Many people have pondered about the issue of abortion. The arguments presented for pro-life are that every child born should be wanted, and every child conceived should be born (Sass vii). The opposing argument is that a woman should have the right to decide whether or not to bear a child.
In 1973, the United States
Supreme Court legalized abortion, however, the arguments between the two groups still continues. Pro-life activists carry a strong argument, and continue to push their beliefs. They feel so strongly about these beliefs that violence has broken out in some known instances. Pro-choice activists, on the other hand, also maintain very strong views. They believe that the fetus inside the woman is her property and life doesn't begin until birth. Many countries have followed the United States decision on the abortion issue and some of these include Canada, England, and France. Other countries that still believe abortion should be illegal, are Germany, Ireland, and New Zealand.
Under the 14th Amendment's "personal liberty", women are given the right to receive an abortion. The 14th Amendment's concept of "personal liberty" and restrictions on state action, allows a woman to decide whether or not to terminate her pregnancy. The right to choose to have an abortion is so personal and essential to women's lives that without this right, women cannot exercise other fundamental rights and liberties guaranteed to them by the Constitution (Paltrow 72). The state can't interfere in the private lives of a citizen. Without the right to choose an abortion the 14th Amendment's guarantee of liberty has little meaning for women. With the right to choose an abortion, women are able to enjoy, like men, the rights to fully use the powers of their minds and bodies (Paltrow 73).
A man can withdraw from a relationship as soon as he finds out about a pregnancy. There is no question of his involvement after that; he has made his choice. It is only fair to say that women should be given the same choice. If a woman doesn't want to hold the responsibilities of a child, then she should be able to have the choice of abortion as one option." Because contraceptives fail, and because they are not always available or possible to use, abortion is necessary if people are to be able to determine whether and when to "bear or beget a child"(Paltrow 72). Couples choose the alternative of abortion so they can start or expand their families when they feel most ready and able to care for them. Women choose to have an abortion because pregnancy and childbirth can prevent them from keeping their jobs, from feeding their families, and from serving others in ways they consider necessary and appropriate. Pregnancy and child birth may determine whether a woman ever gets to start or complete her education, which will significantly influence her ability to support herself and her family. The availability of abortion makes it possible for people not only to choose the number of children they want, but also to create the kind of family life they have always wanted for themselves and to meet their responsibilities.
If a woman cannot choose to terminate an unwanted pregnancy, she is denied the right to the "possession and control" of her own body. One of the most sacred rights of common law is to choose and if a woman can't do this, then her most important possession is taken away. Abortion isn't only a woman's right, it's a woman's choice.
Our Networks