Introduction
The issue, which I would like to address in this proposal argument, is one of the most stressing problems in the present day American society. Abortion among teenagers has always been a subject of heated sociological and ethical debate. Naturally, it may seem that there are more urgent issues on the agenda, however, the effects of this problem are not predictable, especially in the long term. In particular, I would like to discuss the obstacles to safe abortion that teenagers face. As it is widely known, the famous case Roe vs. Wade gives women a right to have an abortion (Rubin, p. 22). Additionally, previous acts of legislation, prohibiting abortion are now considered as unconstitutional, because they violate civil a persons right to privacy.
Discussion
According to statistical data, teenagers (women under eighteen) comprise twenty percent in all abortions, made in the United States. Certainly, there are always some restrictions. Regarding teen abortion laws in the United States, it should be mentioned that American legislation does not give any definite answer to this question; some states as for instance, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New York, a teenager (a female under 18) is allowed to have an abortion without her parents permission. However, in other states, such procedure can be performed only under the condition that parental consent is given. Certainly, there are some reservations, and a teenage girl can have an abortion, even if her parents do not allow her to do it. However, teen abortion laws are often dubious, and allow various interpretations. In the overwhelming majority of cases, the teenager who has encountered such problems is inclined to violate the law, which often leads her to illegal and sometimes unsafe abortion.
In this regard, it should be taken into account that the definition of “unsafe abortion”, given by the World Health Organization is a very non-committal one. According to WHO, it is the termination of the pregnancy, which is performed without adherence to the accepted standards. Such approach to this problem does not take into account possible consequences of this procedure. According to the report, published by WHO in 2008, the rate of maternal deaths, caused by unsafe abortions is virtually negligible in the United States, especially in comparison with developing countries(WTO, p. 4).
However, it should be borne in mind that statistical data cannot reflect all the effects of such procedure. Unsafe abortion can have far-reaching consequences on the mothers health, especially posttraumatic complications. For example, the risk of sterility or venereal diseases is much higher, if the operation is performed by the person, who lacks skills and competence. As regards the United States, in particular, it is very difficult to give definite statistical data. However, according to the research, conducted by ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union), in such states as Missouri, the rate of second-trimester abortions has considerably increased since adoption of teen abortion laws, prohibiting pregnant women under eighteen to terminate unwanted pregnancy without her parents permission (ACLU, p. 66).
Certainly, this problem is quite solvable, and it is not in the nature of things. It will not be an exaggeration to say that it was artificially created. The main problem is that current teen abortion laws do not take into consideration all the consequences of this procedure. Therefore, certain amendments should be made to the existing legislation in order make legal and safe abortion accessible to young women under eighteen. The primary importance should be attached to their interests, (especially their physical and mental health). Certainly, such decision can cause a storm of protest from parents, who can easily object to such decision. They can say that, their children have not yet come out of age, thus, they are not entitled to make such life and death decisions. The question arises, whether an adult is able to make such choices. In addition to that, parents can be firmly convinced that they understand the needs of their child much better than she does, but they cannot be versed in such questions as abortion or delivery complications.
It seems that the following measures should be taken. First, it is necessary to increase parents awareness of the risk that early pregnancy involves. A woman under eighteen may not be mature enough for the pregnancy. The point is that the overwhelming majority of parents do not realize that they can expose life of their daughter to grave danger, if they compel her to deliver. It is of the crucial importance that educators take part in such program, because parents usually pay extra attention to their views and opinions.
Furthermore, medical workers can make a considerable contribution to the implementation of these measures. They must prove that illegal and consequently unsafe abortion can turn into a disaster for the woman.
However, the most important amendments should be made in the field of legislation. As it has already been mentioned earlier, the emphasis should be placed on the interests and benefits of the patient. Probably, laws, prohibiting abortion without parents’ permission should be modified. At first glance, such statement may seem outrageous, especially for parents, but this proposal does not imply complete abolition of teen abortion laws. No one can deny that such regulations are necessary. Probably, the legitimacy or illegitimacy of abortion should be determined by medical workers, not by lawyers. In fact, they are not authorized to make such decisions, just because they lack competence. It will be much better, if an independent medical committee returns such verdicts. The major criterion should be the physical and emotional state of the pregnant teenager. Such committee should also evaluate hypothetical dangers of the delivery and abortion.
If such decision is put into practice, teenagers will be able to get access to legal abortion. To some extent, it is a golden mean between two extremes. In some states of the country, a woman has right to have an abortion without parents permission, however, it seems that such policy can also imperil the life of a teenager, because she is virtually left to her own devices, she may not be aware of the complications, that the abortion may cause. Probably, sometimes, the delivery is the most optimal variant for her.
If the situation remains unchanged, more and more women can endanger not only their lives, but also the lives of their future children. It is impossible to predict the far-reaching effects of abortion complications, especially, if the procedure is performed without adherence to the standards.
Conclusion
Thus, it is possible to arrive at the conclusion that the problem of unsafe abortion, especially among teenagers has become a very urgent one. The most prudent solution is to allow medical workers and psychologists to make such important decisions.
Bibliography
- American Civil Liberties Union. “Laws Restricting Teenagers Access to Abortion” New York, 2001..
- Cara J. MariAnna. Abortion. Palgrave, 2005.
- Eva R. Rubin. “Abortion, Politics, and the Courts: Roe v. Wade and Its Aftermath”. Greenwood Press. 1987.
- World Health Organization. Unsafe Abortion. WHO, 2007.