Abortion_-_Interview_Turned_Essay

One of the greatest conflicts our society faces today is abortion. Abortion is split into two arguments, “pro-life” versus “pro-choice.” The terms pro-life and pro-choice generally boil down to the question of whether abortion is right or wrong, but there is much more to the debate than that. I have chosen to take a look deeper into the great debate on abortion, and truly see the two sides of the argument based on both facts and opinions. To say that someone is pro-life is to say that the person believes that our government has an obligation to preserve all human life, regardless of intent, viability, or quality-of-life concerns. The pro-life movement argues that even undeveloped human life is sacred and must be protected by the government. Abortion, according to pro-life advocates, must not be legal under any circumstances, simply because it is murder, regardless of how premature the unborn child is. In straightforward terms, they firmly feel that a woman should not have the right to take the life of an innocent being. They strongly fight for that of an unborn child to be treated equally to that of a living person with rights. Some pro-life advocates argue that it is the presence of life alone, or of unique DNA, that defines personhood. In contrast, the pro-choice movement argues that human personhood cannot be proven, and they argue that the government should not impede a woman’s right to decide whether or not to continue a pregnancy. “Pro-choicers” also firmly believe that a fetus is not self aware and could not live on its own without the mother, and therefore is not a living human being or a person. They also support the fact that our government should support the idea of freedom of choice as an American citizen. In the United States, the pro-choice position is perceived as "pro-abortion." In China, where abortion is sometimes required by law, the pro-choice position would be perceived as "anti-abortion." The purpose of the pro-choice movement is to ensure that all choices remain legal. Then, there is the subject of people who are undecided. The plethora of information offered by both movements is overwhelming. There are two viable sides to a story and only one side to choose. They are opposites in black and white and barely a shaded area in between the two arguments. But what about those who have not had to choose' Or for some people, circumstances have put them in a position where abortion is the least self-destructive option available to them, and they feel they do not have a choice. The four topics of abortion are pro-life, pro-choice, no-choice, or simply undecided, and they have an effect on every single person in the universe today. One of these four positions stands in each person, whether their reasons being ethical or religious, scientifically justified, or legally recognized. The anatomy of the human brain and its thought process is extraordinarily complex to say the least and to explore into that deep thinking of the human, while nonetheless discussing an overly controversial topic in society, was completely intriguing and informative in several ways. For me, the investigation began by taking a look back into the history of abortion throughout the world. The 1973 Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade made abortion legal and marked an important turning point in public health policy. Jane Roe, a 21-year-old pregnant woman, represented all women who wanted abortions but could not get them legally and safely. Henry Wade was the Texas Attorney General who defended the law that made abortions illegal. The Roe case arose out of a Texas law that prohibited legal abortion except to save a woman's life. After hearing the case, the Supreme Court ruled that Americans' right to privacy included the right of a woman to decide whether to have children, and the right of a woman and her doctor to make that decision without state interference. Undoubtedly, this was a huge turning point in legal history and it has had an enormous impact on society today. In the United States, the history of abortion goes back way beyond the 1973 Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade. Abortions have been performed for thousands of years in every society that has been studied. It was legal in the United States from the time the earliest settlers arrived until the 1800s. At the time when the Constitution was adopted, abortions were openly advertised and commonly performed. In the mid and late 1800s states began passing laws that made abortion illegal. The motivations for anti-abortion laws varied from state to state. One of the reasons included fears that the population would be dominated by the children of newly arriving immigrants. Also during the 1800s, all surgical procedures, including abortion, were extremely risky. Hospitals were not common, antiseptics were unknown, and even the most respected doctors had unsophisticated medical educations. The prohibition of legal abortion from the 1800s until 1973 came under the same laws that prohibited the distribution of birth control information and services. Criminalization of abortion did not reduce the numbers of women who sought abortions. In the years before Roe v. Wade, the estimates of illegal abortions ranged as high as 1.2 million abortions per year. Looking back at the history of the case of Roe vs. Wade, there are similarities through many people’s opinions that reflect the same feelings that Jane Roe had. Like Jane Roe, Erica 23, and Jason 33, feel that especially in some instances women should have the right to their own body and own choice. Specifically, they both had a few similar beliefs while others were different. Erica 23, says she is simply undecided because of the overwhelming amount of cause and effect that could happen in this situation and ultimately would not be able to decide unless faced with actually having to make the choice. On the contrary, Jason 33, is strongly pro-choice because of the circumstantial cases that could arise, but looks at his point of view very responsibly and would not be an advocate for abortion to be just accepted as a way out for careless individuals. While both share some opinions, others vary making them stand apart in different categories. To say that everyone has their own personal point of view in this subject is a crucial part of evidence that is summarized from the seven particular individuals that shared insight on where they stand. Coincidently, that the majority of these seven people felt similarly, yet they had different titles for themselves, whether pro-choice, pro-life, or undecided. There was not research on anyone that had been in a “no choice” situation, or who had had a medically necessary abortion. Of the seven people that chose to share their personal opinions, interestingly enough, the majority of them have declared themselves as undecided. Lara 41, and John 46, are pro-life keeping their entire thoughts moral and firm in the belief of life being a gift of God. Their thoughts also concurred with the idea that life begins at conception along with what it says in the bible, and for them that is their proof. Jason 33, and Jessica 28, are pro-choice advocates stating that even though they both understand that abortion should not be a matter of making irresponsible or selfish decisions, but yet should be legal because of the number of circumstantial scenarios that could occur throughout the world today. They feel strongly that it is accordingly an American right to have that option in a viable situation. Furthermore, Christine 52, Erica 23, and Cody 16, were all opinioned but in the end defined themselves as undecided. Ironically, many more people are indecisive on this subject that most people recognize. Although they were under the category of undecided, all three of them believe in personal rights and choices, but they have considered the argument closely and see a practical objective to both sides, thus declaring themselves inconclusive. All three of their opinions reflected pro-choice advocates and pro-life advocates. After digging deeper into the history of abortion and looking closely into society’s perception on the great debate, the question of gender came to mind on what part it plays in this argument. Is this a debate rooted in gender' Or are there a range of opinions and positions held by both women and men' A year ago, a study of approximately 3,000 people was conducted at Princeton University based on abortion position between men and women. It was found that more women are calling themselves pro-choice than pro-life, by 53% to 47%, while men were more closely divided: 49% pro-choice, 51% pro-life. Over the past ten years, the pro-life response of both men and women has heightened; therefore, making women as well as men more likely to be pro-life today. Out of the seven men and women that shared their insight and opinions, there was noticeably a parallel of opinions that was remarkable. People coming from the same house felt the same way as the person that they live with. It might seem obvious, but it was intriguing to see how each person had such sturdy opinions and it was as if they were talking to convince someone inside their point of view. Each group of two, one male and female, reflected the same answers. There is justifiably no right or wrong answer when a person looks at the facts that can be represented through both positions, both carrying the negative and positive aspects respectively. It has opened my eyes to truly allowing me to deeply think into a topic that I found to be interesting. I have learned about the history of the abortion debate and I have even touched on other cultural beliefs within the world. The judicial position is enormous to investigate because there is an immense amount of cause for reasonable doubt for defining personhood and a person’s right to his or her own body. Also, the moral aspect and spirituality is more defined with a person’s faith rather than facts and figures. For me, I have found that some decisions in life cannot just be made based on what the rest of the world is battling out for. Many people unknowingly sway along with whatever they are being told is right or why the other is wrong. Because I have not ever been pregnant, the decision to be abruptly on one side or the other is somewhat difficult. But, I believe in God and I know what is right and wrong in his eyes. The spiritual connection I have with God is the prevalent factor based in my opinion. Yes, I could say that I support the pro-life advocates and I am pro-life. I have come to understand the pro-choice movement, but I know deep in my heart and soul what decision would be right for me. Not just for me, but for my child. I know that God lets everything happen for a reason, and creating life is the most amazing gift he has granted to women. I understand that there are circumstances in life that are sometimes unfortunate, and I realize that I might not understand them as much as someone who has experienced them. But I know in my heart that every child should have the opportunity at life, and that life should not be a matter of choice. Bibliography Christine O’Leary, age 52, in person interview, October 25, 2010. Erica O’Leary, age 23, in person interview, October 25, 2010. John Franks, age 46, in person interview, October 19, 2010. Lara Franks, age 41, in person interview, October 19, 2010. Jason Robinson, age 33, phone interview, October 20, 2010. Jessica Rathke, age 28, phone interview, October 20, 2010. Cody Bell, age 16, in person interview, October 23, 2010. Abortion: Pro-life vs. Pro-choice Kaitlin Franks November 17, 2010 Nicole Hammond English Composition 1 Interview Questions 1.) Are you pro-life, pro-choice, or possibly undecided' Why' 2.) Does human life begin at birth or inside of an individual' 3.) Do you believe that there is a difference between being a human and being a person' Do you believe that an unborn child is a person' Explain. 4.) Do you believe that an individual has a right to control his/her own body' 5.) Do you think that is should be only one of the parent’s opinion in which determines the fate of a child' 6.) Do you believe that there are justifications for abortions, such as population control, rape or incest, or deformities' Explain your answer. 7.) Do you consider certain forms of birth control, like the morning after pill, to be an abortion' 8.) Why do you think that there is such an outstanding debate on abortion'