Introduction
The issue of abortion has been a source of contention in the United States for many decades. Abortion involves the termination of a pregnancy prior to the fetus being viable and is sometimes used as a means of dealing with cases of sexual assault, medical risks, or other precarious circumstances. Despite some recognizing abortion as a viable option for women and families, many believe it should be illegal since it constitutes the termination of unborn life. This essay will contend that abortion should be prohibited for ethical and pragmatic reasons.
The Ethical Debate on Abortion
The debate surrounding the ethics of abortion is often highly contentious and emotionally charged. Many people who are against abortion claim that it is immoral to terminate the existence of a potential human life, no matter what the situation is.. This is a particularly salient argument in religious communities, where the act is often seen as an abomination. Proponents of abortion counter this argument by asserting that individuals have the right to decide whether or not to bring an unborn child into the world and that this decision should be left to the individual (Oberman, 16). Despite the intensity of the debate, it is clear that the ethical implications of abortion are complex and multifaceted, and the issue will continue to be highly contested in the years to come.
Arguments Against Abortion: Risks and Consequences
The argument against abortion is multifaceted. It is not a practical solution for those facing unwanted pregnancies, as it can have a range of physical and psychological consequences for the woman and financial burdens. Furthermore, abortion may not result in the successful termination of the pregnancy and may instead lead to infertility or other mental health issues. As such, it is important to consider alternative solutions to unwanted pregnancies.
Proponents’ Defense: Rights and Health Considerations
Opponents of abortion have argued that it should be illegal due to the potential risks of the procedure. However, proponents of abortion rights maintain that these risks are minimal when compared to the potential risks associated with not having access to abortion, such as the potential for unsafe and illegal abortions. Furthermore, they argue that, in many cases, denying women access to abortion violates their fundamental right to bodily autonomy (Muldoon, 32). As such, they argue that the right to abortion is a necessary part of protecting the health and well-being of women.
Recognizing the Complexity: Risks, Alternatives, and Support Options
It is acknowledged that abortion may be deemed a necessary action in certain circumstances to protect a woman’s health and autonomy. However, it is essential to recognize that this intervention is not without danger, with the potential for physical and psychological harm. Moreover, there is no assurance of successful outcomes (Kaczor, 184). Alternatively, women confronting an unwanted pregnancy can consider adoption or parenting support as viable options, which can aid them in making the most advantageous choice for themselves and their families.
Conclusion
In conclusion, abortion should be prohibited on ethical and pragmatic grounds. It is ethically wrong to terminate the life of an unborn child, and it is not an effective way to address the issue of unintended pregnancies. Though some may contend that abortion ought to be a recourse for women in challenging situations, it is a decision that should not be taken lightly, as it may cause physical and psychological harm to the woman and her family. While it is important to respect the autonomy of women, this should not be done at the expense of the rights of the unborn child. Therefore, abortion should remain illegal in order to protect the rights of both mother and child.
Works Cited
Kaczor, Christopher. The ethics of abortion: Women’s rights, human life, and the question of justice. Taylor & Francis, 2022.
Muldoon, Maureen. The abortion debate in the United States and Canada: A source book. Routledge, 2021.
Oberman, Michelle. “What will and won’t happen when abortion is banned.” Journal of Law and the Biosciences 9.1 (2022): lsac011.