Research Proposal – Thesis, Major Points, And Plan 324528

Research Proposal – Thesis, Major Points, and Planidenti

Identify the topic you selected and explain two (2) reasons for using it. I have selected the topic ABORTION. The reason why I choose this topic is because it has been a controversial topic and the debate never ends. Those who strongly oppose it do not bulge on their opinion and neither do those who support it. The abortion rules and regulations are different in different countries and are mainly influenced and guided by the people’s cultures and beliefs.

There are 54 countries where abortion is legal, among them China and the USA. This paper will discuss induced abortion in China and Pakistan, being one of the countries where induced abortion is illegal unless it is to save the life of the mother.

Include a defensible, relevant thesis statement in the first paragraph.

Describe three (3) major characteristics of your audience (official position, decision-making power, current view on topic, other important characteristic).

Describe the paper’s scope and outline the major sections. The paper discusses the type of abortion, Why People are against Abortion, Best Reason for and Against Abortion, Abortion Affects the Society.

Identify and explain the questions to be answered.

• Explain type of abortion
  • Spontaneous Abortion: Also known as a miscarriage, this type of abortion refers to the termination of pregnancy without human interference (naturally) (Littleton and Engebretson 508).
  • Induced Abortion: This refers to “termination of pregnancy before fetal viability by medical or surgical intervention” (Littleton and Engebretson 508). This category can further be subdivided into two subcategories:
    1. Therapeutic Abortion: This is usually performed by medical practitioners due to inherent health risks that may be associated with carrying of the pregnancy or fetal illnesses.
    2. Elective or Voluntary abortion: This occurs when a pregnancy is medically terminated at the request of a woman (Littleton and Engebretson 508). In this case, there are no health risks that are associated with carrying the pregnancy; rather, the woman simply does not wish to carry the pregnancy to full term and deliver the baby.
• Are there any Benefits if against Abortion? Those against abortion cite several potential benefits. These include respect for human rights, with some believing a fetus is a human being whose right to life should be protected. They also advocate for a society that respects religious teachings and promotes spirituality.
• How Abortion Affects the Society (Makes it Better): There are many reasons why abortion should be legalized. The most compelling is to save lives. Though some pro-life activists vehemently oppose any form of abortion, including therapeutic abortion, it is important to carry out the procedure on women who are at risk of losing their lives. For example, conditions like high blood pressure, severe renal disease, tuberculosis, cancer, heart disease, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and other serious illnesses may necessitate therapeutic abortion (Littleton and Engebretson 502). If a woman suffers from such conditions, forcing her to carry the pregnancy to term could be fatal. Therefore, legal abortion can reduce maternal mortality.
• When abortion is criminalized, women resort to unsafe methods, leading to increased maternal deaths and disabilities. Unsafe abortions cause about 70,000 maternal deaths and five million disabilities annually (Ahman and Shah 1149). Legalizing abortion ensures access to safe procedures, reducing these deaths and health risks. Additionally, abortion can protect women's physical and mental health, especially in cases of rape or traumatic pregnancies.
• Carrying unwanted pregnancies can have psychological impacts, such as trauma and neglect post-birth. Women impregnated through rape, for instance, face huge psychological and physical health risks. Forcing them to carry the pregnancy often worsens their trauma, and in some cases, leads to neglect or abuse of the child (Littleton and Engebretson 508).
• Statistics reveal higher abortion rates in countries with restrictive laws, underscoring the importance of legal access. Countries with liberal laws, like the Netherlands, show lower abortion rates and fewer unsafe procedures (Sedgh et al. 1340). Counseling and informed decision-making play crucial roles in reducing unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions.
• Granting women control over reproductive choices aligns with human rights principles. Laws that restrict abortion infringe upon women’s autonomy and right to make decisions about their bodies. Respecting these rights promotes equality and individual freedoms.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The debate over abortion has persisted for decades, igniting ethical, legal, and social discourse worldwide. The issue touches on fundamental human rights, morality, healthcare, and societal values. As societies evolve, so do their perspectives and legislation surrounding reproductive rights. The central question remains: Should abortion be legal, and under what circumstances? This paper explores the complexities surrounding abortion, including its types, societal impact, and arguments for and against its legalization. Understanding these dimensions is essential for shaping policies that respect individual rights while addressing ethical and health considerations.

Historical Context and Status of the Issue

The history of abortion legislation reflects shifting cultural, religious, and political landscapes. In ancient times, abortion was practiced in various forms across civilizations. However, the rise of religious doctrines and moral philosophies in the modern era led to stricter laws. The 20th century marked significant progress as many countries began to liberalize abortion laws, recognizing reproductive rights as human rights. Currently, abortion laws vary globally, ranging from complete prohibition to on-demand access. For instance, in countries like Ireland, recent legislative changes have expanded access, whereas in countries such as El Salvador and Nicaragua, abortion remains highly restricted or banned altogether (Sedgh et al., 2022). This disparity highlights ongoing tensions between cultural values, religious beliefs, and human rights advocacy.

Major Problems Associated with Abortion

The first major problem is ethical and moral disagreement. Opponents argue that life begins at conception, and abortion constitutes murder, violating the fetus's right to life (Gallagher & McMullen, 2020). Conversely, supporters emphasize women's autonomy and the right to decide over their bodies. This fundamental conflict stirs societal divisions and complicates policymaking.

Secondly, legal restrictions lead to unsafe abortions. When laws prohibit or heavily restrict access, women resort to clandestine procedures that pose significant health risks. Each year, unsafe abortions cause approximately 70,000 maternal deaths globally (Ahman & Shah, 2014). These deaths often occur in developing countries with limited healthcare facilities and enforcement challenges. Restrictive laws thus paradoxically increase maternal mortality rather than prevent abortion.

The third crucial issue is socio-economic inequality. Women in impoverished or rural areas lack access to safe and legal abortion services, perpetuating cycles of poverty and marginalization. Limited resources, stigma, and lack of healthcare infrastructure hinder their reproductive choices (Merrill et al., 2021). This inequality infringes on reproductive justice and violates principles of equitable healthcare.

A Proposed Solution

The most viable solution is to standardize and liberalize abortion laws globally, ensuring safe and legal access regardless of socio-economic background. Such legislation should include comprehensive counseling and informed consent processes, respecting women's autonomy. Policy frameworks must also address disparities in healthcare infrastructure, especially in underserved regions, to ensure all women can access safe procedures. Implementing extensive sex education and contraception programs can further reduce unwanted pregnancies and the demand for abortions, aligning with public health goals (Singh et al., 2020).

Conclusion

In conclusion, abortion remains a controversial issue rooted in ethical, health, and social challenges. Addressing these issues requires a balanced approach that prioritizes women's rights, safety, and societal well-being. By reforming restrictive laws and investing in healthcare access and education, societies can reduce maternal mortality, promote equality, and uphold reproductive rights. The path forward necessitates a nuanced understanding that respects diverse beliefs while safeguarding individual autonomy.

References

• Ahman, E., & Shah, I. (2014). Unsafe abortion: Global, regional, and subregional estimates. World Health Organization.
• Gallagher, R., & McMullen, I. (2020). Ethical debates in abortion law and policy. Journal of Bioethics, 35(4), 245-259.
• Merrill, G., et al. (2021). Socioeconomic disparities and access to reproductive health services. ReproductiveHealth Matters, 29(1), 123-131.
• Sedgh, G., et al. (2022). Global abortion policies and maternal health outcomes. The Lancet Global Health, 10(2), e200-e209.
• Singh, S., et al. (2020). Strategies to reduce unwanted pregnancies: Impact of comprehensive sex education. Public Health Reviews, 41(1), 1-16.