Abortion is the deliberate termination of a human pregnancy. Abortion should be illegal in all situations except when the pregnancy puts the woman in danger or rape situations. A common argument for illegalization is that the baby is simply a group of cells but humans on the most basic level are also just a large group of cells. Many say that it should be the mothers right to choose because it is her body but the baby is not her body; she is sharing with the baby. If I have a conjoined twin and decide to murder him/her that does not make it morally acceptable even though we are sharing a body.
Abortion can also cause medical complications later in life: psychological, internal injurgies, cervical laceration, and a failed abortion. The psychological which can result in suicidal thoughts and feelings, sense of shame and isolation, guilt, regret, anger, depression, sleep disturbances, eating disorders, anxiety, and self destructive behavior. It is common for these women to not be able to feel or express their feelings much like the results of Shell Shock. Approximately 28 percent have actually attempt suicide after the experience with half of those women attempting suicide two or more times. National statistics on abortions show that 10% of women undergoing this procedure had an immediate complication. With all of these factors it seems more healthy for the woman to go through the pregnancy.
Rachel, is there any way you can fix this so I can see the text? Thanks, Rosemary
ReplyDeleteYou should fix your text because it blends in with the background. I don't agree with your view on abortion. I do feel like its the woman's choose what she would like to do with her body. There are a lot of people that have abortions for so many reasons such as financial stability, or their just not ready to take care of a baby. I think you only based your statistics on women that have been through harsh situations like rape. I don't think a woman/mother would go and attempt suicide because she had an abortion.
ReplyDeleteThanks Rachel for fixing this.
ReplyDeleteI do agree with your post in some areas. I, too, believe that this is a human life from conception onward. I believe Noonan's article offers a very concise moral argument to support this. There are two "humans" involved in an abortion. "Anyone conceived by a man and a woman is human" (331). Both has rights!
I know it makes it easier to argue for abortions when one reduces this human down to a cluster of cells. The genetic code, as Noonan argues, within these cells is a key defining factor for personhood. Abortion destroys this human already possessing a very specific genetic code, capacity to feel, has organs and life. Life is being destroyed.
There are indeed rights for the woman, as well as rights for the baby. The value of this baby is just as important as the woman carrying it. It is more than an "it" with no value. His/her value is truly more than zero and there is an intrinsic value that must be respected. Divine Command, Natural Law and Kantian Moral theories are very relevant here.
An abortion treats the fetus as a means to an end - a vehicle to be toss away to arrive at another's desired goal. That to me gives cause to consider and weigh the moral implications. Noonan speaks of Natural law and uses it as a humanistic argument. by citing biblical admonitions towards treatment of neighbors. I submit that a more excellent way of looking at this is really a combination of these two theories (Divine Command and Natural Law). Abortion nor feticide ought not be permitted because their is a life being destroyed - killed.
The Supreme Court has ruled on this issue. It is really the highest legal entity in this land. Abortions are permissible in many cases and prohibitions are set up in some others. With that, I am cannot deny or even judge from that perspective. But I do believe there really is a higher law that governs and it is centered in not in "religion" but God, Who as far as I am concerned, is the Creator of life.
I agree and know of a truth there are many side effects (emotional and otherwise) those who have had abortions experience. Looking at this from a consequentialist perspective, if this could be proven as the case among all who have had abortions, that would be a moral argument also against abortions. In my life, I have met many who have suffered long lasting effects of terminating a pregnancy and other who have overcome this too.
Exceptions. Yes, I believe your argument is relevant. Rape, incest, life threatening - I do not believe like the Supreme Court, a woman has to be a martyr for her child either. Situations are so different. But as for me, I am pretty much an absolutist.
I also believe it is ridiculous and hypocritical to denounce abortions without offering some viable alternatives. That means "real" help. If I am not willing to offer to adopt a child, be a resource (financially, counseling, housing, etc.), then I really need to consider my ways. There is more than lip service required here.
I see abortion as an option that a women or parent should have because it looks at the parent power to take care of the offspring when they are out of the womb. The women or parents should have complete autonomy over the idea/choice of abortion. Raising a child is hard and very expensive and if the parent is able to do this task it is in the best interest of the parent to make a choice that best suits them so they can make themselves better in the future.
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