Discuss about abortion and its methods.

Abortion is a topic that which brings with it much debate and controversy, whether it be

between peers or cultures. It seems also that feelings are disparate and of polar opposites and people tend to cling to one pole without regard for the opposite opinion. Arguments for and against abortion tend to be rooted deep in moral or religious beliefs, with some feeling that it is their body, therefore they should do a they please, while others argue concern for the living baby within the mother. Akin to the numerous feelings regarding abortion are numerous methods in which on can abort a pregnancy, all of which are correspondent with the amount of time elapsed within the pregnancy.

Prior to delving into specifics of abortion a definition of the term would make lucid the

context of which is being discussed. Therefore, abortion is essentially the termination or aborting of a pregnancy prior to the event of birth. An abortion occurs when the mother or other party involved (perhaps parents or father of the child) determine the pregnancy is undesirable or not feasible at that given point in time. Many there are, reasons for the carrying out of the fore defined term. Such reasons include: an immature commitment to parenthood such as the case of teenage parents, or even a pregnancy that was seen as unwanted or an interference such as a career woman (Hyde, DeLamater, 2003). Though abortion is often decided by the parents of the child typically willingly and without coercion the end product proves to be psychologically damaging to the parents (Hyde, DeLamater, 2003). Upon discovering their pregnancy many women feel "anger and some anxiety," then quest for a decision. This decision usually involves debating the welfare of the mother over the welfare of the child (Hyde, DeLamater, 2003). When the decision to abort is chosen women carry post emotions of sorrow and guilt (Hyde, DeLamater, 2003).

An often neglected but highly important part of abortion is the role in which the man

This is a preview of the whole essay

An often neglected but highly important part of abortion is the role in which the man

plays. The text is unique in this analysis of men's emotions and decisions as this is quite often neglected. Though men have usually discussed the issue of abortion with the mother of the child, it is reported that many men feel helpless as it is ultimately the woman's decision. Following the abortion a common emotional response of the male is anger both at themselves and their partner (Hyde, DeLamater, 2003). Men, however, try to hide their emotions rather than discuss them openly as many women do (Hyde, DeLamater, 2003). This is perhaps why it is reported that women often overcome their feelings within a year of having an abortion, while men tend to hang on to their emotions longer (Hyde, DeLamater, 2003).

As different are the emotions over abortion are the ways in which the abortion is

succeeded. It is recommended hat the pregnancy be terminated within the fist trimester as this is when it is the easiest and of least danger to the mother. The most common method of abortion during the first trimester is vacuum aspiration; this occurs when a suction device is inserted into the vagina and dilates the cervix which is followed by suction that removes all the fetal matter (Hyde, DeLamater, 2003). Similar to vacuum aspiration is dilation and evacuation (D and E) the significant difference between the former and the latter is the latter is performed in a hospital under general anesthetic and thus can be done later in pregnancy, perhaps up to 20 weeks (Hyde, DeLamater, 2003). Had the abortion not been succeeded by the beginning of the second trimester induced labor would need to occur. This is achieved by filling the amniotic sac with a saline fluid which causes the sac to erupt creating contractions in the uterus thus expelling the fetus (Hyde, DeLamater, 2003). A less sought after method of abortion is a hysterectomy which can be done

anywhere from 16-24 weeks. In this operation the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes are

removed similar to a caesarian section. This procedure is not as popular as it is very costly, over 1000 dollars, and more risky than those previously discussed, many women have died due to complications during their procedure (Hyde, DeLamater, 2003).

Doctors and patients who engage in abortive measures to deal with pregnancy are not

met, however, with out great resistance. Many pro- life movements have arisen that fight for the rights belonging to the fetus (Hyde, DeLamater, 2003). Contrasting American society where abortion is virtually a spoken taboo among many with that of Greece a striking relationship is discovered. Greece by far holds the largest abortion rate in Europe and this is justified under the pretext of controlling family size (Hyde, DeLamater, 2003). Abortion is so common in Greece it is looked upon as another form of contraceptive if the one in use fails. Further more in Ekiti, Yoruba abortion is rather common among college students and mothers who wish to space their children apart. Abortion is not looked upon as wrong in this society but is not as common as is Greece do to lack of clinic access across the country.

Abortion has brought with it to the United States much controversy and debate as to the

legality of the issue. As aforesaid many people are advocates for the rights of the mother while others fight for the rights of the unborn child (Hyde, DeLamater, 2003). Abortion is an issue that I, myself, have very intense feelings about. I believe that abortion is wrong no matter the context in which the pregnancy occurred. Many victims of rape who in consequence become pregnant resort to abortion for a means of escape, this I also feel is wrong. Contemporary society has much to offer for the welfare of children who have parents that neglected them; for instance, adoption. I believe there are always alternate means than abortion. My feelings against abortion stem from a strong moral belief that the baby deserves a chance at life, however my primary conviction stems from the doctrine of my faith, that which is Christianity. Terminating a pregnancy is murder, which consequently deems it a sin. Though the fetus is not yet capable of life on its own, in most cases, the child deserves a chance to live.

Perhaps supporting my views on abortion further is my personal experience in the wake

of an abortion that which was my best friend and his girlfriend who had a pregna ncy aborted. My friend and his girlfriend did not have complete say in this act as her parents forced them in to this quandary, with the threat of disowning her, and legal proceedings, on him. I witnessed first hand what an emotional and psychological effect this decision had. Being that my best friend was a male I saw a unique side to abortion that is not usually addressed, that which is the males feelings. I do however, commend the book on its speculation of male response to abortion as I feel this is an issue generally neglected, focusing only on the female. My friend was very distraught and angry for a long period of time following the abortion, he also (like the book mentioned) conveyed a sense of helplessness. His anger was at first directed towards the parents of his girlfriend who compelled this abortion to occur then later turned to the situation in which he was placed. His girlfriend has feelings very similar to his however, I believe she was even

more devastated as she was the one carrying the child. I watched the strain that was placed upon their relationship due to this set of events, for a while they strayed apart as the mutual pain was too great to deal with. However, it was later that this event drew them closer together at their mutual loss. This first hand experience reinforced my feelings about abortion and further enraged me against those who do it, because of the aftermath. Time heals all wounds, as with my friend, but a scare will forever remain.

As displayed abortion is a very controversial issue that has been the topic of much debate

within American society, movements pro-life and pro-choice has sprung into action to propel their respective beliefs. Furthermore it has been seen that a cross culture analysis of abortion will yield a striking disparity in beliefs, as evidenced in the comparison of Greece and the United States. As different are the opinions regarding the act of abortion are the methods in which are used to perform the abortion, discussed were various methods to be used in correlation with different time periods of the pregnancy. While abortion remains highly controversial it shows no effort in the reduction, prolong only is the irony, lives not lived.

References

Hyde, J. S. & DeLamater, J.D. (2003). Understanding Human Sexuality, (8th ed.) New York: McGraw-Hill.