Introduction
Abortion in this perspective occurs when pregnancy is terminated in the sense that it would not lead to the birth of a baby. Pregnancy can be terminated as a result of either human intervention or natural causes. Besides protecting the human lives advocacy, legalizing abortion has been questioned on the ground of the rise of feminism, medical development, and the concerned nation’s policies and law (Li et al., 735). Hence, despite the advantages of conducting an abortion, there are associated disadvantages of performing the act. This paper, therefore, will explore the pros and cons of abortion in light of different perspectives.
Pros: Reproduction Choice
Through abortion, the woman is given the reproductive choice on whether and when to bear a child thereby, giving her the ability to determine her future. With the advocacy of feminism, women are receiving reproductive rights to make their own choices as a form of empowerment (Li et al., 737). According to Li et al., access to safe and legal abortion is important if an unplanned pregnancy or childbearing exposes a woman to the inability to control one’s body, shunned political rights, financial constraints (735). Therefore, abortion gives a woman the opportunity of bringing forth a child depending on her choice.
Reduced maternal risks and death
The risk of infections or pregnancy-related complications is reduced through medical and surgical abortions. According to Latt et al., safe abortions help reduce maternal mortality rates during birth especially if the pregnancy complicates (1). In cases of suspected fetal impairment or mother’s complications, an abortion can avert the situation to save the mother’s health conditions or remove the fetus.
Educational attainment and labor market
The period during expectancy and childbirth can lead to school-going children dropping out due to victimization. However, abortion allows them to terminate the likely unwanted pregnancy and go back to school. Usually, childbearing tends to affect a woman’s labor force, hence, abortion helps increase a woman’s ability to work (737). When a working woman gets pregnant by chance, abortion gives them the platform to get rid of the pregnancy and continue working thereby, increasing labor participation by women. Abortion also leads to reduced fertility rates resulting in increased labor supply by women. Increased labor supply and participation positively and significantly impact the growth of the gross domestic product of a country.
Cons: Health-related complications
When abortion is done, there are risks of health complications that may result. For instance, mild to severe bleeding in the case where tissues from conception are left in the uterus. This causes cramping pain as well within the following week after the procedure is done. According to Temmerman, if during the procedure a uterine muscle rupture fails to contract to its pre-pregnancy size, bleeding is also likely to occur (1). Similarly, there may result in infections and blockage of the cervix by blood clots which may pose a danger to the health of the woman.
Loss of human life
Life begins at conception, therefore, even the unborn babies are considered to have the right to live. In line with this, abortion is viewed as the murder of an innocent child despite not being born yet. On the same note, religion holds that human life is God’s greatest gift to mankind, therefore, they consider it sacred. Therefore, abortion goes against religious doctrines and beliefs on protecting the life of an unborn child. The sixth commandment speaks against murder; hence, religion condemns abortion as it defies the word of God since it leads to the killing of human life.
Stigmatization
Pregnant women seeking abortion are likely to be stigmatized by the community which holds a stereotype that only promiscuous women undergo an abortion. Stigma is manifested in religious beliefs, social and cultural frameworks. The women who terminate a pregnancy are viewed as inferior when it comes to womanhood as perceived stigma impairs their social relationships with other people (Li et al.). The victims can also be rejected by their family members and even partners and also face criticism, isolation, and aggression by others. Women who have undergone abortion also tend to face internal stigma through have feelings of guilt, anxiety, and shame. This is deepened by the religious, social, and cultural perspectives on abortion.
Conclusion
Abortion is the medical procedure that leads to the termination of a pre-term baby. Abortion is usually a result of unintended pregnancy and therefore, the safety and repercussions of the abortion procedure have long attracted divisive remarks on their credibility. Abortion acceptability has been questioned with one group justifying safe abortion while others hold that abortion leads to health-related complications, social, religious, and cultural alienation. Basing my opinion on the discussed pros and cons of abortion, I would support and advocate for its legalization. This is due to the prevalence rates of the economic crisis has led to high unemployment rates and competition for available jobs and education opportunities as well as high rates of separation and divorce. Therefore, one would not want to bring up a child in an environment where the child is likely to lack basic needs and compassion.
Works Cited
Latt, Su Mon, Allison Milner, and Anne Kavanagh. “Abortion laws reform may reduce maternal mortality: an ecological study in 162 countries.” BMC women’s health vol. 19, no. 1, 2019, pp. 1-9.
Li, Yanan, et al. “A Global Insight into Legalized Abortion.” 2021 International Conference on Education, Language and Art (ICELA 2021). Atlantis Press, 2022.
Temmerman, Marleen. “Missed Opportunities in Women’s Health: Post-Abortion Care.” The Lancet Global Health, vol. 7, no. 1, 2019, doi:10.1016/s2214-109x(18)30542-4.