Introduction
Abortion is a highly contentious issue in society today. The legalization of abortion has been debated for decades, and the outcome remains highly contested between pro-life and pro-choice advocates. The repercussions of overturning Roe v. Wade have stirred debate on the potential social and economic impacts of legalizing abortions. This paper will explore the implications of legalizing all abortions related to social and economic problems. It will draw upon two recent studies which analyze the effects of abortive policies on women’s lives across systems and their ability to access essential healthcare services even if they are faced with minimal resources. The paper will argue that while the legalization of abortion might be necessary for certain circumstances, it is ultimately detrimental to society due to the associated social and economic problems.
Abortion is a divisive and emotionally challenging topic with implications for women’s reproductive rights and social justice. In 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court legalized it nationwide in Roe v. Wade (Coen-Sanchez et al., 2022). Since then, states have passed laws restricting access to abortions; these regulations include waiting periods, procedure bans, and insurance coverage restrictions. Research shows that lack of abortion access leads to increased maternal mortality due to unsafe practices; psychological distress among those unable to terminate desired pregnancies; and economic pressures from caring for children (Lyerly et al., 2022). Low-income women lack access to health care and other resources, making these effects especially severe (Lyerly et al., 2022). Thus, policymakers must understand the full consequences of their choices.
The Meaning of Abortion
Abortion is a complex process with multiple interpretations and views in various nations. It can be seen as a medical procedure and a ritualized transition from one stage of life to another, often involving mourning for lost potentialities and spiritual significance for many women (Biel et al., 2022). Medical abortions involve taking two pills within 48–72 hours, which may cause cramping, bleeding, passing clots and emotional distress (Biel, Braam & Wojtkowiak, 2022). Follow-up with a doctor is necessary to confirm the abortion’s success and address other health concerns. Surgical abortion is another option for terminating a pregnancy. Surgical abortion up to 24 weeks after the last menstrual period also requires an anaesthetic before removing the uterus contents (Biel, Braam & Wojtkowiak, 2022). This can cause cramping and heavy bleeding, similar to a miscarriage. Therefore, abortion is a highly personal decision that requires proper education and support.
Position of Law on Abortion
Roe v. Wade Case
The right to choose whether or not to have an abortion has been absent since Roe v. Wade was overturned in 1973. This negatively affects women’s well-being, economic stability, and mental health (Coen-Sanchez et al., 2022). Overturning Roe v. Wade would disproportionately affect those living in poverty, immigrants, and people of color due to a lack of resources for accessing care outside their state or country (Spector-Bagdady & Mello, 2022). The overturning of Roe v. Wade has been identified as a significant threat to women’s reproductive rights with severe repercussions for their physical and psychological health (Coen-Sanchez et al., 2022). Abortion should only be considered when there is a risk of serious physical or mental harm, rape or incest, fetal abnormality, or financial insecurity (Coen-Sanchez et al., 2022). In conclusion, while the topic is controversial, respect for the right to life and privacy must be upheld, with resources availed to make informed decisions about reproductive health.
Legal Grounds on which Abortion is Permitted
Abortion is highly controversial, and laws vary by country. Legal grounds permitting it, such as when the mother’s life or health is at risk, or economic and social issues, including rape, must be in line with best practice standards (Skuster et al., 2022). Gaps between existing laws and accepted medical practice in teaching hospitals may complicate access to safe and legal abortions (Zeldovich et al., 2020). To ensure these laws protect women’s rights and reduce maternal mortality, all risks to a woman’s life, physical health, and mental health should be considered valid arguments for legalizing abortion.
Social Problems of Abortion
Psychological Disorders
The psychological effects of abortion can be wide-ranging, with victims experiencing depression, anxiety, and mental instability. Adib-Rad et al. (2019) found that women who experienced recurrent spontaneous abortions were more likely to experience higher levels of psychological distress than those who did not undergo the procedure. Other studies have shown that women may experience increased anxiety levels due to the stigma surrounding abortion (Zeldovich et al., 2020). This anxiety can lead to an inability to move forward due to guilt or shame associated with the decision. This can harm a woman’s ability to make decisions and move forward in her life, meaning abortion causes psychological implications for those involved.
Political Intolerance
The abortion debate is often a source of political intolerance and divisiveness in society. Research has shown that the controversy over abortion can lead to significant differences in how community members view each other politically (Oh et al., 2021). Disagreements about the abortion subject create an atmosphere of hostility and polarization within communities, detrimental to social cohesion (Kubin et al., 2021). For example, someone who holds a different idea might be denied access to public services or resources because their views are seen as undesirable. This can have a profound and lasting impact on individuals and whole communities, who may feel ostracized for their beliefs (Oh et al., 2021). Ultimately, the controversy surrounding abortion creates an environment of political intolerance that can be damaging to social relations and potentially lead to the violation of women’s rights.
Neglect by the Society
Abortion is a highly contested issue that has become increasingly contentious in recent years. In some societies, it is viewed as immoral, and those seeking an abortion can face social stigma and neglect from their communities. This can manifest in verbal or physical abuse (Oh et al., 2020). Certain socioeconomic or religious beliefs may lead to increased negative attitudes toward abortion, creating a feeling of disconnection for those seeking termination options (Oh et al., 2020). Zeldovich et al. (2020) note that women are often afraid to seek medical care due to fear of judgment or shame. The social stigma of abortion has severe and far-reaching implications for those seeking termination services. The negative views associated with the issue can lead to uncivil behaviors, and a lack of access to reproductive health services can exacerbate existing gender biases.
Economic Problems of Abortion
Safe Abortion is Expensive
Safe abortion is an essential healthcare service that can often be costly. Consequently, individuals seeking access to these services are vulnerable to exploitation and unsafe practices due to the lack of resources available. Lattof et al. (2020) highlight how this leads to unqualified doctors taking advantage of those in need, with potentially severe consequences for safety and quality of care. Oh et al. (2021) argue that civil society organizations can support and advocate for unwanted pregnancies victims and protect their rights to safe services. Additionally, Rodgers et al. (2021) suggest conducting economic analyses on the macroeconomic costs and outcomes of unsafe abortions to better inform future investments into secure services, creating a more equitable health system and promoting safety and quality of care.
Training Qualified Medical Practitioners are Costly
Training qualified medical practitioners to provide abortion care is an essential and costly endeavour, especially considering the need for more surgeons to conduct abortions. The abortion procedure itself can be complex and require specialized medical equipment. According to Lattof et al. (2020), it could take up to three years for healthcare providers with no prior experience in comprehensive abortion services to attain sufficient qualifications and competency levels. In addition, Rodgers et al. (2021) state that there are often additional costs associated with implementing abortion services. These include costs for specialized medical equipment, staffing, and supplies related to the service. Due to the complexity of the procedure, the additional cost associated with obtaining new skills, more training, and increased resources are substantial.
Implementing Statutes that Promote Abortion is Costly
Statute implementation to promote abortion can be expensive for citizens. Research, campaigns and lobbying are costly endeavours (Lattof et al., 2020). Setting up statutory bodies to uphold these laws also entails an additional cost burden due to personnel and administrative needs (Solotke et al., 2020). Moreover, providing access to safe abortion services often exceeds government budgeting (Solotke et al., 2020). Consequently, approving legislation promoting access may have financial repercussions on citizens (Lattof et al., 2020; Solotke et al., 2020). Overall, passing legislation that facilitates access to abortion can be costly for citizens due to the resources needed for research, lobbying, and administration.
Counterarguments
Legal Abortion Preserves Life and Health
Legal abortion is essential to preserving life and health. Oh et al. (2021) explain that it can prevent preeclampsia and eclampsia, leading to seizures and death. Meanwhile, premature birth may cause long-term respiratory problems, learning disabilities, developmental delays, and an increased risk of cerebral palsy (Nobis, 2019; Oh et al., 2021). These effects can last into adulthood, adversely affecting the quality of life. Furthermore, abnormal births can be fatal for both the mother and the baby. Molar pregnancies – where the fetus does not usually form – have been known to cause severe haemorrhaging in pregnant women (Nobis, 2019), leading to death in some cases. Legal abortion helps pregnant women avoid these dangerous birth complications, preserving their lives and health.
Legal Abortion Promotes Human Rights
Legal abortion is a fundamental human right, allowing people to decide when to give birth and control their bodies. It empowers them to plan for the future and make informed decisions. Furthermore, it protects women’s health; unsafe abortions may lead to death or medical complications (Solotke et al., 2020). Legal abortion ensures access to quality healthcare without fear of stigma or lack of resources (Nobis, 2019). Legal abortion is essential for protecting women’s lives, well-being, and right to quality healthcare. It gives individuals the freedom and autonomy necessary for making important life choices regarding their bodies and reproductive health.
Conclusion
Legalizing abortion has both social and economic implications, leading to political differences and indifferences. However, it is important to note that legal abortion is essential for protecting the lives and well-being of women by providing access to quality healthcare without fear or lack of resources. Legalized abortion also facilitates life and health preservation by preventing dangerous birth complications such as preeclampsia, eclampsia, premature birth, molar pregnancies, seizures, and even death in some cases. Ultimately, legalizing abortion can benefit society if due care is taken to ensure comprehensive coverage of abortion-related expenses and access to quality care
References
Adib-Rad, H., Basirat, Z., Faramarzi, M., Mostafazadeh, A., & Bijani, A. (2019). Psychological distress in women with recurrent spontaneous abortion: A case-control study. Journal of Turkish Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 16(3), 151–157. Web.
Biel, K., Braam, A. W., & Wojtkowiak, J. (2022). Ritualizing abortion: A qualitative study on ritual and its meanings in the Netherlands. Religions, 13(7), 592. Web.
Coen-Sanchez, K., Ebenso, B., El-Mowafi, I. M., Berghs, M., Idriss-Wheeler, D., & Yaya, S. (2022). Repercussions of overturning Roe v. Wade for women across systems and beyond borders. Reproductive Health, 19(1). Web.
Kubin, E., Puryear, C., Schein, C., & Gray, K. (2021). Personal experiences bridge moral and political divides better than facts. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 118(6). Web.
Lattof, S. R., Coast, E., Rodgers, Y. van der M., Moore, B., & Poss, C. (2020). The mesoeconomics of abortion: A scoping review and analysis of the economic effects of abortion on health systems. PLoS ONE, 15(11), 1–25. Web.
Lyerly, A. D., Verite, A., & Marshall, M. F. (2022). Restrictions on abortion, social justice and the ethics of research in maternal-fetal therapy trials. The American Journal of Bioethics, 22(3), 78–81. Web.
Nobis, N. (2019). Thinking critically about abortion: Why most abortions aren’t wrong & why all abortions should be legal. SSRN. Web.
Oh, D., Elayan, S., Sykora, M., & Downey, J. (2021). Unpacking uncivil society. Nordicom Review, 42(s1), 103–118. Web.
Rodgers, Y. van der M., Coast, E., Lattof, S. R., Poss, C., & Moore, B. (2021). The macroeconomics of abortion: A scoping review and analysis of the costs and outcomes. PLOS ONE, 16(5), e0250692. Web.
Solotke, M. T., Brussel Faria, N., Karim, H., Roy, S., Ross, J. S., & Cron, J. (2020). Exploring crowdfunding campaigns for abortion services. Contraception, 102(1), 18–22. Web.
Skuster, P., Moseson, H., & Perritt, J. (2022). Self‐managed abortion: Aligning law and policy with medical evidence. International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics. Web.
Spector-Bagdady, K., & Mello, M. M. (2022). Protecting the privacy of reproductive health information after the fall of Roe v Wade. JAMA Health Forum, 3(6), e222656. Web.
Zeldovich, V. B., Rocca, C. H., Langton, C., Landy, U., Ly, E. S., & Freedman, L. R. (2020). Abortion policies in U.S. teaching hospitals. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 135(6), 1296–1305. Web.
Reflection Questions
It took me about two hours to revise my earlier draft to meet the required volume. Eliminating the extra explanatory points from several paragraphs in the previous work worked best for the revision. The approach allowed me to have a reduced draft size while maintaining the original paper structure and argument.
The main revisions I made include rephrasing excess descriptive sentences in the introduction, eliminating repetitive sentences in the conclusion section, and removing solution-proposing statements in the body paragraphs describing challenges. These three substantial revisions allowed me to reduce the work to the required size. Reading through the work thoroughly aided me in pinpointing such sentences whose removal would cause minimal effects on the paper’s structure and meaning. The approach helped me fix the content issue by bringing the work down to the required volume.
The revision opens my mind and eyes concerning my significant potential to write quality and informative content. The earlier work’s grades prove my capacity to establish comprehensive content on subjects of interest while providing adequate backing from scholarly peers. Accordingly, taking this course inspires my desire to further my studies to the professorship level to become an authoritative academic content publisher and professional consultant.