Abortion In Modern Society

6 Pages 1613 Words

Pros and Cons of Abortion in Modern Society

Introduction:
“In 1973 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Roe vs. Wade (410 U.S. 113) that a right of personal privacy exists under the constitution and this right includes a woman’s decision whether or not to terminate her pregnancy (Haas-Wilson, 140).” It was believed that this court ruling would end public debate over abortion. Instead, it has fueled controversy and debate, which have continued over the last thirty years. On one side, there are the pro-choice supporters. These individuals base their argument on a woman’s right to choose how and when she will reproduce. On the other side of this argument are pro-life supporters. They argue on the basis of morality and right to life for the unborn child. Somewhere in the middle of these two extremes is where most Americans fall. Those who are “on the fence” often qualify their support of abortion by the circumstances surrounding the pregnancy. In this essay, I will explore the three views of abortion and their effect on my personal opinion. First, I will discuss the history of abortion laws. Second, I will outline the reasons why women choose to have abortions. Third, I will explain the pro-choice argument. Fourth, I will explain the pro-life argument. Fifth, I will discuss the middle of the road views and their impact. Sixth, I will discuss my personal views on abortion. Seventh, and finally, I will conclude with a summary of my main points.

History of Abortion:
“The history of abortion law represents a complicated process of various tendencies working towards and against the legality of abortion (Deflem, 787).” Prior to the 1960’s, abortion was regulated as being a crime except in circumstances where the mother’s life was in danger. In some states, including Pennsylvania, however, this rare exception was not even cause for termination of pregnancy. In the 1960’s and 1970’s, several states passed more liberal ...