...Abortion An abortion is a medical or surgical procedure that ends a pregnancy. It is a highly controversial issue in the United States. Although the procedure has been legal in the country since 1973, the abortion rights battle rages on with supporters and opponents struggling to gain ground in public opinion, legislatures, and the courts. Behind the battles are divergent views on when human life begins, the rights a woman has over her own body, and government interference in the private lives of individuals. Medical Issues Some of the issues concerning abortion are related to the safety of the procedure. Despite the fact that abortion was illegal in the United States before 1973—except in extreme circumstances involving the health of the mother—many women were able to find someone who would help them end their pregnancy. Often performed by untrained individuals in unsanitary conditions, these illegal abortions harmed women physically, increased the risks associated with future pregnancies, and even resulted in death. Complications are possible with any type of medical or surgical procedure. The most common medical issue associated with abortion is infection, a potentially serious and life-threatening problem. Abortion can also cause excessive bleeding and damage to the uterus, the female organ in which the fetus develops. These dangers are greatest when abortions are performed by untrained individuals, but they are rare when performed by professionals under proper conditions...
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...Is Abortion Immoral? Question 1: Imagine two philosophers sitting on a bench at the county morgue. They are looking at the bodies being brought in and three in particular interest them. One is a woman who was six months pregnant due to rape and died from the pregnancy complication. She wanted to have an abortion but it (abortion) was illegal under all circumstances in her state. One is the body of a woman who died after attempting to give herself an abortion with a coat hanger. She was a poor woman who lives in the slums; she had no money to take care of the child and no way to feed her living children if she lost her work from the pregnancy. Another body is that of a one-month-old fetus that was aborted once the mother found out that it was going to be a girl. She has just had one child and wanted to wait for a couple of years to have another. While looking at these bodies the philosophers begin to discuss the question: “Is abortion immoral”? How would the discussion proceed if the two philosophers were: 1) You and Judith Thomson? 2) You ad Sidney Callahan? 3) Which position (s) do you find morally compelling and why? In this scenario, the two philosophers are sitting on a bench at the county morgue. They are looking at the bodies that died involving abortion’s issues. I will call case A – a woman who was six months pregnant due to rape and died from the pregnancy complication because abortion was illegal in her state. Case B is the poor...
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...right and what is wrong, while ethical practice suggest that one’s environment and cultural beliefs determine who one will react in any given situation. The question how do we as a society decide what is morally right or wrong in moral “free choice” (Mosser, 2010)? Morals are unique to each person, culture, religious belief and environment. Ethical practice is defined by the diversity within each society, where no to people are alike. Morals don’t define ethics, ethics define morality. Abortion an age old ethical debate between moral right choice and wrong choice, why? To evaluate abortion with ethics, we must first understand the argument from all perspectives. What is the debate reason abortion is so fiercely argued in past and present generations? Abortion is the term to define the choice to terminate a woman’s pregnancy. Unitarian view, which is the view that relativist challenge. Utilitarian view suggest that abortion is not wrong because its selfish and benefits the mother not the unborn fetus, this is what Unitarians refer to as :ethical egoism”(Mosser,2010). Relativist view is just a little less judgmental, suggesting that some situations may be determined morally correct while others simply remain wrong. In this paper neither the argument that neither the Unitarian view nor the Relativist view are completely correct. The suggestion that Ethical Egoism is the foundation within all humans suggest that only one individual’s perspective is the definition of selfish while relativist...
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...United States Supreme Court legalized abortion in the Roe vs Wade decision. Many people today are concerned not only with the legal and moral aspects of that decision but about the effects it has on women’s health. In 1987, President Ronald Reagan asked the Surgeon General to research and issue a report on the psychological consequences that abortion had on women’s health. According to the surgeon general’s research, there was not sufficient evidence to compile a report. He stated “obstetricians and gynecologists had long since concluded that the physical sequence of abortion was no different than those found in women who carried to term or had never been pregnant” (Koop, 1989, p.195). The American Psychological...
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...In America's society there are the people who truly care who our next president will be and what their views are. There are others who could care less who the president is and where America is headed in our near future. There are Two completely different people in the 2016 presidential elections that stand out for their views on subjects like abortion and healthcare. For women, as well as men too, These two things are a very important role for our president to focus on and make correct decisions for America's future. Ben Carson and Bobby Jindal have definitely been outspoken on the repeal of Obamacare and the decision of abortion among women. Ben Carson who is ranked no. two in a popularity poll among all republicans running. (Public Policy...
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...Since the Darwinian Revolution of the 19th century our society has turned upside down. Everything under the sun had become questionable, the origin of life, how we came to be, where are we headed and what to do in the here all became questions in life. But one of the greatest impacts of this new age thinking is its effect on our Old World values. Western societies values, morals and ethics became debatable, with some people striving for change and others clinging for stability. Battle lines had been drawn and the Liberals and Conservatives were ready to duke it out on a number of issues. One of these debates centers on a woman's right to have and abortion. According to the Webster's dictionary and abortion is defined as a miscarry, something misshapen or unnatural. An abortion is a procedure in which an embryo or fetus is prohibited from developing by artificial means. One could argue that this is next to murder. How can we as a society sanction the murdering of developing babies? Also it can equally be stated that abortion is unnatural and a health hazard to women who have undergone the procedure. Whatever the case, abortion should be outlawed because it is immoral and mothers should face the responsibilities of their actions. Many arguments can be used in order to put an end to abortion or at least in order to establish dialogue. One of the oldest arguments against abortion is the religious standpoint. Western society (Canada & U.S.A.) is historically a Judeo-Christian...
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...Abortion is a very controversial social issue that has existed for many decades. The controversy behind this issue is caused by the different views that people and societies have regarding abortion. The social science disciplines of political science and religion will be used in getting a better understanding of the opposing views of abortion. In discussing the religious aspects of abortion, this paper will focus on the Jewish and Catholic views of abortion and how the two faiths effect an individual s decision upon having an abortion. When discussing the political controversy regarding abortion, this paper will discuss the abortion laws in Canada and the United States as well as the pro-choice and anti-choice movements of abortion. Society is greatly affected both socially and politically by abortions due to the different moralistic views regarding abortions and the controversies surrounding abortions. What are the views of the Catholic and Jewish religions on having abortions and how do their different views effect society? How is society effected by the political controversies behind abortions? Religion and Abortion Abortion is an issue that causes extreme divisions among various religious groups due to the laws of the religions, in particular, those of the Jewish and Christian religions. The Jewish religion is based on the belief in one G-d as well as respecting the laws that G-d imposed on the Jews. The Jewish people are expected to do what is just and merciful in the...
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...One of the most controversial issues present in today’s society is abortion. Abortion is the termination of a fetus done purposely to prevent the birth of a child. Since abortions are now easier, less dangerous and more accessible than they once were; they have become the target of debate in every aspect of our lives. The issue of abortion has caused many heated debates in politics, religion and society in general; yet both sides seem to only see one side of the picture and avoid the issue as whole. One way of examining whether abortion is right or wrong is to look at whether or not the fetus is a person or not. This evaluation is done by Mary Anne Warren, in which she determines a set of criteria that both pro-abortionists and anti-abortionists can agree upon. Warren states that in order to be considered a fetus must: “have consciousness of objects and events, reasoning, self-motivated activity, capacity to communicate and the presence of self-concept and self-awareness.” Using these criteria, Warren determines that the fetus has not reached personhood and therefore, is not guaranteed the right to life. Thus, she believes that at least until birth the fetus has no moral status and a lacks a right to life. Warren’s argument may seem a bit flawed because her criteria do not provide a clear-cut way to distinguish between the fetuses in the stages of pregnancy or perhaps even the infant himself. According to her criteria, a newborn infant would not have a significant right to...
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...performed. The practice significantly affects females the sexuality of those that have had it performed to them. Woman can be severally affected because removal of part of the vagina or clitoris has many negative physical and psychological affects. The physical effects that can happen are severe bleeding, problems urinating, cysts, infections, infertility as well as complications in childbirth and increased newborn deaths. Female genital mutilation can take some or all pleasure away from sex. It also reduces orgasms and can take away their rights as females to have children. Female genital mutilation is a violation of human right that The World Health Organization views a deep rooted inequality between the sexes. It is carried out usually on minors and affects sexual development. Overtime the view on female genital mutilation has changed significantly the first time that female genital mutilation...
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...Abortion, the intentional and deliberate termination of a pregnancy has been an extremely controversial topic in both religious and secular views for centuries, and is continuously causing discussing regarding the moral and ethical values it impedes on. This method of murdering an innocent unborn child has developed multiple standpoints in many different religions. Specifically highlighting the Catholic Church’s stance as well the stance of Buddhist practices showing the similarities and dissimilarities of each religion. In an increasingly secular world a utilitarian stance will also be evaluated. Catholic church: (200 words) (82) The Catholic Church defines abortion as an unspeakable evil that is a crime to the creator. The Catholic Church...
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...history over abortion. Abortion is one of the most sensitive issues occurring all through the early history of the world. Abortion did not only effect the poor, it was also seen throughout all society and cultures. The procedures were all different in how they were performed, depending on the level of care available to the practices. Different societies shunned this practice and women began seeking any means possible. People all around the world had strong opinions on this subject, which have been constantly changing. In 1982, ten to 18 percent of the world’s population resided where the procedure of abortion was illegal. If abortion was legal for restrictive use only, it should be used when the mother’s life is in danger. Surveys done by the United States National Library of Medicine during 1965 showed great change in the attitude toward abortion. The public was accepting the pregnancy termination. Roe vs. Wade was one of the most important points in the history of abortion. This Supreme Court Case decision made in 1973 legalized abortion. Recent polls show little change in public opinion since 1972-1973. Over eighty to ninety percent of Americans are for abortions for mothers in poor health, rape, defective fetus and forty to fifty percent approve for other reasons. Ten percent of Americans want abortion to be illegal for any reason. These people are made up of religions and fundamentalist. In the editorial Human Rights Watch the group of people for abortion Pro-choice...
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...Question 3: Assess the arguments for and against abortion, giving consideration to both medical and ethical issues. Abortion is defined as the termination of a pregnancy by the removal or expulsion of a foetus or embryo from the uterus, resulting in or caused by its death. It is derived from the Latin word ‘aboriri’ that means ‘to fail to be born’. The abortion argument is one of the most complex, controversial and highly charged topics in our society today. Those against abortion view it as the murder of a living human being, whilst its supporters take on the view that the choice of abortion lies with the woman, the foetus is not considered a human life but only a ‘tissue’ hence it is under the control of the mother and she should be allowed to make her decision at any point in her pregnancy without any resistance. On the other hand you have the ‘middle ground’ supporters who take on the moderate view in terms of the trauma the whole experience does to the woman who makes the life altering decision to consider or take abortion as an option, they are for restrictions on abortion to some extent however not banning the option entirely. Overall, this essay will serve to give an overview of the main abortion arguments, discussing, analyzing and trying to understand from each view. It will be looked at from a neutral perspective however no verdict will be made, as to attempt to derive the right answer for abortion will be difficult: the reason being that it is connected...
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...that list is the topic of abortion. Abortion in relation to this issue means a termination of a pregnancy. Abortion can occur in any trimester of pregnancy. The issue that faces the U.S. is whether or not abortion should be legal. (Henslin, 2011) To many, abortion is equivalent to murder. It is taking the life of an innocent unborn child. It is inhumane and should be considered illegal. Many people that support the anti-abortion cause base their foundations not only emotionally but also biblically. These people often use biblical scripture that relates to “thou shalt not kill” or the importance and preciousness of human life. (Henslin, 2011) On the opposing end, abortion activists view abortion as a choice for the mother. To this group a law against elected abortion is a violation of a woman’s right to make decisions in relation to her own body. Many debates that arise from this point of view vary from issues of rape causing the unplanned pregnancy, to the simple inconvenience of having a child at that point in time. (Henslin, 2011) Another issue that arises when the issue of criminalizing abortion, is that fact that some people may continue to get abortions illegally and will not receive the proper healthcare that coincides with that type of procedure. Many believe that some women will still have the procedure done even if the conditions are unsanitary or unsafe, thus endangering the lives of these mothers to be. (Henslin, 2011) The issue of abortion has faced the nation for...
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...Abortion is the termination of pregnancy by the removal or expulsion from the uterus of a fetus or embryo prior to vitality (unknown author, 2013). An abortion can occur spontaneously, in which case, it is usually called a miscarriage, or it can be purposely induced which is the intentional removal of a fetus or embryo from the uterus. The term abortion most commonly refers to the induced abortion of a human pregnancy. From my own point of view, this practice is no different from murder because there is an actual life being terminated in the process therefore, I strongly disagree that the act of abortion is a good practice. To support my point of view, the issue ‘Abortion’ would be discussed using four main topics, which are; Reasons why people commit abortion, methods of abortion, damages of abortion to the woman’s physiology, effects of abortion on the economy, Christian views, and lastly a suggestion that prevent women from participating in abortion....
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...Seyamak Amouhashem 04/20/16 Research paper TRS-351 Abortion Abortion has been a huge topic in our society, whether it is pro-choice or pro-life, the topic of abortion will never be one sided. The abortion topic has valid points on each side and there doesn’t seem to be a correct answer to the ever so famous question, is abortion ethically correct? What is abortion you may ask, well as define by dictionary.com “Also called voluntary abortion, the removal of an embryo or fetus from the uterus in order to end a pregnancy”. Abortion is one of the most controversial topics since its creation. This was an issue before abortion was even a medical option. Due to such differences these two groups developed, pro-choice and pro-life. According to dictionary.com pro-choice means “supporting or advocating legalized abortion” and pro-life means “supporting or advocating legalized abortion”. Pro-life supporters believe it is the right for the woman to decide to keep the baby or to have it aborted. No matter what the circumstances, it’s the woman’s body and the decision is completely up to her. On the other hand, pro-life supporters believe an abortion is the same as murder and the law should be the same way. If a woman decide to have an abortion is should be considered as an attempt to murder. These anti-abortionist believe that an unborn baby or fetus has the same right as the mother and they have the right to live for themselves, not having someone else decide to take...
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