Abortion is one of the most controversial issues in the modern world. The act involves removing a viable embryo, which can be done in two ways. Medications or surgical techniques are methods used to end a pregnancy. Statistics show that women undergo over 50 million abortions in a year throughout the world. More than 45% of these cases are conducted unsafely (Block 36). Because of the rise in cases, the matter has been subjected to a debate surrounding the moral, legal, philosophical and ethical aspects. Thee debate mostly consists of people talking about the right to life, women’s independence and the values that society holds. On the existential deliberation, the question, which rises, surrounds the premise of fetal rights. They base the matter on whether the fetus is a whole human being. Existentialism is a relatively new philosophical feature whose center revolves around the analysis of human life and the impact on their environment. It aims at finding the meaning of life through conscious thought, personal responsibility, and choice. People make their decisions using experiences, outlooks, and beliefs. This paper aims to analyze the existential side surrounding abortion through the examination of the most commonly used arguments about abortion.
In existentialism, absurdity stems from the view of the world in which we exist for no other reason than existing. Order and disorder are by-products through which human beings to rationalize experiences, events and moments (Flynn). The concept that existence precedes essence explains how humans have absolutely no meaning for existing. Through everyday actions, each human being finds a reason to make decisions that are considered beneficial to the individual (Flynn). For instance, if one finds meaning in their pregnancy and finds the position they are in as an opportunity and not as a disability, then importance is given to that pregnancy at that moment. Existentialism takes into consideration several principles. It considers free will choices, decisions, rationality, societal expectations and worldly desires (Flynn). A range of philosophical, social, religious and political ideologies governs the subject. Arbitrary rules established and beliefs are central to defining the outcomes of individual life. This ideology came at a critical period in world history. World War 1 and The Great Depression characterized this time. Existentialists such as Camus, Kierkegaard, and Satre helped to establish the views surrounding the matter. They all agreed that human life is full of imperfections because of losses and suffering. The power to control nature is beyond anybody. Imposition of personal values, rules or beliefs on others is the basis for the destruction of the undertaking (Flynn).
The right to life is essential in the examination of the existential issues surrounding abortion. The matter raises pertinent questions such as ‘when does life begin and what makes us human’ (Hare). Professionals spanning the medical, philosophical and theological fields have studied the matter. A relevant agreement has not been reached from various examinations. Biologically, human development begins from the zygote, which develops, to an embryo and finally the fetus. The argument that human life begins at conception has gained a lot of traction. Scientists have shown the fetus to be genetically similar to the baby born at term (Hare). Traditional concepts regarding human existence base humanity on the premise that being is defined by the acquisition of personhood, which entails a human soul (Hare). Because of the similarities in genetic composition, the development of personhood is acquired at conception. Because of the support of biological tenets, they should confer a fetus with the right to life. The fact is further supported by research directed at examining the capacity of a fetus to feel pain (Hare). The results from this exploration revealed that after six months, the fetal component is subjected to nociception, which is one component of humanity (Hare). Abortion is further opposed through moral grounds. It bases morality on the delineations between evil and good and exploration of right in society.
Society regards every unborn child as a human being, and any form of termination is a contravention to this (Block 36). They consider fetuses eventual members of the human species and society. They should be given the same rights and privileges as other members in society. Moral grounds regard the taking away of life to be impermissible. This is because it denies the individual a positive future like those of other beings. Abortion is an act through which innocent life is erased from existence (Block 40). The unborn child should be subjected to the same moral plane as adults.
Abortion can be used as a way of protecting and ensuring women’s health. A conflict can ensue on whether to save a mother or fetal life in critical situations. Pregnancy is considered an event with the potential to change a woman’s life immensely. It subjects her to a range of medical risks such as hypertension, gestational diabetes, preterm labor infections and anemia (Medoff 2). These conditions have the potential to result in altered health status or death. Physicians recommend that in such forms of high-risk pregnancies, termination can be the only option to save a mother’s life. They consider a legal abortion under the supervision of a medical specialist therapeutic. It reduces the incidence of mortality in safe environments (Medoff 5). Detection of genetic abnormalities can be another ground for abortions. Parents can make a sound decision to ease the pain and costs associated with the conferment of some defects on the child (Medoff 6). The risks are related to several environmental stresses, which a mother has been subjected. Mental health is also another premise which abortions should be indicated. Mentally ill pregnant women can be a risk to the integrity of the unborn baby and their physical wellbeing (Medoff 7). An informed decision of termination can be reached based on this.
One feature of existentialism is the ability of individuals to make their own choices. Using this belief, women can decide on what to do with their bodies. Many countries accord women with the right to privacy. Females can make sound decisions about their physical integrity and reproductive health. It grants every individual with the right to privacy regarding intimate issues such as abortion. The United Nations delineates that everybody should be allowed with the right to health and medical care (Kabasakal Arat 11). Women should consider the right to evict a fetus using the least harmful methods. In this context, an unwanted fetus is viewed as an intruder, and the women have the inherent right to terminate if it inconveniences them (Kabasakal Arat 13). Using the outlook, the grant of these freedoms is a basis of a democratic society and not subject to government control.
In summary, abortion is one of the current issues, which has been subjected to a range of examinations to determine its viability. The exploration has come between the 19th and the 21st century, a time, which the philosophical premise of existentialism was advanced. It is an exploration of human life centered on choice, free will, and personal advancements. Through this, people can make decisions in their lives depending on beliefs and experiences. Philosophers base existentialism on the unique forms of human nature. Arguments against abortion, which have been put forward, are based on the right to a life of a fetus and morality. An unborn being possesses the same biological makeup as a normal human being. Society should grant both with the same respect. Arguments against are premised on women’s health concerns and right to a choice. Some conditions in pregnancy can lead to an increased risk of mortality leaving a medically induced abortion as the only viable option. Women also have the inherent right to decide what is best for their bodies. From this argument, an impartial stand on abortion can be taken because of the weight of all examinations for and against the matter.
