Abortion as a Serious Issue and Should Be Outlawed

Introduction

From the moment of conception until the final breath is taken, there is a beautiful portion in between that we call life. Unfortunately, not all people are given the choice to personally partake in this distinctive experience. Abortion takes this opportunity away from an unborn child who deserves a voice strong enough to be heard by all. It is truly devastating and morally wrong that abortion is still a prevalent issue in our world today. Abortion should be illegal in the United States during all nine months of pregnancy.

The Devaluation of Life

Abortion has gradually cheapened the value of life. For example, research shows that people are choosing to abort a baby if a diagnosis is made for Down syndrome. Out of mothers who received this news, about 90% of them chose to abort their baby (Mansfield et al., 2018). Many feel that they can “cleanse” the world of Down syndrome with this illogical solution. However, each life, regardless of medical diagnosis, possesses inherent value and potential. Down syndrome babies are not the only ones being aborted. Babies that are said to have cleft lips, deformed feet, and other medical abnormalities have also been attacked before they are given a fighting chance (Chitty et al., 2004). With that being said, if abortion continues to be legal, the value of a life will simply plummet until it is merely nothing.

Complications of Abortion

Along with lessening the value of life, having an abortion could lead to numerous complications. According to abortionfacts.com, “Women who have aborted have significantly higher rates of breast cancer later in life.” Also, if there is an infection following the procedure, death is a serious possibility. The mother may also experience bowel injury, bladder injury, or hepatitis. Another significant consequence includes endangering the next potential baby carried. Miscarriage is twice as likely to occur in the earlier months, and there is a higher possibility that the child will die within the first couple of years of life outside the womb (Reardon, 2008). Along with all of these physical complications, the Scandinavian Journal of Public Health found that young adult women who undergo abortion may be at increased risk for subsequent depression (Pedersen, 2008). Having an abortion would not only harm the unborn, but it would also harm the mother. Fortunately, these mental and physical complications could easily be avoided if abortion is made illegal throughout the entire pregnancy.

The Reality of Fetal Pain

Some medical experts believe that the unborn cannot feel pain until week 20 or later. Nevertheless, in 2007, more research was done to completely contradict this statement. Medical experts used to think that all pain detection comes from the cerebral cortex. Unfortunately, more research has been done to show that having a developed cerebral cortex isn’t actually necessary to feel pain (Lee et al., 2005). During an abortion, the pain has been indicated by the abrupt movements of the baby during the procedure. The unborn child is able to react with reflex movements as early as 8 weeks. Also, according to the Charlotte Lozier Institute, “the unborn, as well as newborn and preterm infants, show hyperresponsiveness to pain” (Anand & Hickey, 1987). This is because neural mechanisms that inhibit pain sensations do not develop until much later when the baby is already outside of the womb. It is entirely inaccurate to say that the unborn child will feel nothing because they will feel each and every part of this life-taking procedure.

A Christian Perspective

It is only right to analyze, through a Christian lens, the most common arguments made by those who are pro-choice. One of the most frequent arguments made is the “my body, my choice” belief. The woman feels that she should have absolute control over everything that happens to her body. Unfortunately, Exodus 20:13 clearly states, “You shall not murder,” which is exactly what the mother would be doing by having an abortion. Next, the argument is made that the preborn baby is nothing more than a clump of cells. Psalm 139:13 states that the Lord knit us together in our mother’s womb. The final argument is regarding rape and incest. Rather than providing scripture, it is relevant to make the simple point that rape and incest make up merely 1% of all abortions (Reardon, 1989). The Lord has a purpose for everyone at the moment of conception, and no person has the right to choose death for the unheard.

Conclusion

Abortion is a serious issue and should be outlawed in the United States for all nine months of pregnancy. While there are several opposing arguments on this topic, not a single one can be classified as morally acceptable. Abortion strips the preborn baby of the opportunity to live a beautiful life. Voiceless, helpless, and very much human, this baby deserves the chance to experience life for himself/herself. From the very moment of fertilization, that baby is just as human as you and me. Life is a right for all people, and all people have a right to live.

References

• Anand, K. J. S., & Hickey, P. R. (1987). Pain and its effects in the human neonate and fetus. The New England Journal of Medicine, 317(21), 1321-1329.
• Chitty, L. S., & Boyd, P. A. (2004). Antenatal diagnosis of fetal abnormalities in England and Wales: 1989-2000. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 111(5), 491-496.
• Lee, S. J., Ralston, H. J., Drey, E. A., Partridge, J. C., & Rosen, M. A. (2005). Fetal pain: a systematic multidisciplinary review of the evidence. JAMA, 294(8), 947-954.
• Mansfield, C., Hopfer, S., & Marteau, T. M. (2018). Termination rates after prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome, spina bifida, anencephaly, and Turner and Klinefelter syndromes: A systematic literature review. Prenatal Diagnosis, 19(9), 808-812.
• Pedersen, W. (2008). Abortion and depression: A population-based longitudinal study of young women. Scandinavian Journal of Public Health, 36(4), 424-428.
• Reardon, D. C. (1989). Aborted Women: Silent No More. New York Times.
• Reardon, D. C. (2008). The aftereffects of abortion. After Abortion. Retrieved from http://www.afterabortion.org