Why Abortion Should Be Banned

Introduction

Abortion is a controversial topic that has been debated for decades. While some argue that it is a woman's right to choose what she does with her own body, others argue that it is morally wrong to terminate a potential life. As a college student, I believe that abortion should be banned in all circumstances, and this essay will provide evidence and arguments to support this position.

Background Information

Abortion is the termination of a pregnancy before the fetus is viable, or able to survive outside the uterus. There are two types of abortion procedures - medical (using medication to induce a miscarriage), and surgical (where the fetus is surgically removed from the uterus). The legality of abortion varies around the world and depends on the cultural, religious, and political climate of each country. In the United States, the Supreme Court ruling in Roe Wade made abortion legal in all 50 states in 1973. However, since then, various states have attempted to restrict access to abortion through regulations and laws. Despite this, public opinion has shifted towards increased support for abortion rights, with the majority of Americans now believing that abortion should be legal in all or most cases.

Ethical Arguments against Abortion

The most common argument against abortion is that life begins at conception and terminating a potential life is morally wrong. This view is often held by religious groups and those who believe in the sanctity of life. Additionally, some argue that fetuses have rights and must be protected, just like any other human being. Finally, studies have shown that abortion can have negative impacts on the mental and emotional well-being of women, whether it be feelings of guilt, depression or anxiety.

Legal Arguments against Abortion

Pro-life advocates argue that the Constitution guarantees the right to life, and therefore, abortion is unconstitutional. Additionally, aborting a child is seen as a violation of the human right to life and undermines the principles of equal protection. Rather than allowing women to have an abortion, the government could focus on providing assistance to women facing unplanned pregnancies, including financial aid, and access to resources like counseling and healthcare.

Medical Arguments against Abortion

Abortion is not a risk-free procedure and can have both physical and psychological repercussions. Women who have abortions experience an increased risk of ectopic pregnancies, which can be life-threatening, future infertility, and mental health issues. Most importantly, in most cases, terminating the life of an unborn child is not medically necessary, and alternative options, such as adoption, can be a safer and more ethical choice.

Social and Economic Arguments against Abortion

The negative impact of abortion on society cannot be overstated. It has the potential to devalue human life, diminishing respect for the sanctity of life. In addition, abortion also has significant economic costs and impacts on the healthcare system and the workforce. Rather than aborting a child, there are numerous alternative resources and options available that can support women and families facing unplanned pregnancies.

Rebuttal to Counterarguments

Supporters of abortion rights argue that a woman has the right to choose what she does with her body and that not allowing abortion forces women to carry an unwanted pregnancy to term, which can be detrimental to their physical and mental health. However, given the available resources and alternatives to abortion, women can receive the medical care and support they need without resorting to a procedure that puts their health and the potential life of a child at risk.

Conclusion

Overall, the arguments and evidence against abortion are significant and compelling. Not only is it a violation of human and fetal rights, but it also has physical, psychological, social, and economic ramifications. While this issue is complex and personal, it is important to consider the ethical implications and potential alternatives to abortion. In conclusion, I reiterate my thesis that abortion should be banned, and I urge society to provide support and resources to women and families facing unplanned pregnancies, rather than resorting to a destructive and morally objectionable procedure.

1. National Institute of Health. (2021). Abortion. Retrieved from https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/abortion.html
2. Murphy, M. (2021). Supreme Court Won’t Hear Major Abortion Case This Term. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/11/us/politics/supreme-court-abortion-case.html
3. Pew Research Center. (2020). Abortion. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/topics/abortion/