Controversy of Abortion

Fikha Sairi

Biology 160

Debra Lancaster

Controversy Paper

Controversy of Abortion

Abortion is quite the controversial matter in society today; however, it is not widely discussed, and therefore it is hard for one to express their opinions on the matter. Abortion involves terminating a pregnancy by the removing or expelling of a fetus or embryo from the uterus (Condon, 2012). Regardless, many people have their views on the subject, whether these views be educated and well thought up, or simply a general view as to why abortion should or should not be practiced. Some argue that a human fetus is a human being with a right to live, so abortion is similar to murder. In contrast, others also argue that a woman has certain reproductive rights, especially the choice on whether or not to carry a pregnancy to term (Phillip & Crystal, 2007).

Many individuals believe that abortions are immoral. They point to what they consider to be undeniable facts (Anonymous, 2015). Some people also believe that upon fertilization, a human individual is created with a unique genetic identity that remains unchanged throughout his or her life. This individual has a fundamental right to life, which must be protected (Steen, 2013). Men and women who take pro-life positions are also concerned about the psychological harm done to young women. Because abortion rates are highest among teens and young adults, these females may not fully recognize the consequences of their actions. Many of them experience profound remorse in their later years (Blue, 2013). Some people also believe that abortion is unsafe, the National Cancer Institute commissioned a study lead by Dr. Janet Daling, an abortion supporter, and her colleagues at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center which found a link between abortion and cancer: "among women who had been pregnant at least once, the risk of breast cancer in those who had experienced an induced abortion was 50% higher than among other women" (TFP Student Action, 2015).

Pro-abortion feel that a woman should have complete control over her body, and should she choose to remove the child from her womb, she should be permitted that privilege, as stated in the Constitution (JosiWee, 2015). The pro-choice crowd also indicates that there are certain situations where abortion must be allowed. In cases where rape has occurred, for example, terminating the pregnancy will be entirely necessary. Likewise, if a full-term pregnancy will put the life of the mother at risk, then an abortion is the only viable option (Wikipedia, 2015). In most countries and jurisdictions, abortion is allowed at least to save the pregnant woman's life, or where the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest (Anonymous, 2005).