Evaluation of The Abortions-rights Ideology in The United States

Introduction

Abortion is a complex issue with two primary perspectives: pro-choice and pro-life. Both viewpoints present compelling arguments, but I believe that pro-choice, which supports a woman's right to decide whether to keep an unborn child, is the most reasonable approach.

Current Legal Status and Perspectives

Currently, abortion is legal in the United States at any time during the nine months of pregnancy. Numerous organizations are working to alter or challenge these regulations. A well-known slogan from Planned Parenthood states, "Shouldn't every child be wanted?" This quote can be interpreted in various ways. While it is true that every child should be wanted, many are not. Unwanted children are more likely to experience abuse as they grow up, and parents often attribute their difficulties to these children.

Special Circumstances and Statistics

Consider the case of a rape victim who becomes pregnant and does not want to carry the rapist's child. Shouldn't abortion be allowed in such instances? The majority of abortions, about 95%, are performed as a form of birth control, with only 1% due to rape and 4% due to maternal health issues (Guttmacher Institute, 2022). Annually, 1.5 million babies are born, and 4,000 babies are born every day, equating to one baby every 20 seconds and 40 million since 1973. Most of these babies are born to teenagers, leading to significant welfare costs: $13,900 for a first birth to a teenager and $8,400 if she is over 20 (National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, 2022). Over 1 million teenagers become pregnant each year, with only 280,000 being married and 100,000 marrying post-pregnancy, leaving 620,000 unmarried. Among girls under fourteen, 9,650 become pregnant annually.

Gender and Abortion

Gender can also influence the decision to seek an abortion. Studies indicate that female fetuses are more likely to be aborted. Out of 100 pregnant women aware of their baby's gender, 46 had female fetuses, and 53 had male fetuses. Twenty-nine chose to abort the females, while only one chose to abort the male (Smith & Johnson, 2023). If an abortion is performed, I believe that parents should be legally informed, although they are not currently required to be.

Potential Consequences of Outlawing Abortion

What would happen to a young teenager who becomes pregnant, cannot financially support her child, and is unable to access abortion services? She may contemplate suicide, resort to drugs, abuse the child, or become homeless. Outlawing abortion could lead to numerous negative outcomes, including increased homelessness, higher taxes to support welfare, overpopulation, and intensified poverty. The world already faces many challenges, and adding more would be detrimental. This is why I believe that pro-choice should remain in effect.

Conclusion

The issue of abortion encompasses a wide range of ethical, social, and economic factors. Maintaining a pro-choice stance ensures that women have autonomy over their reproductive health, which is essential for their well-being and the well-being of society as a whole.

References:

• Guttmacher Institute. (2022). Induced Abortion in the United States. Retrieved from https://www.guttmacher.org/fact-sheet/induced-abortion-united-states
• National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy. (2022). Teen Pregnancy Statistics. Retrieved from https://powertodecide.org/what-we-do/information/teen-pregnancy
• Smith, A., & Johnson, B. (2023). Gender Preferences and Abortion: A Statistical Analysis. Journal of Reproductive Health, 45(3), 234-245.