Abortion and Economic Strain The Financial Impact

Financial Impact of Abortion and Economic Strain

The economic consequences of abortion are considerable, as they lead to extended hospitalizations for patients, adding a substantial financial burden (Cahill et al., 2018). In Africa and Latin America, the yearly expenditure for treating women who undergo unsafe abortions or post-abortion complications is $159 million and $333 million US dollars, respectively. The economic weight of these treatments is also significant in other regions, such as Bangladesh, where an additional $1.6 million US dollars is imposed on the healthcare system.

Limited studies on the financial implications of abortion care in Asia are available; however, the practices and guidelines for managing pregnancy termination procedures are not vastly different from those in Western nations. Consequently, the cost of these treatments in Asia would place a considerable economic strain on society and the healthcare system. These studies have not been methodologically evaluated, leading to many methods. Therefore, a systematic review of the existing literature on the financial impact of abortion and post-abortion complications would provide valuable insights to relevant stakeholders, raising awareness and facilitating the implementation of effective strategies to alleviate the burden associated with these treatments (Cahill et al., 2018).

Individual Autonomy and Bodily Integrity

We are addressing families and heterosexual couples where partners possess comprehensive sexual education. These individuals understand the implications of unintended pregnancy and utilize advanced contraceptive methods (high-quality condoms, IUDs, contraceptive pills, etc.), yet they still encounter unwanted pregnancies. We cannot argue that any moral authority should judge them, as they seek to enjoy continuous erotic pleasure without contributing to species proliferation. Invoking religious arguments that advocate for “unprotected” sexuality and relying on “God’s will” is inapplicable when considering human autonomy, freedom, and responsibility for one’s actions. At this juncture, we must reference the Freudian psychoanalytic perspective, which posits that sexuality and pleasure derived from sexual acts are fundamental aspects of “human nature,” even if they belong to the unconscious, irrational realm by definition. Freud contends that all human behaviors ultimately stem from sexuality (Freud, Bucharest, 1991). Despite the extreme nature of this viewpoint on human behavior, it is essential to acknowledge the significance of sexuality in comprehending human nature.

Thus, we encounter situations where the erotic pleasure experienced by partners results in an unintended pregnancy. In such cases, neither the father nor the mother desires the child. What options are available in this scenario? In the end, we can identify four potential solutions: 1) the mother undergoes an abortion, 2) the mother carries the pregnancy to term, and the baby is relinquished to adoption placement centers, 3) the mother carries the pregnancy to term, and the family adjusts their mindset, accepting the child with love, 4) the mother carries the pregnancy to term, and the child is placed for adoption with a family unable to have children naturally but eager to adopt.

Unplanned Pregnancies and Financial Considerations

When examining the issue of unplanned pregnancies, the pregnant teenager’s family plays a crucial role. Many avoidable abortions occur due to the inflexible attitudes of parents. Driven by fear of disappointing their parents, young girls often choose abortion. These young women typically lack income and have not completed their compulsory education. The status of being a high school student can conflict with motherhood, leading to such abortions. Addressing this issue primarily requires an advanced educational system. Education should start within the family and be reinforced by the school system. Government public policies should focus on financially supporting young women in these circumstances (Soleimani et al., 2020).

In such cases, arguments against abortion can be supported. Not only can abortion be effectively prevented, but the outcomes may be far better than if it were to occur. Society, including government institutions and NGOs, should provide practical support such as financial assistance, psychological counseling, and medical information to women in these situations.

Sexual Assault and Incest

This category involves severely deviant behavior with devastating effects on the victim. No democratic and civilized country in the 21st century tolerates such behavior, with punishments often corresponding to the consequences, sometimes leading to the death penalty, as in China. Female victims face a high probability of becoming pregnant after such events. It is unlikely that rapists use contraception. In these cases, a child born from rape would enter a completely hostile environment. The father is a dangerous criminal, and the mother is a severely traumatized individual unable to express normal maternal feelings. The consequences of abortion or childbirth must be weighed in such situations. Abortion, in these cases, maybe an attempt to escape trauma, though success is not guaranteed. Traumas may persist, but they could be even more pronounced if the child is born (Soleimani et al., 2020). The mother may be constantly reminded of the traumatic event. Therefore, abortion may be considered the lesser of two evils, perhaps the only solution, compared to an unwanted pregnancy resulting from trauma.

Preserving Life

This category involves situations where the mother or child may face severe health problems. When the mother’s health is at risk, most positions, including religious institutions, converge on the necessity of abortion. However, situations where the fetus suffers from severe malformations that will lead to physical and mental disabilities, are more complex. The consequentialist dimension must be considered: which outcome has less severe consequences? If a child with severe health problems is born, the parents will be devastated, as most parents desire normal children. Normality is defined by what a community accepts as normal (Ismail et al., 2020). Even with the vague concept of “normality,” certain benchmarks such as walking, eating, writing, reading, understanding restrictive rules of conduct, and completing compulsory education can be established. In these cases, abortion may have less severe consequences and be easier to bear than giving birth to a child with severe health problems.