According to Weitz (2010, p. 161), “abortion occurs when a woman decides to terminate her pregnancy”. This practice makes sure the pregnancy does not result in a child. Many individuals use prescription drugs or surgeries to terminate their pregnancies. These methods depend on the stage of the pregnancy.
Abortion has encouraged “many religious leaders, theorists, scholars, and philosophers to engage in endless discussions” (Weitz, 2010, p. 168). The agreeable fact is that abortion is unacceptable because it results in death. Some theorists have “explored the major reasons that can force women to embrace the practice” (Gold, 2009, p. 20). This essay describes the major laws governing practice in the United States. The essay also identifies the pros and cons of abortion.
Laws on Abortion
Several laws govern the issue of abortion in the United States. The “first landmark ruling on abortion took place in 1973” (Gold, 2009, p. 19). The Supreme Court “presented its decisions in Doe v. Bolton and Roe v. Wade cases” (Gold, 2009, p. 19). Many American states prohibit the practice.
However, abortion is allowed when the life of the targeted person is in danger. Many hospitals “in the United States cater to such abortions” (Weitz, 2010, p. 168). Many states also permit abortion if the pregnancy is associated with rape or incest. Abortion Laws (ALS) also vary significantly from one state to another.
Every state has unique laws to govern the manner in which abortion is performed. For instance, the practice must be supervised by a professional physician. Some states also expect the process to be carried out in a healthcare facility. This process should also be “carried out within a specified phase during the pregnancy” (Gold, 2009, p. 21).
These laws have discouraged more women from terminating their pregnancies. Many states “restrict late-term abortions because they can result in death” (Gold, 2009, p. 21). Health practitioners should ensure every patient understands the risks associated with abortion.
Pros and Cons of Abortion
Physicians can perform the practice in order to safeguard the lives of many women. Some pregnant women might develop new complications and health problems. This situation explains why abortion is necessary in order to deal with such complications. Rape and incest are common malpractices in different societies. Abortion is therefore helpful “when the pregnancy is associated with incest or rape” (Weitz, 2010, p. 170).
Some teenagers are unable to achieve their dreams after becoming pregnant. Many people encourage such teenagers to abort in order to achieve their goals. A number of diseases and infections are common during pregnancy. Some of these diseases can be life-threatening and unbearable. Physicians “can, therefore, embrace the practice in order to address such problems” (Gold, 2009, p. 21).
On the other hand, abortion is characterized by different challenges. To begin with, abortion can affect a person’s life and even result in death. Abortion also fails to support the concept of posterity. The practice is also associated with infertility. Some health complications occur during the process. According to Weitz (2010, p. 169),” chances of miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies increase after abortion”.
The psychological effects of abortion are also undeniable. This “stress and pain can eventually make it impossible for many individuals to achieve their potentials” (Weitz, 2010, p. 171). Many religious leaders discourage the practice because it threatens human life. In conclusion, abortion will remain a major concern for very many centuries.
Reference List
Gold, R. (2009). All That’s Old Is New Again: The Long Campaign to Persuade Women to Forego Abortion. Guttmacher Policy Review, 12(2), 19-22.
Weitz, T. (2010). Rethinking the Mantra that Abortion Should be “Safe, Legal, and Rare”. Journal of Women’s History, 22(3), 161-172. Web.