Introduction
Nowadays, the status of abortion is one of the most acute and controversial topics discussed by the public and experts in the United States. The problem of abortion is associated with numerous ethical and legal aspects, causing a lot of emotions and controversy among the population. Although some people accentuate women’s right to make a free choice, abortion should be prohibited in society because of associated ethical and religious issues, the necessity to protect the rights of unborn children, and negative psychological consequences for women.
Moral Issues
One of the key arguments against abortion is related to discussing various ethical issues associated with this act. For instance, many believers, especially Christians, consider abortion a sin and a violation of God’s laws and ethical principles. Several religious doctrines assert that human life begins at conception. Therefore, the termination of pregnancy can be regarded as the killing of an innocent being.
From a moral perspective, abortion can be seen as a selfish act that allows individuals to avoid the consequences of their irresponsible behavior (Blackshaw and Rodger 103-104). Furthermore, abortion can cause emotional harm because mothers may experience feelings of guilt and remorse, as well as depression and other mental health issues. They can understand the immoral nature of their act and experience problems with accepting their choice of abortion. Overall, the question of abortion raises many ethical concerns.
Protection of the Rights of Unborn Children
Every human has a unique right to life, which must be protected regardless of whether or not he or she was born. In this context, the prohibition of abortion protects the most basic right of unborn children, that is, the right to life. From this perspective, abortion constitutes violence against the most vulnerable and defenceless members of society.
Unborn children are not just a ‘clump of cells’ or a ‘product of conception,’ but are instead unique individuals who, though still in their development, are capable of feeling pain and experiencing life. It is essential to recognize the humanity of the unborn child and to treat it with respect. The fact that unborn children cannot protect their interests does not mean that they should not be considered as living human beings (Block 149-150). Therefore, abortion can be discussed as an illegal act associated with violating unborn children’s rights and their killing, depending on the choice of parents.
Psychological Consequences for Women
Abortion can also cause certain psychological consequences for women. Many studies show that after abortion, women may experience guilt, depression, anxiety, stress, and other negative emotions and feelings (Blackshaw and Rodger 103-104; Block 149-150). This state can lead to a decline in the quality of life, deteriorating relationships with family, and health problems. Moreover, abortion can lead to a lack of acceptance within society, as well as feelings of guilt and regret. This is why women need to be provided with the necessary support to make informed decisions about their reproductive health (Cosgrove 22-23).
Counselling and medical care should be available to all women so they can make decisions about their health safely and informally. Furthermore, banning abortion can help reduce the number of abortions and offer women alternatives, such as adoption or the use of contraceptive methods. Different interventions should be implemented in society to help women avoid choosing abortion and protect their health.
Women’s Right to Choose
However, the proponents of abortion argue that every woman has the right to free choice and control over her body. They consider that the prohibition of abortion violates this principle and denies women the opportunity to make decisions about their future and health (Blackshaw and Rodger 106-108). Although the right to choose is an important principle, in the case of abortion, it is contrary to the right to life of the unborn child. Protecting those rights should be a priority for society and legislation (Cosgrove 22-23).
In addition, women can be offered numerous alternatives, including family education, adoption options, and access to quality contraception, which can potentially preserve the right to choose while respecting the rights of unborn children. Abortion should never be used as a form of birth control and should only be used in cases where a mother’s life is at risk, or in cases of rape or incest (Block 112). In cases where abortion is the only option, it should be done safely and professionally, in a way that respects the rights of a mother and her unborn child.
Conclusion
In general, many arguments justify the prohibition of abortion in the United States. It is possible to state that moral concerns, the protection of the rights of unborn children, and the focus on psychological consequences for women are rather strong reasons for such a solution. While some people accentuate women’s right to choose abortion or not, it must be balanced against the interests and rights of all parties, including unborn children. The introduction of alternative solutions, such as family education, adoption, and contraception, can help to resolve this complex moral and legal issue and ensure a fair solution for all stakeholders.
Works Cited
Blackshaw, Bruce P., and Daniel Rodger. “The Problem of Spontaneous Abortion: Is the Pro-Life Position Morally Monstrous?” The New Bioethics, vol. 25, no. 2, 2019, pp. 103-120. Web.
Block, Walter E. Evictionism: The Compromise Solution to the Pro-Life Pro-Choice Debate Controversy. Springer Nature, 2021.
Cosgrove, Mary-Anne. “Pro-Life or Pro-Choice?: A Humanist’s Perspective.” The Australian Humanist, vol. 142, 2021, pp. 22-24. Web.