Even after the decision of Roe vs. Wade, the subject of abortion remains as a controversial issue and the debate continues on. Although both sides of the issue explain their cause in terms of absolute moral values, the two parties have never reach an agreement yet. The question concerning this subject is, “What should be the moral and legal status of abortion?” Pro-life (against abortion) and pro-choice (for abortion) groups take their stance.
The pro-choice side of the issue believes that abortion is a woman’s right and it bans discrimination against women. They say that when a woman does not desire pregnancy, the continuation of it can cause physical and emotional stress. Only a pregnant woman knows whether she is ready to give birth to a child or not and so the government should not take any part in making that decision for her, is what they believe. Pro-choice supporters assert that banning abortion is a violation of a woman’s right to privacy, because abortion is a “decision one makes about one’s body and one’s reproductive capacity.” They also say that denying a woman’s access to abortion is a form of gender discrimination, because it is nothing different to denying woman access to medical services.
The pro-life side of the debate believes that choosing to destroy an unborn child is a choice of murder. Therefore, they say that abortion is immoral and wrong. Pro-life Christians say that God allowed people to make their own decisions (free-will), but did not allow people to make decisions for others (unborn baby). According to them, God, not the pregnant mother of an unwanted child, is the giver of life and death. Pro-life feminists also speak out, outraged at the effect abortion has on women. They say that pro-choice has hurt woman rather than promoting gender equality. The feminists declare that only women experience the immediate and long-term traumas, complications, emotional devastation, or psychological traumas after getting an abortion and that is just not fair.
I personally think that the pro-life side of the issue is more convincing, and that may be because I am a Christian. However, besides the Christian values, statements from the pro-life feminists convinced me. I always saw abortion as a one-time thing, an over-and-done-with process. But, now see the possibility of the side effects of abortion hurting women after the process is complete. For as long as I can remember, my opinion for the subject of abortion was pro-life. Therefore, my belief did not change after reading the two articles. If anything, my belief became more solid.
The Pro-choice link may not work, but you may be able to search the article by its title: "Abortion is a woman's right" in the Gale cengage learning website (or elsewhere).
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