Unsafe abortions can cause serious damage to an individual’s health which is a reason why abortion should be legal. Primitive methods of abortion can present a significant risk to the pregnant women. First, if an abortion is carried out by a person without medical training it can cause significant complications to a woman’s overall health. Second, performing an incomplete abortion to a woman can lead to threatening consequences. For example, it can induce fertility as a result; a woman cannot have children later in life. Besides, incomplete abortion might damage internal organs or may evoke sexual dysfunction. In addition, can occur serious diseases and lead to infections or even cause death. Finally, a woman being forced to precede childbirth may affect her psychologically. For instance, a women may feel depressed, anxious, frustrated and later in life may abuse or neglect her own child.
Imagine that a schoolgirl named Liza, who was 14 at the time, was dragged between three tower blocks away from her hometown, raped, and beaten up by the local gang. Although, the nine gang members responsible were jailed for her rape, kidnap and false imprisonment, Liza’s life had changed forever. Few weeks later, she found out from her doctor that she is pregnant. The role exchange test asks me to look at the situation from her point of view. I would feel terrified and confused if I were in her position. She would be hurt in many ways: Mainly, she would feel desperate because she has become pregnant. Also, she would have to consider whether or not to continue her pregnancy. She would need to keep in mind that once she decides to keep a child, her life will never be the same. Everyone is free to make his or her decision regarding one’s ethics and morals. Namely, here is implied “theory of ethical behavior” called Libertarianism. Diestler (2001) maintains that according to Libertarianism principles, “Behavior is considered ethical when it allows for one’s individual freedom and does not restrict the freedom of others” (p. 35).
The universal consequences test asks me to look at general consequences of my decision and determine if it would be acceptable for everyone in this situation to take a similar action. A positive general consequence might be that those women who decide to have a child is probably the most exciting and surprising moments of their lives. The negative general consequence would be that women more specifically an example of a schoolgirl Liza who decides to have a child would put their own wishes first not taking into the consideration the full consequences of their actions. For example, once a woman decides to keep a child, she is responsible for raising and taking care of him or her. Indeed, here is implied “theory of ethical behavior” called Utilitarianism. Diestler (2001) maintains that according to Utilitarianism principles, “Behavior is judged according to its utility (usefulness) in creating the greatest human well-being and actions are considered in terms of “happiness” consequences” (p. 35).
The new cases test asks me to pick the hardest case I can and see if I would act the same way in that case, to determine whether I am consistent. To me the hardest case would be if a young woman who lives in a country where abortion is illegal has been raped by her neighbor who is infected with AIDS. Almost for every mother being a mother is like a gift from god, in this case she should be allowed have an abortion. More particularly, here is implied “theory of ethical behavior” called Universal Ethical Norms or Universal Action-Guiding Principles. According to these principles, “Individuals should act in accordance with these principles for the betterment of the individual and the society” (Diestler, 2001, p. 37).
The higher principles test asks me to look at my own ethical standards to see if my actions fit into these standards. This test is hard to use, because I love children and for a woman to do abortion is emotionally and physically difficult; even in this case I would be for abortion because a woman has been forced to have a sex against her will. Specifically, “deductively drawn conclusion” based on “premises” is provided. Therefore, in this case abortion would be morally and ethically justified. Next, I would support this woman’s choice to have an abortion because it is beyond my moral standards and beliefs. Finally, I believe in the principle of fairness, that a woman’s right to control her own body is a fundamental right which is a part of a right to privacy. For instance, here is implied “theory of ethical behavior” called Egalitarianism. Diestler (2001) maintains that according to Egalitarianism principles, “Behavior is ethical when the same opportunities and the consequences apply to all people and we treat others as we wish to be treated” (p. 36). Egalitarian supporters believe that full equality means equal essence and equal roles.
According to the theory of Judeo-Christian Principles, “Ethical behavior is based on biblical principles found in the Ten Commandments and other prescriptions and on the desire to please and honor God” (Diestler, 2001, p. 36). Indeed, religious point of view often plays a significant role in defining one’s view on the issue of abortion. Religious people who are in favor for abortion have a culture that is against traditional family relationships and women’s roles (Himmelstein, 1986). Himmelstein (1986) maintains, “It is thought that members of the Protestant fundamentalist movement, such as Evangelicals, are more likely to view abortion as a sin against God as well as an incursion upon their moral values” (p. 2). For instance, the people who are against abortion might state their argument as follows. First, Major premise would be that “All human life is valuable and worthy of protection” (Diestler, 2001). Next, Minor premise would be that “An unborn child is a human life” (Diestler, 2001). The conclusion would be following, “Therefore, an unborn child deserves protection” (Diestler, 2001).
To conclude, abortion should be legal for two significant reasons. Firstly, to protecting women from the unwanted pregnancy such as rape or handicap birth. Most importantly, a woman has the right to choose whether or not to continue a pregnancy. To control one’s body is a key component of moral rights. Secondly, if an abortion is banned, women are forced to seek back-alley abortions which are unsafe and may cause serious damage to an individual’s overall health. As has been pointed out, illegally performed abortions may cause fertility and might damage internal organs or may evoke sexual dysfunction or even cause death. A woman’s right to control her own body is a fundamental right, part of a right to privacy, and if abortion is banned no woman can call herself free. Finally, if a woman is being forced to proceed childbirth she may feel depressed, anxious, frustrated and later in life may abuse or neglect her own child.
References
Bee, H., & Boyd, D. (2009). Lifespan development. United States of America: Pearson
International Edition.
Diestler, S. (2001). Becoming a critical thinker: A user friendly manual (3rd ed.). New
Jersey: Prentice Hall.
Himmelstein, J. L. (1986). The social basis of antifeminism: Religious networks and
culture. Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion 25(1), 1-15. Retrieved May 10, 2011, from EBSCO Host database
World Health Organization (2011). Preventing unsafe abortion. Retrieved May 3,
2011, from index.html
