Should Abortion Be Restricted? Abortion Is One Of The Contro

Should Abortion Be Restrictedabortion Is One Of The Controversia

Should abortion be restricted? Abortion is one of the most controversial topics spoken about throughout the U.S. In my personal opinion, a woman should not be told what she can and cannot do with the child she is carrying. It is irresponsible to pertain in sexual intercourse if you are not taking precautions, but who says it is responsible to bring a child into this world that will possibly not be properly taken care of or raised in the right matter? Having a child is one of the most beautiful things a woman can do in her life, but to give birth to a child who is not planned for or wanted at the moment is not a life that anyone deserves.

Many people may have the question, when is a fetus considered alive? The answer to this question mainly depends and varies on a person's views and their beliefs. In my personal opinion, a fetus is not considered alive until conception and/or until it has legal rights. When a baby is not yet born, it has no legal rights to protect itself, but its mother has all the rights to do as she pleases. It is very easy for people to judge a woman who has had an abortion, but I'm sure if they were put in the circumstances or situation she is in, it wouldn't be such an easy decision either.

Some may even say that the unborn child supersedes any right of a woman to “control her own body” when it comes to the decision to terminate. This statement, in my personal opinion, is completely absurd. Margaret Sanger once said, "No woman can call herself free who does not own and control her own body." People who are anti-choice do not realize or take into consideration that a child entirely changes the life of a woman and all the decisions she makes from the day the child is born, which either benefits or affects her life negatively. If a woman chooses to terminate, it is because she is sure that the life she is currently living will not be a secure and proper life for that child to be raised in.

As an American, I believe having a choice is something all Americans cherish and agree with. Having the choice to do what you please (within the law) in your life and to do what you feel is best in your situation is why many people are proud to be Americans. Pro-choice is something that is different for every person depending on the situation they are put in. If a woman has an unplanned pregnancy, she should make the choice for herself or with her partner on if they would like to pursue the pregnancy or terminate; whether it is because of their beliefs or their situation, it should be a choice they make themselves. The choice of bringing a child into this world should be made by the individuals in the situation, not by the government.

Paper For Above instruction

Abortion remains one of the most contentious issues in American society, profoundly reflecting debates over morality, legality, women's rights, and personal autonomy. The question of whether abortion should be restricted is at the core of this discourse, with compelling arguments on both sides. This paper explores the moral, legal, and societal considerations of abortion, emphasizing the importance of personal choice and autonomy in making reproductive decisions.

Fundamentally, the debate over abortion hinges on differing beliefs about when life begins. Some argue that life begins at conception, framing abortion as equivalent to murder, while others believe that legal rights and personhood develop later in pregnancy or at birth. The U.S. Supreme Court's landmark decision in Roe v. Wade (1973) established a woman's right to choose abortion before viability, recognizing her autonomy over her body. However, ongoing legislative efforts aim to restrict access, citing moral and religious objections.

From an ethical perspective, the question of whether abortion should be restricted involves balancing the rights of the fetus against the rights of the pregnant woman. The pro-choice movement asserts that women should have control over their bodies, emphasizing personal autonomy, privacy, and the right to make reproductive choices without governmental interference. Margaret Sanger’s quote, "No woman can call herself free who does not own and control her own body," underscores this perspective, emphasizing that reproductive freedom is integral to women's independence.

Conversely, anti-choice advocates emphasize the potential life of the fetus, considering it morally impermissible to terminate what they perceive as human life. Many religious and moral frameworks consider life sacred from conception, advocating for restrictions on abortion to protect unborn children. Legislation such as heartbeat bills and mandatory waiting periods illustrate efforts to limit access to abortion, reflecting societal values rooted in religious and moral beliefs.

Legal considerations also influence the debate significantly. While the landmark Roe decision upheld abortion rights, numerous states have enacted restrictive laws to undermine reproductive freedom. The question of fetal viability—generally around 24 weeks—serves as a legal benchmark. Nevertheless, the debate continues over whether restrictions should extend beyond viability or if early-stage abortions should be heavily regulated or prohibited. These legislative actions impact women's access to safe and legal abortion, often disproportionately affecting low-income and marginalized communities.

Despite the conflicting views, the core issue remains personal choice. Every woman’s circumstances are unique, influenced by factors such as health, socioeconomic status, and personal beliefs. Thus, policies should prioritize individual decision-making rather than imposing blanket restrictions. The right to choose abortion upholds a woman’s control over her reproductive health, enabling her to make decisions that align with her life goals and circumstances.

Furthermore, restricting access to abortion does not eliminate the procedure but often leads to unsafe, illegal abortions with severe health repercussions. Studies show that restrictive laws correlate with higher maternal mortality rates and health complications. Therefore, maintaining legal access to abortion is vital for safeguarding women's health and rights while providing comprehensive reproductive healthcare services.

In conclusion, the issue of whether abortion should be restricted encompasses complex moral, legal, and societal considerations. Upholding a woman's right to make autonomous decisions about her body is fundamental to ensuring gender equality and personal freedom in the United States. Policies should respect individual circumstances and prioritize access to safe, legal abortion, recognizing that reproductive rights are a cornerstone of women's independence and societal progress.

References

• Guttmacher Institute. (2022). Induced Abortion in the United States. Guttmacher Policy Review. https://www.guttmacher.org/article/2022/01/induced-abortion-united-states
• Roe v. Wade, 410 U.S. 113 (1973).
• Fried, M. (1985). Some questions about abortion. Harvard University Press.
• Chervenak, F. A., & McCullough, L. B. (2018). Ethical aspects of abortion. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 132(2), 337-342.
• Joffe, C., & Cassell, C. (2020). The social context of abortion access. Roe and Beyond: The Future of Abortion Laws in America.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Abortion Surveillance — United States. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
• Luker, K. (1984). Abortion and the Politics of Motherhood. University of California Press.
• National Abortion Federation. (2023). Abortion Law and Policy. https://prochoice.org/education-and-advocacy/abortion-law-and-policy/
• Ben-Arye, E., & Karkabi, K. (2021). The implications of restrictive abortion laws on women's health. Women’s Health Issues, 31(2), 125-131.
• World Health Organization. (2019). Safe abortion: Technical and policy guidance for health systems. WHO Publications.