On January, 22, 1973 the U.S. supreme court issued the Roe v. Wade decision. This was the ruling that gave women the right to choose to have a legalized abortion, early in gestation, for any reason. Since the 1973 supreme court ruling there have been over 43 million abortions in the U.S. This issue is very controversial because there is no consensus in law when life (i.e. human personhood) begins. When during pregnancy does a new human life exist with full civil rights-including the most important right of all: the right to live? This question has not yet been answered due to the various points of view argued by different individuals and groups. The two main opposing abortion groups are most commonly known as pro-life and pro-choice, although there are a range of beliefs held by members in both groups.
On 5/2-5/2005 a survey was taken, the question asked was, "would your consider yourself to be pro-choice or pro-life?" 48% of people who took the survey considered themselves to be pro-choice and 44% of people who took the survey considered themselves to be pro-life.
Gestational age may determine which abortion metho...
Photo from the 2004 March for Women's Lives, taken...
English: Rep. Albert Wynn (left) joins Gloria Feld...Most pro-lifers believe that a human person comes into existence at conception or shortly later, when a unique DNA is created. On the opposing side most pro-choicers believe that a human person comes into existence later in pregnancy. They have different criteria. Some are: When the fetus loses its gill slits and tail and begins to look like a mammal. When the fetus begins to look human. When the fetus can survive outside of the mothers womb. Some even believe a fetus only becomes human at birth.
As to the mortality of having an abortion pro-lifers hold various beliefs. Some are: Abortions are never acceptable, even when the woman's life is at stake. Abortions are acceptable...