Abortion Restriction
Abortion is the practice of terminating a pregnancy, which results in the death of the human fetus. In 1973 the court case of Roe versus Wade made abortion legal in the United States. Ever since then over thirty five million abortions have taken place and it has become a big social issue (Davis 131). People are debating about whether or not abortion is right or wrong and there are two main sides: those who think that abortion should be legal, also known as pro-choice and those who think abortion should be illegal, also known as pro-life. Both sides feel so strongly about the issue that it is regularly debated in politics and states are starting to put restrictions on abortion. There are some pro-choice proponents that believe abortion should only be used as a last resort, as well as some pro-life positions that range from opposing abortion under any circumstance to accepting it in cases of rape, incest, or when a woman is at risk (abortionprocon.org). Abortion shouldn’t be illegal but it needs to have more restrictions. It should only be legal to save a women’s life, in cases of rape if counseling doesn’t help, and incest.
Abortion has been an issue starting way back in history. In fact, the earliest recorded reference to abortion is by a Chinese emperor back in 2737 B.C. Many people throughout history had different opinions on whether or not abortion should be legal. For example, “Plato wrote that ill conceived embryos should not be brought to birth and if the children were born, the parents should dispose of them. Aristotle also had the opinion that all deformed children should be exposed and left to die. (Davis 131)”
However, Christianity was opposed to abortion, which was common in ancient Greece and Rome. Abortion has been performed for thousands of years in every society that has been studied. It was legal in the U.S. as early as the time the first settlers arrived. The constitution accepted abortions and it was openly advertised and performed. In the mid 1800s states began passing laws that made abortion illegal, reasons included quickening, which is when the fetus starts moving in the mother’s womb and is considered alive. According to William Blackstone, “life begins in contemplation of law as soon as the infant is able to stir in the mother’s womb. (Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)” People also feared that the population would be dominated by children of newly arriving immigrants who had higher birth rates. In addition, surgical procedures like abortion were very risky in the 1800s. Hospitals weren’t common and antiseptics were unknown. Even the most respected doctors had primitive medical educations and without today’s technology maternal and infant morality rates were really high. The dangers of abortion were similar to other surgical procedures that were still legal.
As scientific methods began to dominate medical practice and technologies were developed to prevent infection and as a result, medical care became much safer and more effective. The vast majority of women who needed abortions had no choice but to get them from illegal practitioners who didn’t have medical advances at their disposal, also known as “back alley” abortions. The strongest force behind the drive to criminalize abortion was doctors attempting to establish themselves exclusive rights to practice medicine and prevent untrained practitioners such midwives, apothecaries, and homeopaths from competing with them for patients and patient fees. So they decided to eliminate one of the principle procedures that kept competitors in business and at that time it was abortion. On the contrary, the newly formed American Medical Association argued that abortion was immoral and dangerous. By 1910 all but one state criminalized abortion except to save a woman’s life so that legal abortion was successfully transformed into a “physicians only” practice. In addition, prohibition of legal abortion from the 1880s until 1973 came under the same anti-obscenity or Comstock laws that prohibited the dissemination of birth control info and services.
Criminalization of abortion didn’t reduce the number of women who sought out abortions. Likewise, years before Roe versus Wade estimates of illegal abortion raised as high as 1.2 million per year (National Abortion Federation). Many women were harmed as a result of illegal abortions. As many as 5,000 American women died annually as a result of illegal and unsafe abortions (ourbodiesourselves.org). Similarly, many also died or suffered from medical problems after attempting to self induce abortions or going to untrained practitioners who performed with primitive methods and unsanitary conditions. Hospital emergency staff treated thousands of women who either died or suffered terrible effects of abortion done without adequate skill and care (prochoice.org). However, some women were able to obtain relatively safer but still illegal abortions from private doctors and remained prevalent for the first half of the 20th century. The rate of reported abortions began to decline because doctors faced scrutiny from their peers and hospital administrators concerned about the legality of their operations.
Between 1967 and 1973 one third of states repealed their criminal abortion laws, however, the right to have an abortion in all states was only made available when the supreme court struck down the remaining restrictive state laws with it’s ruling of Roe versus Wade. Roe versus Wade made it possible to get safe and legal abortions from well trained medical practitioners which lead to a decrease in pregnancy related death (prochoice.org). The Roe case rose out of a Texas law that prohibited legal abortion except to save a women’s life and most states had laws similar to that which forced women to result to illegal abortions. 20-year-old Jane Roe represented women who wanted abortions but couldn’t get them legally and safely. Henry Wade, Texas Attorney General defended the law that made abortions illegal. After hearing the case, the Supreme Court ruled that the American’s right to privacy included the right to decide whether or not to have children and the right of women and their doctors to make the decision without state interference.
After Roe versus Wade, supporters of abortion rejoiced because they believed they won the battle but little did they know it was far from over. Those who opposed legal abortion immediately began working to prevent federal or state funding for abortion and undermine or limit the effect of the decision. In fact, some turned to directly disrupting clinics where abortion was provided by harassing people who try to enter, vandalizing clinic property, and blocking access to clinics. As time passed, anti-abortion violence escalated to clinic bombing, physical attacks, and murders to prevent women from having abortions. Initially, Roe versus Wade was the basis by which the constitution of state abortion laws was determined, however, the Supreme Court began to allow more restrictions on abortion. Supreme court’s ruling in Planned Parenthood versus Casey in 1992 established that states could restrict pre-viability abortions. Restrictions can be placed on the first trimester of pregnancy in ways that are not medically necessary as long as restrictions don’t place all “undue burden” on women seeking abortion services. Many states now have restrictions in place such as parental involvement, mandatory waiting periods, and biased counseling. Only the requirement to involve women’s spouse in her decision was disallowed. Although the supreme court as well as many states are placing more restrictions on abortion there are still people out there who believe in Roe versus Wade and the right of the woman to decide whether or not she wants to get an abortion or not.
Many pro-abortionists are angry about all the restrictions being put on abortion. They believe that Roe versus Wade is the right way because they think it’s the mother’s right to decide whether or not they want to have an abortion. Those in favor of abortion believe that abortion should be legal no matter what the situation is because they don’t think that a fetus is not full human until after birth. They think that the idea that a baby exists before birth is entirely religious theory and it preposterous. Abortionists readily state that “to believe that one cell is already a full human being and should be treated as such is so patently absurd that it is almost too difficult to refute (Reilly 35).” Furthermore, they refuse to acknowledge them as fully human until all normal human structures and functions have been developed and are readily being used (Paul 24). Abortionists assume priority to the mother, so they are basically saying that a baby’s life depends on the parents. “Should a woman be forced to continue a pregnancy or be saddled with bringing up a child for 18 years without any regard for the consequences, without any regard for the expressed will or desire of the woman or of the couple? (Reilly 36).” Pro-abortionists encourage abortion for single young women who become pregnant because they may not be able to support additional children or may be immensely inconvenienced by a new family member. “Is it more important to minimize abortion or to minimize the birth of children to women who are unprepared to provide the familial structure needed for children to become stable and responsible adults? (Paul 27).” They also believe that in cases of rape women who follow through with pregnancy will experience terrible flashbacks of their horrible experiences. Because they are typically single, young women, it would be difficult for them to take care of a baby. For this reason, they think that the mother must be considered first. 49% of all pregnancies among American women are unintended and having a child is an important lifelong decision that requires consideration, preparation, and planning (abortion.procon.org).
On the other hand, there are also people who think abortion should be illegal no matter what the circumstances because they believe that it is a form of murder. They believe that human life occurs at the moment of conception. Also, they believe that humanity doesn’t depend on size, stage of development, or place of residence (Garton 5). Other reasons why people oppose abortion originates from the bible. Although it doesn’t condemn abortion, it does talk about the value of human life. Psalms 139:13-14 the psalmist writes, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Davis 132).” Thus pro-life argues that God values unborn children in every stage of development, not after birth. Pro-life activists believe that each and every person is completely unique and that they deserve to get the chance to live and reach their potential in the world. Furthermore, when you get an abortion that human life, however small is eliminated. While this may true, there are also people on both sides who believe that abortion needs to have more restrictions.
While there are arguments as to why abortion should be legal and illegal no matter what the situation, there are also people who argue that there should be more restrictions on abortion in all states. Abortion needs to have more restrictions in all states, plain and simple. There are many risk factors that need to be considered when it comes to abortion. For instance, women who get abortions have a bigger chance of having a miscarriage later in life when they may actually want to have a child. Also, it can cause woman to no longer be able to have babies and they will be very depressed because they can’t have a child of their own when they actually want one. Consequently, women can also get pelvic inflammatory disease, which is excruciatingly painful. Not to mention that abortion also increases the chance of women getting breast cancer (abortionprocon.org). In early pregnancy, levels of estrogen increase, leading to breast growth in preparation for breastfeeding so when the pregnancy is interrupted by an abortion, immature cells are left in the woman’s breast thus increasing the risk of breast cancer. Eight medical organizations including, Breast Cancer Prevention Institute, The Catholic Medical Association, and the National Physicians Center For Family Resources have recognized the connection between abortion and breast cancer (abortionprocon.org). With that in mind it can also cause death to the mother. In addition, those who get an abortion are bound to have physical, emotional, and psychological repercussions. For example, mothers feel guilt, depression, regret, and anger at themselves (Davis 142). Approximately 60% of women expressed distress within eight weeks of their abortions (Garton 30). Also, why do you need to get an abortion when adoption is a viable alternative? 1.5 million families want to adopt a child because they can’t have children of their own (abortionprocon.org). Adoption is a good way to help the community and give to people who can’t have children. If you don’t want your baby then you can give it to someone who wants your baby and you will be doing something good for someone else.
In cases of rape the mother should have the right to get an adoption if it is too much for her. However, she should consider getting counseling and really thinking it through before she makes a decision. If she goes and talks to someone about it she may feel better about herself and she can get help and support. Most women who go through a pregnancy don’t regret it (christiananswers.net). When you have a baby, the moment the baby is born a special bond is formed. You immediately fall in love with your baby and you want to do everything you can to help them. Not only that but the baby loves its mother and depends on her. A baby is an innocent person and they should not have to get killed because of rape. Many rape victims who got counseling and went through the entire pregnancy felt good afterwards because they felt they overcame what happened to them christiananswers.net). If rape victims are unable to handle being pregnant after getting help and considering all their options they should be allowed to get an abortion because it is unfair to force them to go through a pregnancy resulting in such a traumatic event. If complications arise during the pregnancy and the woman’s life is at risk they should most definitely be able to get an abortion because it isn’t her fault that the complications occurred and we don’t want two lives to be lost.
In conclusion, abortion is still an issue today and more and more states are putting restrictions on abortion. People feel so strongly about abortion for many reasons, most of them valid. The reasons range from specific to general and personal to universal. Also, women may have had their own experiences with abortion that cause them to have certain opinions on the issue. If women don’t want to have children then they need to not have sex and then they will not need to have an abortion. It is important to realize that there are many risks to abortions and options to be considered before getting abortions. For this reason, woman should not get an abortion unless they absolutely have to.
Works Cited
"ABORTION - Is abortion justifiable in cases of rape or incest? • ChristianAnswers.Net." Christian Answers Network [Home] • Multilingual answers, reviews, ministry resources, and more! • ChristianAnswers.Net. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 May 2013. <http://www.christiananswers.net/q-sum/q-life005.html>.
"Abortion ProCon.org." Abortion ProCon.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 May 2013. <http://www.abortion.procon.org>.
Davis, John Jefferson. Abortion and the Christian: what every believer should know. Phillipsburg, N.J.: Presbyterian and Reformed Pub. Co., 1984. Print.
Davis, Nanette J.. From crime to choice: the transformation of abortion in America. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press, 1985. Print.
Garton, Jean Staker. Who broke the baby?. Minneapolis: Bethany Fellowship, 1979. Print.
"National Abortion Federation: History of Abortion." National Abortion Federation (NAF). N.p., n.d. Web. 15 May 2013. <http://www.prochoice.org/about_abortion/history_abortion.html>.
Reilly, Emily. Masterminds of the right. Dublin: Attic Press, 1992. Print.
Sachdev, Paul. Perspectives on abortion. Metuchen, N.J.: Scarecrow Press, 1985. Print.
The Abortion Access Project. "Abortion - The Impact of Illegal Abortion - Our Bodies Ourselves." Information on Women's Health & Sexuality - Our Bodies Ourselves. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 May 2013. <http://www.ourbodiesourselves.org/book/companion.asp?id=20&compID=100>.
Abortion has been an issue starting way back in history. In fact, the earliest recorded reference to abortion is by a Chinese emperor back in 2737 B.C. Many people throughout history had different opinions on whether or not abortion should be legal. For example, “Plato wrote that ill conceived embryos should not be brought to birth and if the children were born, the parents should dispose of them. Aristotle also had the opinion that all deformed children should be exposed and left to die. (Davis 131)”
However, Christianity was opposed to abortion, which was common in ancient Greece and Rome. Abortion has been performed for thousands of years in every society that has been studied. It was legal in the U.S. as early as the time the first settlers arrived. The constitution accepted abortions and it was openly advertised and performed. In the mid 1800s states began passing laws that made abortion illegal, reasons included quickening, which is when the fetus starts moving in the mother’s womb and is considered alive. According to William Blackstone, “life begins in contemplation of law as soon as the infant is able to stir in the mother’s womb. (Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)” People also feared that the population would be dominated by children of newly arriving immigrants who had higher birth rates. In addition, surgical procedures like abortion were very risky in the 1800s. Hospitals weren’t common and antiseptics were unknown. Even the most respected doctors had primitive medical educations and without today’s technology maternal and infant morality rates were really high. The dangers of abortion were similar to other surgical procedures that were still legal.
As scientific methods began to dominate medical practice and technologies were developed to prevent infection and as a result, medical care became much safer and more effective. The vast majority of women who needed abortions had no choice but to get them from illegal practitioners who didn’t have medical advances at their disposal, also known as “back alley” abortions. The strongest force behind the drive to criminalize abortion was doctors attempting to establish themselves exclusive rights to practice medicine and prevent untrained practitioners such midwives, apothecaries, and homeopaths from competing with them for patients and patient fees. So they decided to eliminate one of the principle procedures that kept competitors in business and at that time it was abortion. On the contrary, the newly formed American Medical Association argued that abortion was immoral and dangerous. By 1910 all but one state criminalized abortion except to save a woman’s life so that legal abortion was successfully transformed into a “physicians only” practice. In addition, prohibition of legal abortion from the 1880s until 1973 came under the same anti-obscenity or Comstock laws that prohibited the dissemination of birth control info and services.
Criminalization of abortion didn’t reduce the number of women who sought out abortions. Likewise, years before Roe versus Wade estimates of illegal abortion raised as high as 1.2 million per year (National Abortion Federation). Many women were harmed as a result of illegal abortions. As many as 5,000 American women died annually as a result of illegal and unsafe abortions (ourbodiesourselves.org). Similarly, many also died or suffered from medical problems after attempting to self induce abortions or going to untrained practitioners who performed with primitive methods and unsanitary conditions. Hospital emergency staff treated thousands of women who either died or suffered terrible effects of abortion done without adequate skill and care (prochoice.org). However, some women were able to obtain relatively safer but still illegal abortions from private doctors and remained prevalent for the first half of the 20th century. The rate of reported abortions began to decline because doctors faced scrutiny from their peers and hospital administrators concerned about the legality of their operations.
Between 1967 and 1973 one third of states repealed their criminal abortion laws, however, the right to have an abortion in all states was only made available when the supreme court struck down the remaining restrictive state laws with it’s ruling of Roe versus Wade. Roe versus Wade made it possible to get safe and legal abortions from well trained medical practitioners which lead to a decrease in pregnancy related death (prochoice.org). The Roe case rose out of a Texas law that prohibited legal abortion except to save a women’s life and most states had laws similar to that which forced women to result to illegal abortions. 20-year-old Jane Roe represented women who wanted abortions but couldn’t get them legally and safely. Henry Wade, Texas Attorney General defended the law that made abortions illegal. After hearing the case, the Supreme Court ruled that the American’s right to privacy included the right to decide whether or not to have children and the right of women and their doctors to make the decision without state interference.
After Roe versus Wade, supporters of abortion rejoiced because they believed they won the battle but little did they know it was far from over. Those who opposed legal abortion immediately began working to prevent federal or state funding for abortion and undermine or limit the effect of the decision. In fact, some turned to directly disrupting clinics where abortion was provided by harassing people who try to enter, vandalizing clinic property, and blocking access to clinics. As time passed, anti-abortion violence escalated to clinic bombing, physical attacks, and murders to prevent women from having abortions. Initially, Roe versus Wade was the basis by which the constitution of state abortion laws was determined, however, the Supreme Court began to allow more restrictions on abortion. Supreme court’s ruling in Planned Parenthood versus Casey in 1992 established that states could restrict pre-viability abortions. Restrictions can be placed on the first trimester of pregnancy in ways that are not medically necessary as long as restrictions don’t place all “undue burden” on women seeking abortion services. Many states now have restrictions in place such as parental involvement, mandatory waiting periods, and biased counseling. Only the requirement to involve women’s spouse in her decision was disallowed. Although the supreme court as well as many states are placing more restrictions on abortion there are still people out there who believe in Roe versus Wade and the right of the woman to decide whether or not she wants to get an abortion or not.
Many pro-abortionists are angry about all the restrictions being put on abortion. They believe that Roe versus Wade is the right way because they think it’s the mother’s right to decide whether or not they want to have an abortion. Those in favor of abortion believe that abortion should be legal no matter what the situation is because they don’t think that a fetus is not full human until after birth. They think that the idea that a baby exists before birth is entirely religious theory and it preposterous. Abortionists readily state that “to believe that one cell is already a full human being and should be treated as such is so patently absurd that it is almost too difficult to refute (Reilly 35).” Furthermore, they refuse to acknowledge them as fully human until all normal human structures and functions have been developed and are readily being used (Paul 24). Abortionists assume priority to the mother, so they are basically saying that a baby’s life depends on the parents. “Should a woman be forced to continue a pregnancy or be saddled with bringing up a child for 18 years without any regard for the consequences, without any regard for the expressed will or desire of the woman or of the couple? (Reilly 36).” Pro-abortionists encourage abortion for single young women who become pregnant because they may not be able to support additional children or may be immensely inconvenienced by a new family member. “Is it more important to minimize abortion or to minimize the birth of children to women who are unprepared to provide the familial structure needed for children to become stable and responsible adults? (Paul 27).” They also believe that in cases of rape women who follow through with pregnancy will experience terrible flashbacks of their horrible experiences. Because they are typically single, young women, it would be difficult for them to take care of a baby. For this reason, they think that the mother must be considered first. 49% of all pregnancies among American women are unintended and having a child is an important lifelong decision that requires consideration, preparation, and planning (abortion.procon.org).
On the other hand, there are also people who think abortion should be illegal no matter what the circumstances because they believe that it is a form of murder. They believe that human life occurs at the moment of conception. Also, they believe that humanity doesn’t depend on size, stage of development, or place of residence (Garton 5). Other reasons why people oppose abortion originates from the bible. Although it doesn’t condemn abortion, it does talk about the value of human life. Psalms 139:13-14 the psalmist writes, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Davis 132).” Thus pro-life argues that God values unborn children in every stage of development, not after birth. Pro-life activists believe that each and every person is completely unique and that they deserve to get the chance to live and reach their potential in the world. Furthermore, when you get an abortion that human life, however small is eliminated. While this may true, there are also people on both sides who believe that abortion needs to have more restrictions.
While there are arguments as to why abortion should be legal and illegal no matter what the situation, there are also people who argue that there should be more restrictions on abortion in all states. Abortion needs to have more restrictions in all states, plain and simple. There are many risk factors that need to be considered when it comes to abortion. For instance, women who get abortions have a bigger chance of having a miscarriage later in life when they may actually want to have a child. Also, it can cause woman to no longer be able to have babies and they will be very depressed because they can’t have a child of their own when they actually want one. Consequently, women can also get pelvic inflammatory disease, which is excruciatingly painful. Not to mention that abortion also increases the chance of women getting breast cancer (abortionprocon.org). In early pregnancy, levels of estrogen increase, leading to breast growth in preparation for breastfeeding so when the pregnancy is interrupted by an abortion, immature cells are left in the woman’s breast thus increasing the risk of breast cancer. Eight medical organizations including, Breast Cancer Prevention Institute, The Catholic Medical Association, and the National Physicians Center For Family Resources have recognized the connection between abortion and breast cancer (abortionprocon.org). With that in mind it can also cause death to the mother. In addition, those who get an abortion are bound to have physical, emotional, and psychological repercussions. For example, mothers feel guilt, depression, regret, and anger at themselves (Davis 142). Approximately 60% of women expressed distress within eight weeks of their abortions (Garton 30). Also, why do you need to get an abortion when adoption is a viable alternative? 1.5 million families want to adopt a child because they can’t have children of their own (abortionprocon.org). Adoption is a good way to help the community and give to people who can’t have children. If you don’t want your baby then you can give it to someone who wants your baby and you will be doing something good for someone else.
In cases of rape the mother should have the right to get an adoption if it is too much for her. However, she should consider getting counseling and really thinking it through before she makes a decision. If she goes and talks to someone about it she may feel better about herself and she can get help and support. Most women who go through a pregnancy don’t regret it (christiananswers.net). When you have a baby, the moment the baby is born a special bond is formed. You immediately fall in love with your baby and you want to do everything you can to help them. Not only that but the baby loves its mother and depends on her. A baby is an innocent person and they should not have to get killed because of rape. Many rape victims who got counseling and went through the entire pregnancy felt good afterwards because they felt they overcame what happened to them christiananswers.net). If rape victims are unable to handle being pregnant after getting help and considering all their options they should be allowed to get an abortion because it is unfair to force them to go through a pregnancy resulting in such a traumatic event. If complications arise during the pregnancy and the woman’s life is at risk they should most definitely be able to get an abortion because it isn’t her fault that the complications occurred and we don’t want two lives to be lost.
In conclusion, abortion is still an issue today and more and more states are putting restrictions on abortion. People feel so strongly about abortion for many reasons, most of them valid. The reasons range from specific to general and personal to universal. Also, women may have had their own experiences with abortion that cause them to have certain opinions on the issue. If women don’t want to have children then they need to not have sex and then they will not need to have an abortion. It is important to realize that there are many risks to abortions and options to be considered before getting abortions. For this reason, woman should not get an abortion unless they absolutely have to.
Works Cited
"ABORTION - Is abortion justifiable in cases of rape or incest? • ChristianAnswers.Net." Christian Answers Network [Home] • Multilingual answers, reviews, ministry resources, and more! • ChristianAnswers.Net. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 May 2013. <http://www.christiananswers.net/q-sum/q-life005.html>.
"Abortion ProCon.org." Abortion ProCon.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 May 2013. <http://www.abortion.procon.org>.
Davis, John Jefferson. Abortion and the Christian: what every believer should know. Phillipsburg, N.J.: Presbyterian and Reformed Pub. Co., 1984. Print.
Davis, Nanette J.. From crime to choice: the transformation of abortion in America. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press, 1985. Print.
Garton, Jean Staker. Who broke the baby?. Minneapolis: Bethany Fellowship, 1979. Print.
"National Abortion Federation: History of Abortion." National Abortion Federation (NAF). N.p., n.d. Web. 15 May 2013. <http://www.prochoice.org/about_abortion/history_abortion.html>.
Reilly, Emily. Masterminds of the right. Dublin: Attic Press, 1992. Print.
Sachdev, Paul. Perspectives on abortion. Metuchen, N.J.: Scarecrow Press, 1985. Print.
The Abortion Access Project. "Abortion - The Impact of Illegal Abortion - Our Bodies Ourselves." Information on Women's Health & Sexuality - Our Bodies Ourselves. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 May 2013. <http://www.ourbodiesourselves.org/book/companion.asp?id=20&compID=100>.