Abortion remains one of the most controversial issues in the present-day American society. In a June 2, 2022, Gallup poll, 55% of Americans identified as “pro-choice,” the highest percentage since 1995. 39% identified as “pro-life,” and 5% were “neither” or “unsure.” For the first time in the history of the poll question (since 2001), 52% of Americans believe abortion is righteously acceptable. 38% believed the procedure to be wrong, and 10% answered that it depended on the situation or they were unsure (Pro and Con: Abortion”. Encyclopedia Britannica).
Being a female teenager in America, it would be good to fall back on something if a pregnancy by any chance came up. When you look around, there isn’t a lot of information about abortions and the pros and cons. High Schools barely talk about abortions. It would be nice for more informative sources.
The debate over its legalization has made a divide in the nation for decades. However, the legalization of abortion across the United States is essential to protect women’s rights, promote public health, and uphold the principles of individual freedom. While others often use moral and religious arguments, the principles of self-choice and public health lend credence to the argument that abortion is a right.
Central to the debate on abortion is the issue of women’s rights over their bodies and reproductive choices. Denying women the right to make decisions about their pregnancies violates their fundamental rights and free will. Legalizing abortion ensures that women have the freedom to choose whether to continue a pregnancy, which empowers them to control their destinies and futures. By denying this right, society protects gender inequality.
Others argue that the rights of the developing child replace the rights of the woman. They claim that abortion is an act of violence against an innocent human life and should therefore be prohibited to protect the rights of the unborn. While the rights of the unborn are important considerations, prioritizing them over women’s free will poses significant risks to women’s health and well-being. A nationwide abortion ban sets aside the complicated circumstances surrounding each pregnancy and ignores the potential consequences for the women involved.
The legalization of abortion is necessary for protecting public health and reducing the commonality of unsafe illegal abortions. When abortion is illegal, women are forced to seek out fake procedures, often done in unsanitary conditions by unfit practitioners. This not only jeopardizes women’s health and lives but also contributes to higher rates of maternal fatality and misery. Legalizing abortion allows for safe and regulated procedures, ensuring that women receive proper medical care and counseling. Research has long indicated that abortion bans have the greatest impact on people in marginalized groups who already struggle to access health care, including abortion (Guttmacher Institute).
Some argue that legalizing abortion will lead to an increase in its familiarity, resulting in the decline of human life and moral degradation in society. Evidence from countries where abortion is legal demonstrates that legalization does not necessarily lead to abortion rates. Instead, it allows for better access to contraception, comprehensive sex education, and reproductive healthcare services, which can reduce the incidence of unintended pregnancies and abortions.
The approval of abortion aligns with the principles of constitutional rights and separation of church and state. In a diverse and multicultural society like the U.S., laws should not be based simply on religious or moral beliefs. Legalizing abortion respects the diversity of beliefs in society and prevents the imposition of religious doctrine on secular law. Others argue that legalizing abortion contradicts the values of many religious faiths. They argue that the state must protect the holiness of life.
While religious beliefs are valid considerations for individuals, they should not dictate public policy but, the Establishment Clause states: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.” Guthrie Graves-Fitzsimmons The government must prioritize the protection of individual freedoms and rights for all citizens, regardless of religious affiliation. Legalizing abortion does not pressure individuals to undergo the procedure against their beliefs but rather ensures that those who require it have access to safe and legal options.
The legalization of abortion all over the United States is a necessary step towards upholding women’s rights, promoting public health, and respecting individual freedom. While others may raise valid concerns regarding the righteousness of life and ethical significance, these must be weighed against the visible benefits of legalization in protecting women’s well-being and fundamental freedoms. It is time for the United States to embrace a progressive and compassionate approach to reproductive rights by enacting laws that guarantee access to safe and legal abortion services for all women.
