...Abortion: The Wrong Choice Tammy Edwards COM/172 September 15, 2010 Sunny Rowland Abortion: The Wrong Choice Nearly half of all pregnancies among American women are unintended, and four in 10 of these are terminated by abortion (Guttmacher Institute, Incidence of Abortion, May 2010). Abortion should be made illegal, because a fetus is a baby, no person has a right to take another's life, and an unborn baby cannot make the decision to live or die. A Fetus is a Baby While some view abortion as something people should be able to choose, others say abortion is a great evil, which is destroying the moral fabric of society Cline (2010). Many of the arguments turn on the status of the fetus: Is a fetus a person? A fetus is indeed a baby. From the moment of conception, a fetus is alive and growing inside the mother’s womb. For this reason, the fetus is a baby and considered a living, breathing being. If this were not so, then why is there a law in the state of California that if a person murders a pregnant female, that person is then charged with two counts of murder instead of just one Simon (2004)? This is true no matter how far along the mother is, one day or nine months. Therefore, this makes the fetus a real person. No Person Has a Right to Take a Life No person has the right to take another person’s life. Many skeptics say that the Bible does not say anything specifically about abortion. That there are no references to women seeking to end pregnancies, for...
Words: 1056 - Pages: 5
...‘A relativist approach to the issues raised by abortion leads to wrong moral choices.’ Discuss. One could indeed present the argument that a relativist approach to abortion could lead to the wrong moral choices. For example, in subjective ethical relativism, although one may be able to make a moral choice completely by themselves, there are no clear guidelines in which they have to adhere to. This may lead to corruptible behaviour, as people might delude themselves into thinking certain things that are wrong; are in fact right. Additionally, conventional ethical relativism, which considers society’s values, would most likely disregard the needs of the individual, rendering them to feel pressured by society to follow cultural tradition. This may lead to the wrong moral choice being made. For example if a woman would mentally suffer with the pregnancy, but is not allowed an abortion (such as in Uganda), this would be the wrong moral decision that has resulted from a conventional relativist approach to ethics. On the other hand, a relativist approach could also lead to the correct moral choices. For example, subjectivism allows the individual to make their own choice, which ultimately can be regarded as a good thing. Only the mother herself can really know if she wants an abortion, or if she would not be able to cope with the pregnancy both mentally and physically. A relativist approach to abortion allows for the individuals needs and circumstance to be considered, rather...
Words: 330 - Pages: 2
...Abortion and Ethics Roseanna Phares SOC120: Introduction to Ethics & Social Responsibility Mr. Russell Tompkins March 26, 2012 Abortion and Ethics In today’s society, “abortion” has raised a lot of ethical controversy all over the world. The word “abortion,” means “the removal of an embryo or fetus from the uterus in order to end a pregnancy.” (Abortion, 2012) This may be performed for a number of reasons. There are also many different methods of abortion. Abortion has divided people all over the world, and has caused people to debate whether it is right for a woman to terminate her pregnancy or not. I will discuss some of these issues as we go along. I will also, discuss some ethical reasoning about abortion, as well as, talk about pro-life and pro-choice. Most of the debates about abortion, are about if it is right or wrong for a woman to deliberately end a pregnancy before normal childbirth, and killing the fetus in the process. There can be many reasons why terminations take place. The major influence is social circumstances. These range from financial hardship to difficult relationships and family pressure, but their can also be medical reasons for an individual to get an abortion. Those who follow utilitarianism believe that “given a set of choices, the act we should choose is that which produces the best results for the greatest number affected by that choice.” (Mosser, 2012) Some utilitarian’s may ask if having an abortion brings about the greatest...
Words: 1154 - Pages: 5
...described as the difference between what is morally right and what is not right. Ethical theory defines what is perceived to be right and what is wrong, while ethical practice suggest that one’s environment and cultural beliefs determine who one will react in any given situation. The question how do we as a society decide what is morally right or wrong in moral “free choice” (Mosser, 2010)? Morals are unique to each person, culture, religious belief and environment. Ethical practice is defined by the diversity within each society, where no to people are alike. Morals don’t define ethics, ethics define morality. Abortion an age old ethical debate between moral right choice and wrong choice, why? To evaluate abortion with ethics, we must first understand the argument from all perspectives. What is the debate reason abortion is so fiercely argued in past and present generations? Abortion is the term to define the choice to terminate a woman’s pregnancy. Unitarian view, which is the view that relativist challenge. Utilitarian view suggest that abortion is not wrong because its selfish and benefits the mother not the unborn fetus, this is what Unitarians refer to as :ethical egoism”(Mosser,2010). Relativist view is just a little less judgmental, suggesting that some situations may be determined morally correct while others simply remain wrong. In this paper neither the argument that neither the Unitarian view nor the Relativist view are completely correct. The suggestion that Ethical...
Words: 1698 - Pages: 7
...Abortion: Where Has Morality Gone? In today’s society, often times many people do not even consider the question of morality before taking certain actions, because the subject of morality has become a gray area in which morality can scarcely be defined. For instance, Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines morality as "the quality of being in accord with standards of right or good conduct” (Webster Online). However, everyone has a different opinion of right and wrong. There are approximately 46 Million abortions per year worldwide about 1.37 Million abortions here in US (abortionno.org). This difference of opinion on what is moral causes many disputes such as in the topic of abortion. Some people believe it is a woman’s prerogative to choose whether or not to have a child, while still many others believe it is “morally” wrong to have an abortion. On the other hand, there are moderates who disagree with the idea or the morality of abortion, but agree that there are certain circumstances that should give the woman the option. Since abortion is essentially the killing of an unborn child, why are women who abort not convicted as murderers, just as women who kill their children face such charges? Morality should be a standard at all times and abortion should be no exception. In fact, abortion is destroying the life of a child; therefore, it should be considered morally wrong, except when extenuating circumstances leave no other choice for the woman. Abortion...
Words: 1138 - Pages: 5
...“Pro-choice Abortion” Abortion has been one of the biggest controversies of all time. Many people believe it is immoral and even consider it to be murder. The definition of abortion is; “The termination of pregnancy by the removal or expulsion from the uterus of a fetus or embryo prior to being capable of normal growth.” 1 These pro-life believers do not support the idea of induced abortion and believe it should be illegal. Many of these supporters do not know that if abortion were illegal they would still be performed, unfortunately by an uneducated staffs. Over 70 thousand maternal deaths occur every year because of unsafe abortions1. These women die, so the idea of supporting pro-life is contradictory, this is why the nation should be pro-choice. Pro-choice believers support the right to privacy and the idea women should have the choice to do what she pleases with her own body. As an example; a woman is raped by a man and becomes pregnant with his child. She decides she doesn’t want to keep the baby; she has an abortion because the idea of raising a child of her rapist is too painful for her to cope with. Pro-choice defenders take sympathies to this woman while she then gets called a murderer by pro-life supporters. Abortions sometimes results in the woman being harassed because of the choice she has made about her own body. That’s what pro-life supports. Often time’s situations like this turns into harassment which can be considered to be part of anti-abortion violence1...
Words: 3628 - Pages: 15
...Abortion: Right or Wrong? Kymber McLay Charter College Abstract Start Abstract here Keywords: This paper explores the pros and cons of abortion. Many people believe differently on whether it is right or wrong. [ Abortion ]: Right or Wrong? Abortion has been a huge topic in the United States for years now, and whether it is the right thing to do or not has caused many debates. It was declared a fundamental right by the U.S. Supreme Court during Roe vs. Wade, yet many people beg to differ. The ones who believe it is right identify themselves as pro-choice, believing that abortion is a woman’s right and that it should not be limited by governmental or religious authority. Identifying as pro-life, the opponents believe that it is immoral killing and that personhood begins at conception. No matter what each side thinks, there will always be arguments about it. The choice to abort a fetus is central to a woman’s independence and ability to determine her own future. "A woman's autonomy to determine her life's course, and thus to enjoy equal citizenship stature,” stated by Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg during Gonzales vs. Carhart (2007). A woman’s decision can affect her life for the good or the bad, but if abortion was illegal, then a woman cannot make the best decision for herself. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor wrote, "The ability of women to participate equally in the economic and social life of the Nation has been facilitated by their ability...
Words: 1138 - Pages: 5
...‘Abortion is immoral.’ – Do you agree? Abortion is the deliberate termination of a foetus. Some people may argue that it is a foetus; however some may disagree and say that it is a baby. People have different views on abortion, some may say that abortion is immoral – this means that it is wrong in all circumstances or an absolute morality – this also means wrong in all circumstances. However, other people may believe abortion is moral – this means peoples beliefs on what is right or wrong or relative morality – this means it is only right in some circumstances. The law states that abortion is a relative morality because it only allows abortion to continue in certain circumstances, the circumstances are: the mental or physical health of the woman or her existing children will suffer if the pregnancy continues or the child, if born would be physically or mentally handicapped. Alternatively, ‘The Abortion Act’ that began in 1967 may be performed legally if two or more doctors agree. The law on abortion in 1967 had no time limit but under normal circumstances, the pregnancy should not have been passed the 28th week. On the other hand, in the year 1990 another law had been made this was called ‘The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act’. As for the 1967 act except that the time limit was reduced to 24 weeks, this law stated that abortion should only be legal if abnormalities have been detected which are physical or mental you could have an abortion up until birth (after 24 weeks)...
Words: 1012 - Pages: 5
...: Why it's Wrong How would you feel if someone took away your ability to live? Imagine not having any say in whether or not you want to have a life. Well babies don't have a choice in their mother’s womb. If a woman decides to abort her baby, they can't do anything about their life being taken away from them. Their whole future is demolished. I believe abortion is wrong when committing it for a selfish reason. One reason why abortion is wrong is because there are many other safer solutions. In the article, Why Do More People Choose Abortion Over Adoption?, Kristi Burton Brown stated: “In the USA, there are approximately two million infertile couples waiting to adopt, many times regardless of the child’s medical problems such as Down Syndrome, Spina Bifida, HIV infection or terminally ill. Dr. Brad Imler, President of America’s Pregnancy Helpline, confirms the challenge of waiting couples by stating: Only 1% of the Helpline’s annual 40,000 clients inquires about adoption.” Putting him/her up for adoption will give them a better chance at a happier life rather than abortion. The solution for a baby should not be death. If it was for a selfish solution, you're sacrificing a life many other families would love to raise as their own. Another reason why I don't support abortion is because it can harm the mother as well. You are highly risking the mother's life and affecting her. Not only does it have an effect on the USA but, it affects other countries as well like Spain. According...
Words: 831 - Pages: 4
...Abortion February 23 2015 “Is abortion moral or immoral?” We still have no answer. We defend about the nature and the moral status of the fetus. Don Marquis as well as Bonnie Steinbock embraces with the argument of their own, which point out the morality of abortion. Don Marquis upholds the fact of since abortion deprives the fetus of a future like ours therefore most abortion is morally wrong. He adheres in his article “abortion is, excepting possibly in rare cases, seriously immoral”, what he meant was that not all abortions are wrong. He did not discuss about the exception of “… abortion before implantation, abortion when the life of a woman is threatened by a pregnancy or abortion by rape” Regard of that, Marquis has claimed, “… It is in the same moral category as killing an innocent adult human being.” He inquires the reason of killing a human being is wrong. Marquis explains the killing is not just cause of pain and perceive of loss to the victim’s family, moreover it includes the basis loss to the victims themselves as “the loss of one’s life deprives one of all the experiences, activities, projects, and enjoyments that would otherwise have constituted one’s future”. With the respect of Marquis’s theory, it is the loss of a valuable future like ours that respond to the question of why killing a human being is morally wrong. Moreover, Marquis also stated in his article “…the future of a standard fetus includes...
Words: 1384 - Pages: 6
...Undoubtedly, abortion is one of the most controversial topics on the planet. It is mostly controversial because it covers a grey moral area in which there is no clear right or wrong answer. Depending on individual beliefs and perspectives, opinions on whether abortion is right or wrong will vary greatly. Some people believe it is a clear case of murder while others maintain that it is every woman’s right to have control over her own body. Given that this is such a grey area, there is a huge chance that you will eventually have to write an essay on abortion at one point or another during your academic career. A good essay on abortion should start off by explaining why abortion is so controversial. For instance, abortion is such a hot topic because since it’s legalization in 1973, groups have continuously fought in order to have it banned or access to it increased. A well thought out essay on abortion could cover some of these groups and highlight why they feel abortion is right or wrong. Typically, an essay on abortion will highlight two major camps on the issue which are pro-life and pro-choice. People who are pro-life fundamentally believe that abortion is morally wrong because it involves taking a life. They believe that an unborn fetus is still a human. However, a majority of people who are pro-life are open to making exceptions in the case of extreme circumstances such as rape. People who are pro-choice believe that it is every woman’s choice what she does or doesn’t...
Words: 644 - Pages: 3
...Abortion: Why it's Wrong How would you feel if someone took away your ability to live? Imagine not having any say in whether or not you want to have a life. Well babies don't have a choice in their mother’s womb. If a woman decides to abort her baby, they can't do anything about their life being taken away from them. Their whole future is demolished. I believe abortion is wrong when committing it for a selfish reason. One reason why abortion is wrong is because there are many other safer solutions. In the article, Why Do More People Choose Abortion Over Adoption?, Kristi Burton Brown stated: “In the USA, there are approximately two million infertile couples waiting to adopt, many times regardless of the child’s medical problems such as Down Syndrome, Spina Bifida, HIV infection or terminally ill. Dr. Brad Imler, President of America’s Pregnancy Helpline, confirms the challenge of waiting couples by stating: Only 1% of the Helpline’s annual 40,000 clients inquires about adoption.” Putting him/her up for adoption will give them a better chance at a happier life rather than abortion. The solution for a baby should not be death. If it was for a selfish solution, you're sacrificing a life many other families would love to raise as their own. Another reason why I don't support abortion is because it can harm the mother as well. You are highly risking the mother's life and affecting her. Not only does it have an effect on the USA but, it affects other countries as well like...
Words: 918 - Pages: 4
...discuss the effects of abortion on the women who have this procedure. For many cultures abortion is a horrible act. It is considered murder of an unborn human being. In today`s society many people still consider abortion to be an unethical practice and dangerous procedure. It is a typical conflict theory argument of social problems in today’s society. It is a conflict in society because it comes down to peoples ethical and religious stand point that is what makes up the conflict. Ethical is either it right because the fetus is in the women’s body and its her choice to choose if she wants to be a mom or not. The other side of the ethics argument czn stem from religious as well it is a life and murdering an unborn baby is wrong. There are two groups of people who fight to sway the law makers to their side the pro abortionist group and the antiabortion group (Henslin, J. M. 2011). These are commonly known as the prolife and prochoice groups. Many people though when you use these terms don’t take the group seriously they considered these people radicals. There are protesters who believe they are standing up for the unborn by murdering abortion doctors and burning down abortion clinics. The vigil-anti`s think this is justifiable due to the fact that abortion doctors are taking innocent lives and without the clinic there would be no place to have an abortion. The pro-choice group believes that abortion is ethical and...
Words: 4926 - Pages: 20
...Rollins ENG 112-01 September 2, 2015 Is Abortion Wrong or Right? Abortion is defined as “The removal of an embryo or fetus from the uterus in order to end the pregnancy” (dictionary.com). However, if only the debate over the abortion issue was as easy as the definition listed above. However, similar to most things in life, a statement or opinion is never right nor wrong, but simply left open for clarification. Those who are against abortion believe that abortion is the murder of innocent human beings who aren’t given a chance at life and the ability to function as a normal individual. However, those who are for abortion believe that it is a women’s right to choose what she does to not only her baby but also to her body and if she decides she is not capable of bringing a child into this world, then she should not be forced to. Everybody has their own opinion so therefore, abortion should not be right nor should it be wrong. As expected, there are millions of people who are against abortion. These people are considered pro-life, otherwise known as people who feel that, for no reason at all, should any woman feel the need to abort her child while being pregnant. There are many reasons as to why those who are pro-life do not support abortion. The main reason is that, in her decision to have an abortion, the mother is deciding to kill or murder an innocent human being who hasn’t been given a chance at life. Some may also feel that abortion is a very harmful procedure which not...
Words: 988 - Pages: 4
...Abortion is the termination of pregnancy before birth, resulting in, or accompanied by the death of the fetus. ("Abortion," Encarta 98). In 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court decision, Roe v. Wade, dramatically changed the legal landscape of American abortion law. The result of the ruling required abortion to be legal for any woman; regardless of her age and for any reason during the first seven months of pregnancy, and for almost any reason after that. ("Status of Abortion in America"). In the Roe v. Wade case, Roe (Norma McCorvey), had claimed she was gang raped and attempted to have an abortion in Texas. ("Roe and Doe"). After hearing the case, the Supreme Court ruled that an American’s right to privacy included the right of a woman whether or not to have children, and the right of a woman and her doctor to make that decision without state interference, at least in the first trimester of pregnancy. ("Celebrating 25 Years of Reproductive Choice"). The moral issue of abortion—whether or not it is murder—has been debated since it was legalized in 1973. Roe v. Wade has been one of the most controversial Supreme Court decisions of the 20th century. ("Roe No More"). More than two decades since the Supreme Court first upheld a woman’s right to abortion, the debate over the morality and legality of induced abortion continues in the United States. ("Abortion," Encarta 98). Abortion is one of the most divisive and emotional issues facing United States policy makers today. ("Economics of Abortion")...
Words: 3477 - Pages: 14
