A Critique of Pro-life Arguments Against Abortion

Without question, the Pro-choice versus the Pro-life debate has to be one of America’s debates topics with no doubt, and rightfully so because it is such a serious, and difficult topic to discuss. Everyone has their own opinions about abortions, and there are a lot of factors that tie in with individual’s opinions the subject matter, like religion, politics and emotional reasons. Many people believe that abortion is morally wrong, but in many cases it could be the best option for various reasons. And in this paper I will try to pursue readers on why abortion should remain legal by debating against some of the most common pro-life arguments against abortion, and I will also share solutions to resolve the abortion debate.

I would like to share some facts on how abortions benefit not only just individuals but society as a whole. According to an article written by Maggie Fox, most Americans actually support women’s rights. Most of the polls that I researched show that anywhere from 55 to 60 percent of Americans support at abortions most of them show to about 55 percent agree that abortions should take place at least in the first 8 weeks of pregnancies. Fox also states that abortions are safe, “ Medical experts overwhelmingly said such regulations were unnecessary. Earlier this year, the National Academy of Medicine reported that abortion care is safe in the U.S. It found that abortions can be safely provided in clinics and doctor’s offices. Fewer than 1 percent of first-trimester abortions lead to complications, one review found.” According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), “The risk of death associated with childbirth is approximately 14 times higher than that with abortion.” Fox continues with her points by saying banning abortion does not reduce it. Research by the Guttmacher Institute claims that, ‘The abortion rate is 37 per 1,000 women in countries that prohibit abortion altogether or allow it only to save a woman’s life, and 34 per 1,000 in countries that allow abortion without restriction as to reason — a difference that is not significant.’ Of course with minor surgeries carries their own risk, but the risk is so minimal and rarely happens. Then Fox states that providing free birth control does reduce abortions rates. The Colorado Family Planning Initiative cut abortions down in half by giving women free long acting birth control. Finally Fox states that women having abortions are very common in the United States. “In the United States, where one half of all pregnancies are unintended, almost one third of women will seek an abortion by age 45.”

One of the most common arguments against abortions rights is that, is that, “If someone is willing to have sex, they should be prepared to take of the responsibility of the outcome of possibly getting pregnant.” There are many scenarios that would make this statement false, because not all women who choose to have sex choose to get pregnant, even for the individuals who do choose to have sex should not be compelled to proceed with a unwanted pregnancy. Or someone might not be even be able to afford to get pregnant because that women will most likely have to take off from work for a period of time. I would say that in some cases getting an abortion is best option for a women if, she cannot afford a baby, or does not want to give that baby up for adoption because of messiness of the foster care system in America.

Another common a defense for the pro-life debate is that some people think that abortion is okay in the case of sexual assault, and there is many ways to dispute this argument. The logic behind this argument make sense, but many people who get raped don’t that report it, or the some attackers don’t even get charged or convicted. Some women want to get abortions to prevent getting too attached to that child so although making the decision to get an abortion is a tough one sometimes it is necessary, so that victims of rape can try to move on with their lives. If people agree that abortions in the case of rape should be legal, or us morally right than why should it matter how a child in conceived, if abortions should be allowed for this reason, abortions should be legal for all occasions.

Another controversial statement I hear is ‘How is it fitting for somebody to choose whether a helpless fetus can live or die?” Something essential to recall about pregnancy is that babies are reliant on the pregnant individual’s body so as to remain alive. Furthermore, as a result of a thought called substantially self-rule (for example the reason that you can’t be compelled to give organs regardless of whether it would spare an individual’s life), we can’t make an individual proceed with a pregnancy when they would prefer not to. I would likewise call attention to that it isn’t directly for somebody to choose whether an individual needs to proceed with a pregnancy that may adversely affect them physically, and socially.

Greatest Happiness Principle: “Those actions are right that produce the greatest actions are right that produce the greatest happiness for the greatest number of happiness for the greatest number of people.” How to interpret this is do whatever causes you the least amount of pain. I honestly believe if Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill where still alive they would agree that abortions should be legal, not because getting abortions is morally right, but they give individuals free will to choose what we believe is right and wrong. The truth is that unwanted pregnancies cause many people a great deal of unhappiness.

In conclusion I firmly believe that women’s rights should be protected always and forever. It should be a women’s decision to do whatever she decides, but i also believe that birth control is the best option to prevent unwanted pregnancies in the first place. I advise women to consider all alternative options before making such an extreme measure because even though I think abortions should be legal I also think that abortions should every woman’s last option, and to examine the potential consequences that comes with abortions. Finally when it comes to having sex let’s all try to be as responsible as possible when choosing partners, using condoms, and practicing abstinence.

References

1. Fox, Maggie. “Abortion Is at the Top of the Political Agenda. Here Are a Few Facts.” NBCNews.com, NBCUniversal News Group, 5 July 2018, www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/abortion-u-s-five-key-facts-n889111.
2. Sedgh, Gilda. “Induced Abortion Worldwide.” Guttmacher Institute, 2 Aug. 2018, www.guttmacher.org/fact-sheet/induced-abortion-worldwide.
3. “Women’s Health Care Physicians.” ACOG, www.acog.org/Clinical-Guidance-and-Publications/Committee-Opinions/Committee-on-Health-Care-for-Underserved-Women/Increasing-Access-to-Abortion?IsMobileSet=false.