Chances are that people will argue about abortion for eternity. Some people consider abortion evil, likening it to murder. Specifically, rivals of abortion say that killing an embryo is no different from killing a grown-up. However, others argue that ladies need an opportunity to do what suits their bodies. This side of the argument is pro-abortion. The choice of termination arises from a variety of reasons. Plausibility, sexual assault, or inability to provide the unborn child with fundamental care are among the factors. This essay, therefore, supports the right to abortion and opposes the limitation of this right by the government.
There are some logical reasons why women need access to abortion facilities. Among the most reasonable is giving a woman who has been a victim of assault the right not to keep an unwanted pregnancy (O’Neill, 2018). A lifetime with a child arising from such a traumatic experience is detrimental to the wellbeing of a woman. Chances are that the child will always be a reminder of the horrible experience of rape. At the same time, the trauma comes with the inability to emotionally and financially cater to the child. It is safe to assume that a rape victim who keeps the child will do it without support and experience lifelong stigma from the community. As a result, abortion is a relief of the mental and financial strain that comes with an unwanted child and especially one from rape.
In addition, cases some health conditions that come with pregnancy necessitate abortion. Though it may be natural, it comes with an increased risk to the wellbeing of pregnant mothers, especially young mothers, older mothers, or women with pre-existing medical conditions. It can lead to gestational diabetes, high blood pressure complications during delivery, postpartum depression, and other disorders that can cause the same problems (White, 2022). For most women, these risks to their health may be fatal.
Finally, no contraceptive method is risk-free (O’Neill, 2018). There could be reproductive failures due to the user’s carelessness, manufacturer’s defect, and changes in the individual’s physiology. Hence, some pregnancies are unwanted in the presence of preventative measures. The pressure to keep such pregnancies is odd, given that one took necessary measures and technically has no control over the result.
The decision-making power should solely be that of a woman. Only a woman understands why is the best option for them. For example, it is a rape victim who understands the trauma and potential pain of raising the unborn child (IPL, 2018). It is also a woman who stands to lose her life as a result of high-risk pregnancies. Additionally, there is the lonely responsibility of meeting emotional and financial needs that a woman cannot escape once they gives birth. Given the health and emotional risks that women stand to experience, it is only logical that they have the decision-making power. More so, only a woman has all the information to make a choice that aligns with their current position, not the policymakers in office.
It remains astonishing why policymakers do not consider the emotional strain, financial strain, or health risks of women. The denial of legal abortion services comes from a patriarchal and moral high ground that fails to consider the painful realities of what leads to abortion. Significantly, the denial of abortion rights by the government goes against the autonomy and privacy of women (White, 2022). At the same time, the denial of abortion services by the government contradicts fundamental human rights. As per the constitution, everyone has a right to live a secure life and liberty from bias. Limiting access to safe abortion puts the lives of women at risk and goes against their freedom of decision-making and health autonomy (O’Neill, 2018).
Ideally, governments need to channel their efforts towards more productive efforts instead of adding to the oppression of women. With the support of the government, women will be better able to navigate or even avoid the factors that contribute to unwanted pregnancies. In collaboration with law enforcement, authorities need to work towards the total elimination of rape cases by enhancing security and increasing awareness. Governments should also ensure healthcare accessibility in a bid to reduce and ease high-risk pregnancies. Most importantly, women need help in finding efficient contraceptives and empowerment to take control of their reproductive system.
In conclusion, the abortion controversy includes multiple other prickly issues that parallel individual liberty, health concerns, and social justice. There are valid justifications for why women need the right to choose. May it be pregnancy as a result of rape, alternatively, health concerns from pre-existing conditions, or the complications that start during gestation. There is also contraceptive failure to work even though there is a prevention measure. Each woman understands the best option for them as per the context.
On the other hand, making abortion illegal shows no consideration of all the above real-life scenarios that tamper with the wellbeing of women and even cause death. Governments should not violate the individual rights of choice. Instead, governments should work towards eliminating factors for unwanted pregnancies.
IPL. (2018). Persuasive abortion essay.https://www.ipl.org/essay/Persuasive-Essay-On-Abortion-F33HEG7ESJFR
O’Neill, T. (2018, January 10). Abortion Rights Are Human Rights | National Organization for Women. National Organization for Women. https://now.org/blog/abortion-rights-are-human-rights/
White, S. (2022, April 13). Why Abortion Should Be Legal. Essay zoo. https://essayzoo.org/blog/why-abortion-should-be-legal-essay