Arguments for Abortion

"One method of destroying a concept is by diluting its meaning. Observe that by ascribing rights to the unborn, i.e., the nonliving, the anti-abortionists obliterate the rights of the living."

Author of the classic novel Fountainhead, Ayn Rand puts forwards a thought that summarizes the fight fought by pro-choice activists. The debate surrounding abortion has been around for a long time now. The two sides that stand divided on the issue of abortion are divided by their ethical, moral, biological and legal beliefs. It is generally a combination of their different beliefs that has them putting forward their arguments for or against abortion. Religion is another factor that has a huge effect on whether or not a person believes in a woman's right to terminate her pregnancy or not. Most pro choice activists are of the belief that a woman should have complete control over whether or not she should terminate her pregnancy. There are many arguments that are put forward. In this article we take a look at some of the main notions and abortion facts which should enable the guaranteeing of reproductive rights of a woman.

Arguments Supporting Abortion

Should abortion be legal? This is a question that has been at the center of a ferocious debate for ages now. There is no one solution to the problem with vehement arguments for and against abortion. While in many countries like in Nicaragua for instance abortions are illegal, there are other nations like in Canada, where abortions are available on demand. The many arguments for pro choice abortions are explained in this article.

One of the moral arguments that is put forward is that it is completely the woman's right to have control over her body. If she is the one who undergoes all the stress inducing factors that comes with pregnancy, then it should be her right alone to decide whether or not she wants to go through with the pregnancy or not. Not allowing her to do so is a violation of her most basic rights. Another question that is commonly asked is in direct response to one of the strongest arguments against abortion which is killing a fetus is like killing a human being. The question many pro-choice activists ask is if that a fetus or an embryo is considered alive, then so are eggs and sperms. How does one make the distinction? And is it right to consider the rights of a fetus before considering those of a woman who will ultimately be responsible for a child she did not want to have.

One of the main reasons that many people are fighting for abortion rights is for the rights of those women who have been assaulted sexually. The trauma of rape coupled with the responsibility that a child brings can only add to the mental stress that a woman undergoes. The same holds true for teenage pregnancies. Studies show that teenagers are in no way, mentally or physically, capable of coping with a pregnancy and forcing her to do so can lead to major trauma. Often the pregnancy and the responsibilities later lead to girls dropping out of school. While this has caused fear that it may lead to abortion being used as a method of contraception, facts about abortion and studies show that only as little as 8% of women who have had abortions did not use contraception.

It is also a possibility that making abortions illegal due to the many anti abortion arguments, women may terminate pregnancies at unauthorized clinics which is a huge health scare. It is important that an abortion is done with a lot of care as it may otherwise cause serious complications, and may even be potentially fatal. There are both pros and cons of abortion and it is important to take both into consideration. But the ultimate right of choice should lie with the woman who is undergoing the abortion. This remains one of the foremost arguments and is oft stated by supporters to be as important as the basic right of survival.