Abortion Essay, Research Paper

Abortion

The government has absolutely no right to make a life altering decisions, such as an abortion, for the people. An abortion is something that the people directly involved with the situation need to choose whether or not to do.

The fact is that legalized abortion is the only option that will protect the lives of American citizens. Taking a look into American history one would see the results of prohibiting abortions to women. The violence which occurs today because the of pro-choice and pro-life conflicts is minimal in comparison to the thousands of hopeless women who turned to the illegal abortions performed by the backroom professionals which resulted in infections, massive blood loss, and death. It is better now that they have a place to go where abortions can be performed cleanly and with minimal risk. Legalization of abortion is the only choice no matter what side one takes in the debate. Women will try to do what they think is necessary to live as they wish, no matter what the risk.

It has been proven time and time again throughout history that people will not allow prohibition. Something inside us feels the need to strike out at that which restrains us and holds us from the life we want. Just as prohibition of alcohol made a black market for liquor, a black market for abortions was immediately made to fulfill the new need for abortions during its outlaw in the US. Government, through regulation, had once again created a need that would be fulfilled by the lawless. Most doctors, fearing incarceration, refused to treat the women who so desperately wanted abortions. Women, seeing no other solution to their problems, were often desperate enough to turn to these “Back Room” clinics. These clinics were located in poverty-ridden sections of the city and their conditions were deplorable. The places themselves were layered in filth and disease. Inexperienced butchers using dirty and crude equipment treated the girls. As if these backroom clinics were not bad enough, there was an even more appalling decision a woman might face. If a she were unable to pay the exorbitant price for the illegal surgery, she would often perform the act herself with needles and coat hangers.

Most abortions occur soon after the confirmation of pregnancy. The first twelve weeks are known as the first trimester. At this time the fetus is about 3-3.5 inches long having a weight of 15-20 grams. The neurological system is primitive and demonstrates only a few swimming motions. In many ways it is similar to the decision to pull the plug on a comatose person. Here, one must decide whether or not to withdraw that which the person needs to survive. Te decision to terminate is not considered murder but an act of the deepest humanity, an opinion that contrasts completely with the shame faced by an aborted mother during the time of the mass anti-abortion sentiment.

In the past, prohibitions have never worked and have just enraged the people of America. Women would have abortions that would many times lead to their own death. Abortions occur before the fetus can survive on its own. Abortions should neither be forced nor abolished in America.