Introduction
For many years, abortion has been a widely discussed issue in society, causing intense debate regarding its correctness and ethics. Many people argue that a woman has the right to make choices regarding her reproductive abilities. On the other hand, the public also insists that abortion is an immoral act which, from the point of view of ethics and law, is murder since it is a procedure for ending human life. Thus, it is necessary to prove that the moral principles of society must be fully respected since abortion is a violation of ethical standards.
Arguments Against Legalization of Abortion
Human life has the highest priority and is an important aspect that must be strived to be protected in every possible way. This belief may often stem from people’s religious beliefs; however, atheistic values also do not preclude the immorality of killing unborn children. Thus, we can say that people who are guided by moral principles and ethical standards cannot advocate abortion.
Implications for Fetus
One of the significant arguments in favor of the fact that this action is incorrect is the assumption about the potential of the individual (Hendricks, 2023). From the moment of conception, a unique genetic code is formed. This means that a person who has undergone an abortion could achieve some significant achievements in the field of science or art. However, by having an abortion, a person will no longer be able to grow up and achieve the success that they could potentially have. The embryo itself does not have potential, but it can develop into a personality in the process of growing up, which makes potentiality important from an ethical point of view.
An important aspect is that the embryo develops gradually and systematically, forming each part at specific periods. This process is continuous and associated with certain cycles; it is impossible to draw a line between them based on any reasoning. The impossibility of establishing a clear boundary between the periods when the fetus is mature enough and not subject to abortion leads to the fact that, from a legal point of view, the definition of abortion must be murder since the fetus can be considered a person. This means that abortion carries inevitable ethical consequences (Ashley, 2022). They may concern issues of bodily autonomy, which are seriously violated when someone decides to have an abortion without regard for the child’s needs.
Implications for Mother
In addition, the mother may also suffer irreparable harm. This can be seen in the fact that, in some cases, after an abortion, a woman may become incorporeal and will not be able to have a child in the future. Such a risk increases ethical responsibility since by performing an abortion, there is a possibility of also stopping the birth of an indefinite number of people.
Impacts on Society
Making abortion legal could have serious negative consequences for the entire society. First of all, it can be perceived as a devaluation of the sanctity of life, which creates a destructive effect on moral pillars. Performing abortions on a large scale as a routine medical procedure can blur the view of ethics in modern society (Delay, 2019). In this case, this could become a starting point for the introduction of further unethical laws and regulations that will have a cumulative effect. Ultimately, such gradual regression can undermine the sanctity of human life and the concept of its value.
Alternatives to Abortion
Abortion has devastating consequences that can have a negative impact on both women and society as a whole. In this regard, it is necessary to consider some alternative solutions that could replace this procedure (Delay, 2019). First of all, this option could be the implementation of comprehensive support services for pregnant women. They must provide all the care that may be needed. If a woman wants to give up her child, then instead of an abortion, she should have the opportunity to give them up for adoption. In this option, support services will have to pay all expenses associated with pregnancy and pick up the baby after birth. This way, a woman can have the same options as if she had an abortion. However, in the proposed version, the child will remain alive, and they will have the opportunity to find a full-fledged family who will adopt them. Thus, this option will save women from having to make difficult choices.
Another viable alternative is that society should focus on solving the problems of unplanned pregnancy. This may become a factor preventing the need for an abortion. Sex education and facilitating access to contraceptives can be pretty effective solutions that will also help women without violating ethical standards (Hendricks, 2023). By changing social norms and attitudes towards abortion, a much more effective attitude towards this phenomenon can be achieved. Showing respect for human life will be a reliable indicator of the progress of social morality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is worth noting that abortion can become a catalyst for other adverse changes in society. They are a violation of ethical and legal norms and the inviolability of human life. This makes this procedure one that should not be officially permitted. To prevent unwanted pregnancy, it is necessary to take alternative measures such as sex education and availability of contraceptives. This will be able to show the values and morality of a society that has retained the right to the pricelessness of life.
References
Ashley, F. (2022). Adolescent medical transition is ethical: An analogy with reproductive health. Kennedy Institute of Ethics Journal, 32(2), 127-171. Web.
Delay, C. (2019). Wrong for womankind and the nation: Anti-abortion discourses in 20th-century Ireland. Journal of Modern European History, 17(3), 312-325. Web.
Hendricks, P. (2023). The pregnancy rescue case: Why abortion is immoral. Journal of Medical Ethics. Web.