...Abortion in America: Right to Life or Right to Choose Paul Day, Felicia Jones, Thomas Ratcliff, Theresa M. Saau, Natasha Sabbah BCOM 275 June 26, 2014 Cecile Morris Abstract Abortion in America: Right to Life or Right to Choose Arguments for or against performing abortions in the United States, persist and are highly debatable. Since the 1973 Federal Supreme Court ruling of Rowe versus Wade, abortions have become established as legal in the United States. (Glendon, 2003) Legalized abortion in the United States, has received strong support from Pro-Choice proponents such as Planned Parenthood. (Planned Parenthood, 2014) Pro-Choice advocates for abortion, believe that pregnancies can be allowed to be ended prematurely. (MNT, 2009) Pro-Life advocates, on the other hand, view abortion as murder to human life. Opponents to legalizing abortions performed in the United States, often include Pro-Life supporters and certain religious groups. The issue of abortion in American society often involves individual belief and personal choice. The five members of the University of Phoenix’s BCOM/275, Learning Team C, have separated into two groups to debate the pros and cons relating to the legalization of abortions in the United States. Three team members debated the abortion topic from a Pro-Life perspective, and two team members sought to represent the Pro-Choice position. A team debate was held on June 13, 2014. The purpose of the debate, was to gather information from...
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...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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...but never has one been so celebrated and socially accepted before abortion. Abortion has been practiced for hundreds of years and medical technology has advanced accordingly; providing a safer and much more sanitary procedure for the women receiving the operation, but the result remains the same for the defenseless child. Abortion continues to be one of the most debated and country dividing topics this nation has seen. In the recent past, there has been steady movement towards the governmental restrictions of abortion. The Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003 was one of the greatest victories in congress related to this topic. The ban restricts a certain form of abortion (partial-birth abortion) past 24 weeks from conception (United States Congress). Even though this is a positive step in the right and moral direction, the act needs to be revised. It needs to have the allotted time reduced from 24 weeks to 20 weeks based upon new medical research that fetuses can “feel pain” prior to 24 weeks. Abortion will never become completely illegal (that is just harsh reality), but the restrictions that govern abortions can be fine tuned to incorporate a smaller and more humane window for abortions. Abortion has been a topic of debate for the past two hundred years. During the years shortly after our country’s independence, abortion laws were little to none other than the common law adopted from England; which held abortion to be legally acceptable if occurring before quickening (the fetus’s...
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...Abortion in the United States Valora Hawkins, Tracy Avila, Timothy Easter, and Veronica Holifield BCOM/275 June 18, 2012 Les Colegrove Abortion is one of the most controversial topics to date in the United States. Because of the complexity and issues involved, there are those individuals who are for abortion, and those who are against. There is neutrality that extends between the two, with those who are one the fence depending on circumstantial situations. In this paper our group of four peers debate the topic, and base a conclusion on weather women in the United States should have the right to abortion, based on the arguments themselves. Today, the reference of for and against, is better known as pro-choice and pro-life. Pro choice (abortions) refer to the political and ethical view that a woman should have complete right over her fertility, and that she should have the freedom to decide whether she wants to continue or terminate her pregnancy (Bose, 2012). According to pro-life advocates, women who demand complete control of their body should also shoulder the responsibility of preventing unwanted pregnancy, and that the result of an unplanned pregnancy, rape or incest, aborting the embryo is equivalent to punishing the unborn child (Bose, 2012). The position that Valora has in this debate, is that it is the woman’s choice to decide whether or not to have an abortion, but also to understand that it is their responsibility to protect against unwanted pregnancies by...
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...Abortion has been a medical procedure for in the United States since as early as the 1880s. Historically it has been a medical procedure that was used when a woman’s life was in danger for medical reasons, rape, or incest. The Landmark case that set a new standard for Abortion in the United States came in 1973 in the state of Texas. “On January 22, 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court announced its decision in Roe v. Wade, a challenge to a Texas statute that made it a crime to perform an abortion unless a woman’s life was at stake. The case had been filed by “Jane Roe,” an unmarried woman who wanted to safely and legally end her pregnancy. Siding with Roe, the court struck down the Texas law. In its ruling, the court recognized for the first time that the constitutional right to privacy “is broad enough to encompass a woman’s decision whether or not to terminate her pregnancy” (Roe v. Wade, 1973). Roe has come to...
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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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...Abortion: Pro-Life or Pro-Choice COM/220 April 3, 2012 Abortion: Pro-Life or Pro-Choice Abortion is a subject which is under heavy debate in the United States. This subject has been argued since 1973 during the Roe vs. Wade trial, when abortion was nationally legalized. The debate is divided into two sides, Pro-Life and Pro-Choice. Pro-life supporters feel that abortion should be illegal with the exception of rape, incest or the instance where the birth threatens the mothers’ life, where Pro-Choice supporters feel that it is the women’s choice, and not anyone else’s. There really is no ethical way for one to decide between one side and another; it is up to the person’s moral values to decide for them. As many as 60% of Americans feel it should be left up to the woman to decide her own fate, with certain restrictions of how and when an abortion can be performed (Guttmacher, 2012). While this topic is often a two sided debate, the abortion controversy is quite multifaceted, which involves complex speculation of biology, ethics and a woman’s constitutional rights. Even though everyone has a choice, abortion is not right because its murder and it has several negative side effects on a person who has an abortion such as depression and guilt, along with several medical side effects. Women who have an abortion are at a greater risk for breast cancer as well as the chance that they may not be able to conceive in the future. Most abortionists do not even consider asking...
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...Abortion has been a topic of great controversy for nearly forty one years now. In 1971 a single, pregnant female sued the state of Texas because the law stated that an abortion could not be performed unless it was medically necessary to save the mother’s life. Her doctor was also a plaintiff in the case because he was facing two counts of murder for performing an abortion on a mother that was not medically necessary. A couple who could not have children and believed taking an unborn child’s life was unethical and wrong counter sued with the defense attorney by the name of Wade. This brought about a court decision almost two years later upholding legalized abortion and stating the laws in Texas were vague and unjustifiable. Stating that it was a woman’s right to choose abortion. Allowing women the option to have an abortion up until twenty four weeks gestation. Leading the way for other states to change their laws governing abortions. This brought about a whole new issue as to whether abortion should be legal or not. Prior to Roe vs. Wade an abortion could not be performed unless the mother’s health was at great risk. After the case, many states reevaluated their laws so that mothers could have an abortion for various reasons including “just because they weren’t ready to settle down.” This decision divided the American people as to whether it was ethically and morally right for a woman to choose abortion. In 2013, there were over one million abortions performed in the United...
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...Abortion is defined as: "the termination of pregnancy and expulsion of an embryo or of a fetus that is incapable of survival." However, if only the debate over the abortion issue was as simple as the definition provided above. Much like every aspect of human life, a statement is neither right nor wrong, but simply left open for interpretation. There is no black and white in life, only gray areas. Some issues tend to provide us more gray areas than others. Abortion is a prime example of that. Those who refute abortion claim that it is the murder of a helpless baby who has not yet had the chance to live and function as a human being. However, the debate opposite it is just as fervent: it is a woman's right to choose what happens to her body, and if she decides that she is not capable of bringing a child into this world, than she shouldn't be forced to out of nature. Where do we draw the line between humane and inhumane, necessitated death and murder? When does a woman's right over her internal reproductive organs become that of the government's? Is abortion wrong or is it right? Are rape, incest, and potential fatality to the mother exceptions when abortion is "okay"? Are there truly any at all? So many questions are raised by such a fervent debate, that we must look at both sides of the issue to better understand it in a general, but yet thorough approach. As expected, there are...
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...Abortion Shauntel Williams MED100 Medical Law, Liability, & Ethics Robyn Johnson November 6, 2014 Shauntel Williams Robyn Johnson MED100 Medical Law, Liability, and Ethics November 6, 2014 Abortion The debate over whether or not abortion should be a legal option continues to divide Americans long after the US Supreme Court’s 7-2 decision on Roe v. Wade declared the procedure a "fundamental right" on Jan. 22, 1973. Proponents, identifying themselves as pro-choice, contend that choosing abortion is a right that should not be limited by governmental or religious authority, and which outweighs any right claimed for an embryo or fetus. They say that pregnant women will resort to unsafe illegal abortions if there is no legal option. Opponents, identifying themselves as pro-life, contend that personhood begins at conception, and therefore abortion is the immoral killing of an innocent human being. They say abortion inflicts suffering on the unborn child, and that it is unfair to allow abortion when couples who cannot biologically conceive are waiting to adopt. Variations exist in arguments on both sides of the debate. Some pro-choice proponents believe abortion should only be used as a last resort, while others advocate unrestricted access to abortion services under any circumstance. Pro-life positions range from opposing abortion under any circumstance to accepting it for situations of rape, incest, or when a woman's life is at risk. Some prominent pro-choice organizations...
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...Abortion: A History of Controversy, Court Cases, and Contention Abortion: A History of Controversy, Court Cases, and Contention By: Carla Phillips Pol-210 Submitted July 28, 2014 “Abortion: A History of Controversy, Court Cases, and Contention” Carla Phillips, POL-210 This research is a chronology of abortion not only from a legislative aspect, but also a social one. The goal is to show both sides of the abortion debate through court decisions, social activism, and well-known opponents and proponents. This will be an objective look at the topic without regards to my personal opinion. Abortion is a widely disputed topic within the United States. Whether politically inclined or not, most people have an opinion on abortion. Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines abortion as “the termination of a pregnancy after, accompanied by, resulting in, or closely followed by the death of the embryo or fetus”. ("Abortion - Medical Definition and More from Merriam-Webster", n.d) Even the basic definition invokes a debate. Proponents of abortion argue that life does not begin at conception, making the phrase “death of the embryo or fetus” inaccurate. Something cannot die if it hasn’t yet lived. Opponents of abortion, on the other hand, argue that life does begin with conception, making abortion tantamount to murder. The American Medical Association first condemned any abortion with the exception of ones performed to preserve the life of the mother or child...
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...Choose Among the United States the leading controversy, is the two-sided issue of abortion which seems to be a popular yet, disputable debate. Since 1973 national appeal of abortion, competing bunch have fought to restrict or increase access to this procedure; it has lead it to heated debates among political activists, religious organizations and state legislatures. This political battle has created pointless situations that have left the abortion issue unresolved. What is the right and what is the wrong? Should a woman be allowed to have that abortion or should she strip a child from life or be forced to forfeit her right to make her own decision? Every year in the United States about 25% of all pregnancies result in an abortion, this adds up to over a million a year. Society is caught in the middle of this controversial topic because a portion of individuals believe that it should be a woman’s choice whether she has an abortion while others consider it to be murder. Abortion is a necessary medical procedure during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy, however, this procedure is sometimes abused and although it is needed, it is not always justified and therefore deserves to have stricter guidelines placed upon it. Many of us can safely say that the media shapes our approach on a daily basis. Since abortion is such a touchy subject and it is based on moral issues, our feelings are changing constantly. With the help of the media anti-abortion group is one step ahead...
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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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...ABORTION: Her Body, Her Choice? Abortion, which is terminating a pregnancy, has been a controversial issue since the 1800s. There are two different ways that abortions can be handled which is surgically or medicinally.In the late 1800s, the United States provided women with abortions which then led to them teaching other women as well. By 1880, majority of abortions were illegal unless the mother’s life was in danger. At that time abortions were crimes and a sin because it was a very dangerous procedure involving crude methods and high mortality rates. It is a fragile topic to talk about since it touches on religious, moral, and ideological points. Taking away this right would be invading on a woman's constitutional liberty. Abortion allows a woman to retain her constitutional rights although women should not always turn to abortion when carrying an unwanted child. On these grounds, abortion should be kept legal and should be able to be performed on a women only if her life is in danger. History...
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...Brenza Essay-2 March 17th 2015 Pro-life vs. Pro-choice The issue of abortion in the United States will always be a controversial one. Developing two sides of the debate, pro-life and pro-choice. Pro-life are the individuals who do not believe in the option of abortion. Pro-choice are the individuals who believe every woman has the choice to go through with their pregnancy or to not. Despite their contrasts, pro-life and pro-choice explore valid ideas of religion, law and health care in their debates. Supporters of the movement pro-life vs pro-choice use religion to justify their beliefs. Pro-choice looks to Judaism for their answers. They have this idea that since God created every human being, we are all significant beings. Pro-choice advocates researched more information to support their statement and found this one by Moses. “[I have set before thee life and death, blessing and cursing. Therefore, choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live]” (Bennett). This quote seems to be bashing pro-choice, but it is actually supporting it. According to the Jewish law and practice, a fetus is not considered a human until they can breathe their own air independently, so abortion is not considered a murder, or a life taken. But in the pro-life debate, they turn to Roman Christianity, which claims that the moment of conception is the start of new life. Pro-life advocates believe that all abortion is murder, and have no empathy for the women involved. Religions such as Buddhism...
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