Why Abortion is Considered Murder

Abortion has been a controversial and hotly debated topic for decades, with strong opinions on both sides of the issue. One of the most fervently argued points against abortion is that it is considered murder. This essay will explore the reasons behind this assertion and provide well-researched evidence, statistics, and reputable sources to support this argument.

The Definition of Murder

In order to understand why abortion is considered murder, it is important to first define what constitutes murder. According to legal and ethical standards, murder is the unlawful killing of another human being with intent. This definition highlights two key components: the act of killing and the humanity of the victim.

The Humanity of the Unborn

One of the primary arguments against abortion as murder is the belief that the unborn fetus is a human being deserving of the same rights and protections as any other person. Scientifically, it is widely accepted that human life begins at conception. According to Dr. Jerome LeJeune, a renowned geneticist and professor, "To accept the fact that after fertilization has taken place a new human has come into being is no longer a matter of taste or opinion...it is plain experimental evidence."

In addition to the scientific evidence, many religious and ethical frameworks also assert the humanity of the unborn. For example, in Christianity, the belief in the sanctity of life from conception is a central tenet. This belief is echoed in the words of Pope John Paul II, who stated, "The inviolability of the person, which is a reflection of the absolute inviolability of God, finds its primary and fundamental expression in the inviolability of human life."

The Act of Killing

Once the humanity of the unborn is established, the act of abortion can be viewed through the lens of murder. Abortion intentionally terminates the life of the unborn fetus, making it an act of killing with intent. The methods used in abortion, such as suction aspiration or dilation and curettage, directly result in the death of the unborn.

According to the Guttmacher Institute, a leading research and policy organization, approximately 862,320 abortions were performed in the United States in 2017. This statistic represents 18.4% of all pregnancies in the country. These numbers underscore the scale of the act of killing through abortion and its impact on the unborn.

Legal and Ethical Implications

From a legal and ethical standpoint, the assertion that abortion is murder raises important questions about the rights and protections of the unborn. If the unborn is recognized as a human being, should they not be afforded the same legal rights and protections as any other person? And if killing a human being is considered murder, should abortion not be subject to the same legal and ethical consequences?

The legal status of abortion varies widely around the world, with some countries imposing strict restrictions and others allowing it without significant limitations. However, the ethical implications of abortion as murder remain a contentious and unresolved issue in many societies.

Conclusion

The assertion that abortion is murder is supported by the scientific evidence of the humanity of the unborn, the act of killing involved in abortion, and the legal and ethical implications of terminating the life of the unborn. While abortion continues to be a divisive and complex issue, it is important to consider the weight of these arguments in the ongoing debate surrounding the ethics and morality of abortion.