The issue of abortion remains controversial, with different class-oriented, cultural, religious and ethical factors playing important roles in the debate, as well as social factors, related to the role of the individual in society. This paper argues that, in the end, the decision over one’s body (given normal circumstances, such as soundness of mind) remains that of the individual and not of anybody else involved, from legislators to religious leaders.
Abortion Is Every Woman's Right
the issue of abortion remains controversial, with different class-oriented, cultural, religious and ethical factors playing important roles in the debate, as well as social factors, related to the role of the individual in society. This paper argues that, in the end, the decision over one's body (given normal circumstances, such as soundness of mind) remains that of the individual and not of anybody else involved, from legislators to religious leaders.
"One controversy that pans the socio-political and cultural paradigm in the late 20th and early 21st century is that of the overall morality of abortion"
Abortion is defined as the termination of pregnancy.
There are significant moral controversies surrounding abortion, from the mother's, the fetus's or the society's perspective.
Moral controversies surrounding the mother are based on how unlimited the woman's right is towards her body, including whether she can use abortion as a contraceptive tool.
2. Moral controversies surrounding the fetus start with the moment when the abortion is undertaken.
3. From a social perspective, utilitarian principles could argue that abortion harms society overall, making it less viable and functional.
4. From a cultural and legal perspective, the issue of abortion is marked by the Roe v. Wage decision of the U.S. Supreme Court.
II. There is a significant amount of literature and studies about the topic of abortion, particularly related to the Roe v. Wage decision.
A. The majority of the 9 judges who made the decision in this case looked at the rights of the individual, both in a State and Federal context.
1. The decision emphasized that, under both the Ninth and the Fourteenth Amendment, women have the right to decide over their bodies.
B. Pro-life arguments focused on the rights of the fetus.
1. Life begins at conception, argued the pro-life side, not at a subsequent viability date.
2. According to the Constitution, the authorities should ensure that no harm is ever done to any individual
3. Pro-life activists also argue that there is no clear stipulation in the Constitution in favor of (a) right of privacy for the mother or (b) the Federal Government's right to overturn a State legal decision.
C. Pro-choice and pro-RW decision arguments focused on the right of the woman/mother.
1. Compulsory motherhood violates the right of women under the Thirteenth Amendment.
2. The State cannot force the woman, under any condition, including prior health-related concerns/risks, to remain pregnant.
III. Debate on the Roe v. Wage decision remains ongoing, with little change between the two sides in their opinion to overturn or not the decision
A. From 1989 to 2013, the pro-decision side fluctuated from 58 to 53%, while the side against the decision went from 31 to 29%.
B. Pro-life arguments include moral, social and religious elements.
1. Adoption is always an option
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