The last time you drove past an abortion clinic, did you think about the unborn babies who’s opportunity for life has been taken away? Planned parenthood’s sign says “care, no matter what” but those who work for the organization do not care about the unborn babies that are killed in their facilities. If you’re like most people, however, you don’t want to think about these facts.
Unfortunately, we have to think about the reality of abortion in order to defend the rights of babies. Recently, a federal judge set a temporary hold on the abortion pill (mifepristone), after a lawsuit was filed saying that the FDA did not adequately study the drug before approval. Some people think that allegations of an inadequate study are a myth formed in hopes of taking away women’s rights.
One group who holds this position is the New York Times editorial board, a board of people who write stories based on their opinion. In their editorial “A Federal Judge Outlaws an Abortion Pill That’s Safer than Tylenol. This is Ridiculous” the group expresses their views that the abortion pill is as perfectly safe and effective, and the judges ruling was made not to keep women safe, but to take women’s rights away. The group presents the idea that the judges ruling is about control, not safety.
I disagree with the New York Times article. I think the article is wrong for saying that the ruling is ridiculous and that the abortion pill is a women’s right. Although, I do agree that in extreme cases where a pregnancy could be deadly for the mother, abortion should be considered an option, however, abortion is more dangerous than most people realize.
First, the abortion pill is not the safest option for women. The New York Times article presents the idea that the abortion pill is “safer than tylenol”. However, the abortion pill has only been around for 20 years, not enough time for scientists to properly study the effects of the pill. Many doctors are skeptical that enough research has been done to approve the abortion pill as safe for use.
An article from Doctors Without Borders points out that “Unsafe abortion remains one of the five leading causes of maternal mortality”. The article acknowledges that abortion can have deadly consequences. Clearly, being that abortions are listed among the most common maternal deaths, abortions are not the safest option for women.
Also, the common physical side effects/risks of an abortion can become an issue. An article from the Foundation of life noted that common side effects/risks of an abortion include: Heavy bleeding, infection, incomplete abortion, damage to the Cervix, scarring of the Uterine lining, and damage to internal organs. Clearly, abortion is more dangerous than many people would like to admit. The health effects ranged from bleeding and infection to serious damage within the body.
Also, effects of an abortion can have draining mental effects. Abortion not only takes a toll on women’s physical health, it also can take a toll on mental health. The source Foundation of Life pointed out that common mental health effects often include: “Eating disorders, guilt, depression, flashbacks of abortion, suicidal thoughts, alcohol and drug abuse, and spiritual consequences. Abortions often create issues with mental health.”
Another reason why abortion should be allowed only in extreme cases is that abortion is simply unnecessary. One of the most common reasons for abortion is that a mother thinks she can not raise a baby on her own. Why get an abortion when you can seek help to raise your baby? Many people say there is no place mothers can go to for help, but that is simply not the case. There are many programs specifically designed to help single mothers. There are public and private programs as well as government aid programs for pregnant women and new mothers. There are also support groups for women who are going through the same situation.
There are also options for women that don’t want to raise their baby. One option is putting a baby up for adoption. Many people say that it can cause a mental strain on a mother to give up her baby, however, it creates a much bigger mental strain to take away a child’s chance at life. It is simply unnecessary to kill an unborn baby, when there are so many families that would give that baby an amazing home.
Also, abortion should only be allowed in extreme cases because there is evidence that an unborn baby can feel pain when being aborted. Many people say that a baby is never alive when aborted, and it can not feel pain. But research and evidence presents a different idea. An article from the Charlotte Lotte Institution pointed out the fact that, “The basic anatomical organization of the human nervous system is established by 6 weeks.[iii] Nerve synapses for spinal reflex are in place by 10 weeks.[iv] Pain receptors (nociceptors) begin forming at 7 weeks’ gestational age.[v]” The formation of response systems in the body introduces the possibility that baby’s can feel pain as soon as 7 weeks”.
What policy can the government implement to make it fair for everyone? The fairest policy for abortion is to only allow abortion in pregnancy cases where the chance of the mother dying if she delivers the baby is significantly increased.
The policy of only allowing abortion in life and death situations has no disadvantages. With this policy everyone is treated equally. Babies rights to life would not be infringed upon and pregnant women would not have to choose between the babies life and her own.
By Kadeigh Woolverton
English Composition 2
