Introduction
Public opinion regarding the legality of abortion was divided into pro-choice and pro-life. Some believe that women should make decisions about abortion, while others equate abortion with murder. However, anti-abortion policies often do not consider psychological and social factors but prioritize the fetus’s life over that of the mother. The decision to have an abortion is the right of a woman to dispose of her own body at her own will, so it should be assigned to the mother.
Pro-Choice Arguments
Abortion should be allowed, and women should make their own decisions about it, taking into account medical, psychological, and social circumstances. Firstly, there are congenital pathologies that can pose a threat to the life of the mother and child. Secondly, it is necessary to consider how the woman became pregnant. For example, “nearly 75% of Americans think that abortion should be permissible in cases of rape” (Scarfone, 2020, para. 9). That is, in fact, in society, there is an awareness of when an abortion can be justified, and when a woman’s autonomy is above morality.
Pro-Life Arguments
On the other hand, pro-life activists protect the rights of the fetus and do not consider the mother’s desire, arguing that this is immoral. The main argument, in this case, is that the fetus is already human, and therefore, abortion is equated with murder (Scarfone, 2020). However, simple medical factors are often overlooked in this position.
Complications during pregnancy can threaten the life of the mother and sometimes that of the fetus. Hence, preventing one death can cause another in the case of a timely abortion. Moreover, each person is independent and has the right to make decisions regarding their life if it does not harm society. The prohibition of abortion and using women as incubators are contrary to international human rights and, therefore, cannot be applied in modern society.
Conclusion
Thus, the anti-abortion policy directly violates a woman’s right to the autonomy of her body. Moreover, the pro-life position often does not consider external circumstances but positions women as incubators. The decision to have an abortion must take into account many factors, including medical, psychological, and social ones. Therefore, abortion bans cannot be enforced in today’s society, and the decision must remain solely with the woman.
Reference
Scarfone, M. (2020). If you’re pro-life, you might already be pro-choice. The Conversation. Web.