.
Kurth, Ann PhD et al., “Reproductive and Sexual Health Benefits in Private Health Insurance Plans in Washington State,” Family Planning Perspectives, July/August 2001.Web .18 Mar .2013 .
Paul , Annie Murphy , “The First Ache ,” New York Times Magazine , February10 ,2008 .Web .18Mar .2013 .
American Medical Association (AMA ), “H-5 .995 Abortion,” www.AMA-ASSN.org,March12 ,2010.Web .18Mar.-13
The mentioned sources are the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report on abortion surveillance in the United States in 2006, a study by David C. Reardon and others on deaths associated with pregnancy outcomes in low-income women, a research article by Jose Russo and Irma Russo on the susceptibility of the mammary gland to carcinogenesis with pregnancy interruption as a risk factor in tumor incidence, and a study by Priscilla Coleman and Eileen S.Nelson, EdD, examines the decision-making process and emotional impact college students have towards abortion in an article published in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology in April 1998. Terry Eastland explores adoption as a “forgotten option” in his article for The Weekly Standard on January 29, 2003. References are made to The Holy Bible: King James Version from 1999. The Coalition on Breast Cancer provides information on the correlation between abortion and breast cancer in an article dated April 7, 2010 on their website AbortionBreastCancer.com. Uelian Sun, PhD, and colleagues conducted a study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology in June 2003 investigating induced abortion’s connection to subsequent miscarriage.
