Abortion Should Be Pro-Choice, Not Pro-Life

ABORTION SHOULD BE PRO-CHOICE NOT PRO-LIFE

Abortion should be the mother’s choice. When a child is brought into the world, it is the responsibility of the parents to care for it or decide to terminate. There are many different reasons a mother may decide to terminate. The government should not have a say in this matter.

Abortion should be the legal right of the mother. Women should have the right to decide what they do with their bodies. Legalizing abortion protects women's health by providing a safe, medical procedure for termination and prevents children from growing up in detrimental environments that could cause lasting harm. Many unwanted children face neglect, abuse, and difficult circumstances, and abortion can prevent these adverse outcomes.

Opponents argue that pro-choice advocates are murderers; however, pro-life supporters are establishing a dictatorship over women’s bodies. Women should have the autonomy to make decisions about their reproductive health without interference. According to a survey by David Reardon of the Elliot Institute, women who have had abortions often experience psychological effects such as nightmares, guilt, fear of divine punishment, and persistent memories of the procedure, especially when counseling is not provided. Several states have already restricted access to abortion, removing a fundamental human right from women.

In some states, abortion is illegal, forcing women to seek dangerous, illegal procedures from unlicensed providers. Historically, restrictions on abortion were rooted in ethical concerns and fears over safety, with early abortions being perilous and often fatal, yet ultimately justified to protect fetal life. While safety concerns are valid, restricting access infringes on personal rights. Pro-life advocates claim abortion leads to regret, depression, and physical complications. A 2009 article by Steven Ertelt reports that some medical professionals acknowledge that abortions can adversely affect women's health and subsequent pregnancies.

Ultimately, a woman’s body belongs to her. The government has no right to dictate what women can or cannot do with their bodies. Forcing women into illegal, unsafe procedures or criminalizing their choices is morally and ethically wrong. Many women seek abortion due to circumstances beyond their control, such as rape, health risks, or economic hardship. Criminalizing abortion disregards their autonomy and well-being.

The government’s intervention in reproductive rights displays an alarming disregard for individual freedoms and human rights. Labeling women as murderers for choosing to end an unintended pregnancy is unjust and outdated. The right to choose abortion is essential for gender equality, personal autonomy, and the protection of women’s health and rights. In the 21st century, restricting reproductive freedom perpetuates inequality and fails to respect individual choice and dignity.

Decisions about pregnancy are deeply personal and complex. Societies should trust women to make informed choices about their bodies and futures. Dismissing their autonomy with moral judgments or legal restrictions devalues their agency and exposes them to harm. Respecting reproductive rights is not only a matter of health but a fundamental aspect of human dignity and freedom.

References

• Ertelt, Steven. (2009). "Mayo Clinic Doctor Admits Abortions Hurt Women, Cause Premature Births." LifeNews.
• Guttmacher Institute. (2022). Induced Abortion in the United States. Retrieved from https://www.guttmacher.org/fact-sheet/induced-abortion-united-states
• Jones, R. K., & Jerman, J. (2017). Population Group Abortion Rates and Lives Saved: Now and Future. Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, 49(1), 17-26.
• Reardon, D. C., et al. (2002). Psychological Reactions of Women After Abortion. Elliot Institute.
• Kimport, K., & Foster, D. G. (2018). Crisis or opportunity? Rethinking abortion stigma. Sexuality Research and Social Policy, 15(3), 371-381.
• World Health Organization. (2012). Safe abortion: technical and policy guidance for health systems. WHO Press.
• Fried, M. G. (2010). Reproductive Rights and Women’s Autonomy. Journal of Human Rights, 9(2), 194-209.
• Cook, R. J., & Dickens, B. M. (2011). Reproductive choices and legal constraints. Journal of Medical Ethics, 37(5), 279-283.
• Henshaw, S. K., & Kost, K. (2008). Factors Associated With Secrecy and Disclosure of Abortion. Family Planning Perspectives, 23(4), 182-187.
• Harris, L., & Wessel, T. (2014). Ethical and social implications of reproductive autonomy. Bioethics, 28(7), 364-372.