Abortion: Pro-Life and Pro-Choice Debate, Essay Example

Abortion is the intentional termination of a pregnancy. A miscarriage is also termination of a pregnancy, however, this occur spontaneously due to natural causes such as complications, injury or illness. Therapeutic abortions are done in circumstances when the life of the mother is in danger.  An electrive abortion is performed at the discretion of the mother for any number of other reasons. This has created controversy for several years over the legal rights of the mother and unborn child.

Abortions done in years past were risky and often resulted in infection, organ damage, sterilization and even death in some cases. Advances in medicine have reduced the risks associated with abortion. The views on abortion vary around the world legally, socially and culturally. Opposing views have divided the public into two categories; pro-life and pro-choice.

Pro-life activists argue that access to abortion should be illegal and that once contraception has occurred, the fetus is a living human baby. Pro-choice followers believe it is up to each individual as to whether or not to have an abortion. This issue still prompts arguments and controversy; often in heated arguments and violence.

Worldwide movements have ensued and public awareness committees, groups and advocates have debated over the ethical and legal issues of abortion. Debates over abortion and the philosophical, ethical, biological and legal matters return to the foundation of the individual’s value system. A value system is comprised of an individual’s moral and ethical beliefs, personal and cultural values and the moral code which they believe and adhere to in day-to-day life.

For health care professionals the question of abortion can often go beyond legal and ethical questions; into the arena of employment.

For a nurse with pro-life commitments who may be working in the hospital when a patient comes in for an abortion, what are her choices? Most organizations do not mandate that a pro-life nurse go against her beliefs and it is usually handled by shifting of personnel. Unfortunately not all managers and supervisors are cooperative or sensitive to other’s beliefs. “Nurses who hold pro-life beliefs are discriminated against in the workplace on a routine basis, either by not being hired or by being denied advancement” (Linane, 2002). Requiring a nurse to put her personal value system to the side and assist in a procedure which she feels is morally and ethically wrong is discrimination; without any laws to protect them.

A pro-choice nurse also has dilemmas regarding her/his belief system. Pro-choice nurses believe that personal beliefs regarding what is right and wrong are personal. Susan Wysocki, a family nurse practitioner relates “I believe in a woman’s ability to make her own moral choices about pregnancy. I believe that abortion should remain legal and safe” (2002). When abortions are illegal, women who want to have an abortion will find a way. Pro-choice nurses advocate legalized abortions to keep women safe. Counseling pregnant women is a part of the process; ultimately these individuals feel only the patient can make the right choice for her own circumstances.

The decision to have an abortion is a hard one for patients. There are many circumstances and situations which a person may feel an abortion is the only choice. Physicians, nurses, family and friends can help. However, the choice is still up to that particular person. Some patients may make a decision based on advice and suffer the consequences if it goes against her value system. Cortney Davis reiterates this in her account of Susan, a young woman who had previously underwent two abortions based on the advice of others (2006). It caused such emotional and physical torture that when she married later in life she was unable to confide in her husband. The guilt associated with her previous choices made her sexual life with her husband painful and difficult. This is a classic example of inadequate counseling and support. Having the choice to undergo an abortion is emotional and appropriate counseling can help the patient deal with the choice she makes; particularly for younger women.

“In the real world, few unwed mothers give up their babies for adoption” (Weisberg, 2008). Teenage pregnancy is hard on families and not allowing teenage girls to have abortions will place them in situations of parenting as single mothers when they are just babies themselves. Emotional and financial support from the father of the child is seldom or never available. This leads to high school dropouts and the beginning of a live of poverty, frustration and disorder (Weisberg, 2008).  The percentage for those individuals successfully graduating from high school and continuing onto college is extremely low.

Politics also play a role in the debate. Many political speeches and promises have been geared towards making the majority happy to gain votes. A “percentage of people on either side of the debate who say they’ll vote only for a candidate who shares their views on the subject” (Weisberg, 2008). Politically it is difficult to have a complete pro-life stance without moderating somewhat to appease the majority. While the Republican Party has historically been conservative on the issue, they have leaned in the pro-life aspect. Pragmatic Republicans are now attempting to decide how to accommodate both sides (Weisberg, 2008).

Pro-life advocates have a reputation for their drive and passion.  However, this has on occasion turned violent resulting in the deaths of abortion physicians and nurses. This has been a confusing issue since their proclamation is a strong value system with high morals and ethics. They have chosen to take an adult life to save a baby’s life. These pro-life individuals are extremists and have attacked abortion centers to demonstrate their strong beliefs. “Abortion is one of the most contentious social issues in the United States, but little research has been done on the illicit aspect of anti-abortion politics such as crime and violence” (IU News Room, 2006).

The extreme actions taken by the pro-life groups include harassment, physical violence, bombing, stalking, break-ins, shooting and burglary. These actions prompted some clinics to close and practitioners discontinue performing abortions. However, the laws remain in effect that abortion is the right of the individual to make the choice to undergo the procedure. This discredits the pro-life stance; this shows an incomplete set of values for these individuals. The very act they were so adamantly trying to eliminate is performed by this group, along with other actions outside of moral and ethical standards.

In a civilized society no one is permitted to take another life due to intentional harm. Pro-life believers see abortion is no different. However, since abortions can only be taken in the first trimester and is totally dependent on the mother, pro-choice sees this as a part of the mother. It is not a separate entity since it cannot survive on its own. It is a civil right for each individual to have control of their own body. If the government could force a woman to continue a pregnancy, what about forcing her to use contraception or undergo sterilization? (Lowen, 2009).

In circumstances such as rape or incest with resultant pregnancy pro-life believes the woman should keep the baby or place it for adoption. However, this is making a choice that will shape that child’s life. This punishes the unborn baby. There are medical procedures which can be done at the time of the rape or incest to ensure against pregnancy. Pro-life believes adoption is the answer given the number of families unable to conceive. Some women are afraid to speak up when raped or in the situation of incest. Forcing the woman to have an unwanted baby after the trauma of the rape/incest causes psychological damage.

The patient can often get lost in the debate between pro-life and pro-choice, particularly in the pro-life believers. Pro-choice advocates work to give the woman a choice which she makes on her own. Counseling, education, support and group therapy can help the person make a valid and correct choice for their particular situation. In the pro-life arena there is not a choice to make. “The American Psychological Association found that stress was greatest prior to an abortion, and that there was no evidence of post-abortion syndrome” (Lowen, 2009).

Pro-life is seen as others attempting to impose their own moral and ethical views. Pro-choice supports a woman’s right to privacy along with the right of speech and association. Laws against abortion will never stop women from having abortions. Having legal abortions makes them safe and limits the number of illegal abortions. Pro-choice advocates sex education and contraceptives. Preventative measures are the best way to prevent unwanted pregnancies and limiting the need for abortions. Since pro-life stems from religious ideology the idea of freedom of religion should not be confused with legal mandates.

Medical recommendations and opinions should not be lost in this debate. No one would consider asking for an operation based on what they believe they need at the moment, i.e., kidney transplant. Medical professional involvement is important in helping the patient make an educated decision based on their circumstance, medical knowledge and ethical values.

An important aspect also needing attention is the health and wellbeing of children who are alive and homeless. A lot of money is spent on anti-abortion campaigns when there are children without parents and homes who need help. The funding trying to convince the public to fight abortion could help a lot of helpless children destitute to a life of loneliness and poverty. Orphanages are overrun with children and often understaffed. It can be argued that pro-life groups could spend time volunteering or donating financially to help these children.

Abortion will likely continue to be a heavily debatable issue. Individuals facing the dilemma of the procedure have the right to choose based on their own conscious and particular situation. Pro-life and pro-choice movements will continue to advocate their opinions and rally for their causes. The problem comes into play when humans do not respect each other’s rights and circumstances. Moral and ethics are not laws, but an individual person’s belief and behavior.

Pro-life to me provides women the right to their own choices, morals and ethics. It should be up to the person to make their own decisions, given support and medical education. I believe nurses can help patients through counseling and communication. Whatever choice the person makes will change the course of their live forever and guidance and support will be extremely important in helping them through the emotions and forthcoming years.

Works Cited

Davis, Cortney. “Reflections.” American Journal of Nursing.  October, 2006: v106(10). Retrieved from http://www.nursingcenter.com/library/JournalArticle.asp?Article_ID=670602

IU News Room. “New Study Reports on Attacks Against Abortion Clinics in the United States.” Indiana University.  September 26, 2006. Retrieved from http://newsinfo.iu.edu/news/page/normal/3781.html

Linane, Marianne. “When Conscience and Career Conflict.” Journal of Christian Nursing, Summer 2002: v19(3), p. 24-25. Retrieved from http://www.nursingcenter.com/pdf.asp?AID=725029

Lowen, Linda. “Ten Arguments for Abortion and Against Abortion.” About.com. 2009. Retrieved from http://womensissues.about.com/od/reproductiverights/a/AbortionArgumen.htm

Weisberg, Jacob. “What Happened to Family Values?” Newsweek.  September 6, 2008. Retrieved from http://www.newsweek.com/id/157554.

Wysocki, Susan. “A Clinician’s View of Abortion.” The Nurse Practitioner: The American Journal of Primary Health Care. Norember, 2003: v28(11), p. 12).  Retrieved from http://www.nursingcenter.com/pdf.asp?AID=441598