Abortion

The founding of an entire nation was forged in the principle that all men are created equally. This is the essence of our Declaration on Independence and the philosophy behind the Constitution. We have declared that there is no such thing as sub-humans and that no human being’s rights are superior to another human being. To do this, we cannot overlook any human being, no one can be excluded. Unfortunately, there are, however, human beings that are being ignored and are not protected. These are labeled as the fetus.

In 1973, through the ruling of Roe vs. Wade, abortion was made constitutionally legal for all women in the United States. Since then, our country has divided on the issue. The statement, “I’d like young women to understand that abortion is not the ultimate answer. The answer is in counseling and Christian Fellowship”(qtd. In Roe v. Wade), was made by Norma McCorvey of the Roe vs. Wade judgment. McCorvey fought for the right to have an abortion. She was victorious which led to legalized abortion in the United States. She deeply regrets that decision and now lectures against abortion. Moreover, some say that the choice of having an abortion should exclusively be the woman’s decision to terminate their pregnancy whenever they want. Therefore, it should be legal, while others say that is it the murdering of an innocent life and should be outlawed.

I was taught that one could not have right not have a right that conflicts with the rights of others, therefore the claim that women have such a right is irrelevant. Consequently, the major debate amongst the opposing sides is the definition of life, or when human life begins. Pro-abortion debators say that only when a baby is born; it begins life as a human. The opposing pro-life view believes that human life begins at conception, when the egg is fertilized by the sperm. According to science, once the egg is fertilized every characteristic of a brand new being is existent. The color of their eyes, their hair, their sex, and so many other characteristics already exist. The only exception to abortion that should be considered is if the survival of the mother or baby in not guaranteed. If the mother or child has no chance of survival, an abortion should be an option for the pregnant woman.

Most uninformed people think that the majority of abortions are performed because the woman’s life is in danger, but that is not exactly the case. Fact is that ninety-three percent of all induced abortions are done for elective, nonmedical reasons. 1.4 million Women have abortions every year. This number is only going to increase. Therefore, abortion is a common occurrence. This helps prove that abortions aren’t only done for emergency purposes because this number is excessively too high. Of course, abortions are justified for many reasons. Seventy-nine percent of women have abortions because of the concern of how a baby would drastically change their lives or because they are having relationship problems or want to avoid being a single parent or cant afford the baby. Thirteen percent of abortions take place because of the health of the fetus, seven percent happen due to the health conditions of the mother, and one percent happen because of rape or incest (Johnston,Wm.). This means nearly eighty percent of the abortions are due to the convenience of the situation. Women know from the beginning what is inside of them. They know it is not just a group of cells.

Sometimes the health of the fetus is not life threatening. Some of the babies of conditions such as Down’s syndrome or Spina Bifida. Individuals with Down’s syndrome can function well with society. Thos