By Jake McQuiggan
Arguments have been made over the difference between personhood and the concept of
human life over the past few years. If human life occurs at conception, is it murder when
fertilized eggs used for in vitro fertilization are thrown away? And if so, is that the same as
abortion?
Abortions have been practiced for thousands of years and were not even made illegal until
the mid 1800s, which was later repealed in the court case Roe v. Wade in 1973.
Prochoice.org reported that between 1880 to 1973,1.2 million “back alley” abortions were
held. Due to the unsafe nature of these abortions, many women died or suffered serious
medical problems from primitive methods and unsanitary conditions.
I agree on being pro choice and letting others make their own life decisions and in
believing that abortion is not a bad procedure. Being forced to carry out a pregnancy after a
case of rape would have more psychological harm on the victim then getting an abortion.
Having to see a child everyday and constantly having to be reminded of how they were
raped could drive anyone mad.
Women who are not given the option to have an abortion would revert to the “back alley”
procedures, suicide or adoption. Teenagers who become mothers are more likely to drop
out of school, develop health issue, rely on others to care for the child or end up divorced.
People should not be forced to give up their right to choose because when it comes down
to it, where there is a will there is a way. If women do not want to keep that child then they
wont, it is as simple as that. They will find another option.
We need to give women a safe alternative so they do not resort to unconventional methods
that could cause possible harm or death.
Tasia Faulcon • Mar 30, 2012 at 9:09 am
There are so many different opinions on abortion, it is insightful to hear where different individuals stand. This article is very informative and based on facts that not many people realize about abortions, such as there being 1.2 back alley abortions between 1880 and 1973. This article defends abortion really well, being such a touchy subject.
Jack Semrau • Mar 30, 2012 at 5:24 am
I completely agree and find it great that it is being brought up that this is their choice. It might sound harsh but we are limited to a certain amount of space in the world so women who wish to get an abortion, should do so, not just to forget their rape, but also if they just do not wish to have a kid. People get killed everyday. This is not to sound harsh or radical but this is the world we live in.
Kayla Bishop • Mar 29, 2012 at 1:25 pm
I like many of the points that were made in this article and I agree with them. I too feel that women should be able to choose for themselves whether or not to have a abortion. Some people think that abortion is murder and they are entitled to their opinion but just because they fell that way doesnt mean they have to try to take the right away from every women. Having the right to choose i feel should statify every one because if dont agree with it then you dont have to have one but if you want to have one you can. I also agree with the fact that if they did take that right away many women would go back to back alleys to get their abortion. we should give women a safe place to go to have this procedure done so that they are not harmed in the process. I do not believe that abortion should be used as a form of birth control but in some cases a baby being aborted would be a better choice than the mother going through with the pregnancy. I think that every one has their own opinion on this topic and that everyone should have the right to choose just as they have the right to their own opinion.
Nathan Britt • Mar 29, 2012 at 11:56 am
While your position is defended very well, I do not believe this a topic that can simply be resolved. This treads into the waters of moral beliefs and human rights. People are very sensitive about these topics and are not likely to back away from their position very quickly. I am personally a pro-life advocate. I belief that sex is a choice and in making that choice, you must accept the possible consequences. I also believe that life begins at conception. Once a woman conceives, she not only has the responsibility of taking care of her own body, but also has the responsibility of taking care of the child’s body. For this reason, I believe that choosing to have an abortion is probably the most selfish thing a person could do (short of suicide). No, I will never know what it feels like to be in that position. But I do know the line between right and wrong. The point on “back alley abortions” is an intriguing point to make. I still do not believe that justifies murder though. I will concede that victims of rape should be treated on a case-by-case basis.
Kayla • Mar 29, 2012 at 4:38 am
I believe abortion has a gray area. For those against abortion, one should consider the circumstance at hand. Some examples are if it is rape, incest, or at harm to the mother. You cannot take away a women’s right to make her own choice.
Lindsay Varga • Mar 28, 2012 at 9:16 pm
It’s so easy to say that women cannot have an abortion, when you aren’t in the situation they are in. Each situation is different and it’s not fair to treat them all the same. I like that you stated that if the woman doesn’t want the child, they will find a way to have their way. It is not fair to punish someone if they couldn’t control what happened. It is a very touchy subject, and it needs to be talked about!
Caleb Johnson • Mar 28, 2012 at 5:27 pm
Many people are quick to say that they are against against abortion however to many of the same students would probably change sides if they were faced with pregnancy. This article was well planned and the execution and delivery of your argument showed that. Great job on defending your position on this touchy topic.
Nelson Leary • Mar 27, 2012 at 10:44 am
It’s good to see students tackle such moral and sometimes personal issues, which abortion has been for as long as anyone can remember in America. This also brought deep insight into the issue, because I personally did not know of the “back alley” practice that had been going on, probably because it did its job as being secret and unknown. Students should express their opinions on such matters and continue it for in the right way both sides can inform people on the matter.
Alexandra Crowder • Mar 27, 2012 at 10:19 am
I like that you acknowledged that abortion was not illegal until the 1800s, which is something that people often overlook. Abortion never ended the human race throughout the thousands of years it was practiced before, why would it now? I too agree with having a choice and honestly don’t see the logic (while I see the moral view) of people who think it should be completely illegal. If no one forces you to get an abortion, why should you force people not to get one? People should mind their own business, as no one knows the circumstances behind the abortion.