Contraceptives and Abortion

Essay by yac8680 September 2004

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Abortion is one of the most controversial issues in society today. Both the pros and cons for abortion are very compelling, and the struggle between pro-life and pro-choice supporters has been long and brutal. Although each faction will say that the other is wrong, the verdict on abortion remains a matter of personal opinion. A more important question, therefore, is whether or not abortion should be legal. Although this is also a matter which compels great debate, the fact is that legalized abortion is an option which protects the lives of women.

One only needs to look into American history to see the results of prohibiting abortions. The violence which occurs today due to pro-life/pro-choice conflicts is minimal compared to the plight of thousands of women who turned to illegal abortions - either self-induced or by "backroom professionals." These often resulted in infection, massive blood loss, sterility, and death.

Legalization of abortions provides facilities where abortions can be performed cleanly and with minimal risk, preventing the suffering of both the woman and the potential child.

The book "Abortion: A Positive Decision" states that "the desire not to have a child is by far the best reason for an abortion." Although having a child can be considered one of the greatest gifts, there are already too many unwanted children in the world today. A woman may not be ready financially, emotionally, or physically for a child at the moment of conception. Having a baby may mean that the woman has to give up her dreams for a better life. Conversely, she may decide to have the child and give him up to an orphanage. So many children today are being shuffled through the system or are in foster care homes where the children are uncared for and even abused. Legalizing...