The debate over abortion is a complex issue with many different perspectives and has been a long-standing global controversy. The controversy primarily stems from a woman’s right to make decisions about her own body and the moral argument that abortion is an obligation to protect the life of the fetus. This debate further relates to individual opinions, societal norms, healthcare systems, and politics. Nevertheless, abortion is not just a philosophical argument but a real-life concern that affects millions of individuals worldwide.
What is abortion by definition? Abortion is the act of terminating a pregnancy through the removal or expulsion of an embryo or fetus. There are two types of abortion depending on the process: medical abortion and surgical abortion. For example, in terms of surgical abortion, the method of using suction to remove the pregnancy through the vagina is well known.
Proponents of abortion argue that abortion should be accepted due to bodily autonomy, medical necessity, and exceptional circumstances. To begin with, proponents claim that women have the right to control their own reproductive systems, which are directly related to personal health decisions. This is elaborated by the idea of bodily rights, asserting that the permission of abortion safeguards an individual’s freedom to make choices that may differ based on circumstances.
Moreover, safe abortion services could actually lower the risk of maternal death when pregnant women are in dangerous conditions, such as ectopic pregnancies, severe preeclampsia, or certain heart or kidney disorders. Restrictive abortion laws could result in these individuals experiencing severe complications or death.
Lastly, abortion can be helpful in cases of rape, incest, or fetal anomalies (unexpected or unusual development during pregnancy). In these exceptional cases, denying access to abortion could trigger trauma, depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Permitting abortion in these scenarios does not worsen problems but rather respects the emotional well-being of the individuals involved.
Opponents of abortion argue that abortion raises significant concerns based on ethical, moral, and societal considerations. They contend that abortion should be prohibited because of the sanctity of life argument, potential misuse or overuse of abortion, and its psychological impact on individuals.
First, opponents emphasize that pregnancy is equivalent to taking a human life, making it morally unacceptable. This is associated with the fundamental definition of a human being, which questions whether a fetus can be perceived as a human being or not. This further leads to the argument that prioritizing the fetus’s potential life over the pregnant individual’s autonomy risks diminishing women’s rights and freedoms.
Second, there are widespread concerns that permitting abortion might lead to misuse or overuse by encouraging irresponsible behavior. This means that if people believe there is always a way to terminate pregnancy, they may become less cautious about the risk of pregnancy. However, these issues could be addressed by proper education, family planning, and abortion laws that supervise justified reasons for the procedure.
Finally, opponents argue that individuals who undergo abortions may suffer from psychological distress and regret. They claim that some people may feel guilt after an abortion, believing they have taken a life. However, mental health professionals highlight that continuing an unwanted pregnancy is more likely to cause significant long-term psychological distress than undergoing the procedure.
To sum up, the debate over the permission of abortion is complex and multifaceted, as the decision to terminate a pregnancy involves women’s rights, health concerns, exceptional circumstances, ethical considerations, and psychological impacts on individuals.
References
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zhbqf4j/revision/4
Why the Arguments about “Bodily Autonomy” and “Forced Birth” Fail to Justify Abortion
https://medium.com/biblical-christian-worldview/the-politics-of-abortion-29de83ae2746
By. Jeonghwa Oh