Introduction
Many controversies are surrounding the issue of abortion, regarding its legalization, accessibility, and overall admissibility. Some people are strongly against the procedure, while others claim that there are undeniable reasons why abortions should be legal. The information derived from examining the statistical data and the arguments they present allows suggesting that in the case of abortions benefits can outweigh the losses.
Context
The objections of people who condemn abortion are predominant of religious, moral, or philosophical nature while the arguments of the proponents vary. Some are discussing mainly the social or medical benefits of the legalization and accessibility of abortions; others mostly concentrate on women’s rights. They claim that females should be allowed to decide what to do with their bodies. While discussing such a controversial and sensitive issue, all arguments should be taken into consideration and carefully weighed. While changing the opinions of people who are against abortions for religious reasons can prove to be challenging, listing the practical arguments in favor of abortions based on research and statistical data can help to resolve some of the tensions.
1st Pro-Point
First of all, the choice to abort gives women the right to have control over their bodies. As one of the feminist organizations which support the right of women to have abortion puts it, “Unless we can freely decide whether to continue a pregnancy, it is impossible for us to control our lives, to enjoy our sexuality, and to participate fully in society.” (Abortion, 2018). It should be emphasized that, in the majority of cases, women can become good mothers only if having a child was their choice – society should not push them to become ones.
2nd Pro-Point
Secondly, it is crucial to keep in mind that if there are no other options, some women resort to illegal abortions. They, however, can hurt women’s health. World Health Organization (2004) estimates that worldwide 68 000 women die as a consequence of unsafe abortion (p. 3). Other women can become infertile or develop severe health conditions as a result of an illegal procedure. The organization claims that this situation can be improved by enhancing “access to quality family planning services” and by “improving the quality of abortion services, their legal, and post-abortion care” (World Health Organization, 2004, p. 3). Therefore, giving women the right to have an abortion can prove to be beneficial for public health.
3rd Pro-Point
Thirdly, it is estimated that women receiving abortions are less likely to suffer from mental health problems than those who were denied. There are many situations when an unplanned pregnancy can change the course of a female’s life for the worst, significantly limiting her choices, and, therefore, damaging her emotional and psychological health. Rocca et al. (2013) estimate that women whose request for an abortion was rejected felt “less relief (–1.4) and happiness (–0.3), and more regret (0.5) and anger (0.4)” (p. 127). Hence, the legalization of abortions can not only make women safer physically but can also enhance their mental wellbeing.
Conclusion
Having discussed the arguments in favor of abortion, it is safe to claim that there are many benefits society can derive from the legalization of the procedure. Abortion grants women the right they deserve – to decide what to do with their bodies and with their lives, therefore, allowing them to be active and equal members of society. Moreover, it can help to maintain their physical and mental health. While discussing the issue of abortions, it is crucial to keep in mind that since women constitute half of the world’s population, their wellbeing is one of the major contributors to public health.
References
Abortion. (2018). Our Bodies Ourselves.
Rocca, C. H., Kimport, K., Gould, H., Foster, D. G. (2013). Women’s Emotions One Week After Receiving or Being Denied an Abortion in the United States. Guttmacher Institute.
World Health Organization. (2004). Unsafe Abortion: Global and Regional Estimates of the Incidence of Unsafe Abortion and Associated Mortality in 2000, Fourth Edition. World Health Organization.