The Abortion Controversy

For centuries, abortion has been a heated topic among all peoples. Ever since abortions have been performed in the United States, they have been protested and debated by many. Both sides of the issue have been sharply disputed to no avail. One of the most famous abortion cases is that of Roe vs. Wade. It was the very case that made abortion laws what they are today. In 1973, abortion was legalized under the constitutional right to privacy (Sproul 77). Ever since then abortion has been in and out of the courts, and I don't see that stopping anytime soon.

In fact, after the Supreme Court made its decision in 1973, the number of abortions rose quite evidently (www.plannedparenthood.com). However, since 1989, the number of abortions in the United States has been declining. This is most likely attributed to both practical and political factors, including changing attitudes and better methods of birth control.

While abortions are now legal in the U.S., this now presents the question widely asked: Are abortions the right thing to do? Everyone has his or her own answer to this question. Each individual carries his or her views on the topic, most being either pro-life or pro-choice. There are even strong anti-abortion groups that act out in violent manners. We hear of countless abortion clinic bombings and murders of doctors who perform this procedure. Although it is not extremely common, there are 209 incidents on record in the U.S. since 1984 (Cameron 17). This, in my eyes defeats the whole purpose of being pro-life. If someone is so concerned about the welfare of an unborn child, killing a doctor or even the mother carrying the child is doubly wrong.

In fact, nearly half the women in the United States will have an abortion during her reproductive years. Seventy percent of these women intend to have children sometime in the future. Among those having abortions, three quarters of them are "not ready to have a child", two-thirds "cannot afford it", and half "do not want to be a single parent"(www.plannedparenthood.com).

I, personally, consider myself to be pro-choice. Abortion isn't necessarily always the answer, but in some cases it is. I believe each intelligent woman has a right to decide for herself what to do to her body-to a point, that is. A woman should be able to make a decision based on the own morals and beliefs and life circumstances, with out anyone else intruding. But I also believe that every situation is different. There are different consequences to weigh out for each woman. I am aware that abortion is a big decision to make, but in some situations many women feel it is the only thing to do. Take rape for example. The child is the innocent one in this case, and most times the father is the guilty one. However, there is a huge psychological strain to be dealt with by only the woman. Why would she want to carry the child of a man who committed a violent act such as rape on her? Another position where I find it almost obligatory is in the case of incest. As this isn't terrible enough as it is, an added issue of pregnancy is devastating. In these cases, I believe that sometimes abortion is the only answer.

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