The Controversial History of Abortion: Examining the Debate in America

Introduction

The polarized political belief I chose to do this paper on is abortion. The History of Abortion essay highlights the controversy of abortion, which has been prevalent for decades and remains so today, with Roe v. Wade being the most well-known court case. The ruling gave women the right to decide whether or not to have children, and it is solely between a woman and her doctor to make any decision. The anti-abortion movement has caused disruptions and violence, with bombings, physical attacks, and even murders. The opposing side was by the Texas Attorney General, Henry Wade, who intended to uphold the existing law that made abortions illegal. The previous law prohibited abortion except in cases where it was needed in order to save the woman’s life. The ruling that Supreme Court ruled after hearing the case was that the law against abortion was against the American’s right to privacy. With the right of privacy, women are able to decide whether or not to have children, and it is solely between a woman and her doctor to make any decision.

Over 40 years later this still is one of the most controversial disagreements in American Politics. Some anti-abortion people even went to lengths to directly disrupt clinics where abortions could be provided. They did this by protesting in front, vandalizing, and blocking access to clinics. Furthermore, as polarization increased so did the level of anti-abortion violence. Clinics were bombed, people were physically attacked, even some abortion providers were murdered. Since Roe v. Wade laws regarding government funding for abortions, and the time in the pregnancy that abortions should be allowed up to have gone back and forth time and time again. Although the basis of abortion laws was determined, this has not stopped the Supreme Court to allow more restrictions. States are allowed to restrict pre-viability abortions as well as in times where an abortion is not medically necessary. Some of these restrictions include: mandatory waiting periods, biased counseling, and parental involvement for minors.

Pro-Choice stance

I personally hold a Pro-Choice stance, and I believe that it is up to the woman to make whatever decision, without the government or bystanders being involved. I also believe that there should be a limit to the time in which a woman is in her pregnancy that she shouldn’t be allowed to receive an abortion. I hold this opinion because of the way I was raised. I was raised to be nonjudgmental of things that have no effect on me, and things like others having an abortion does not affect me. When I was in high school one of my best friends had gotten pregnant at the age of 15, and after considering all outcomes with her family she had decided to terminate the pregnancy. In my opinion, this was the best choice for her, because she was still a child and wasn’t fully developed herself. This along with not being in a stable relationship or having an income resulted in the decision she made. Years later I can see how terminating her pregnancy has taken a toll on her mental health, and although she is a completely different person now I do believe she was not ready to be a mother.

My friend Alayna, whom I decided to have the conversation with for this paper, also was friends with this girl who had the abortion. Looking at her now, Alayna believes our friend would have been better off keeping the child for the sake of her mental health and the fetus’s life. Alayna was raised to believe once the fetus is conceived it is a baby. This differs from my beliefs in the fact that I do not believe a fetus is a baby until it is able to live outside the mom on its own. We agreed on the fact that abortion should be legal in cases such as rape, incest, and when the mother’s life is in danger. She believes that it is inhumane in cases where the mother just doesn’t want the child. Which I can agree with this, there are definitely other ways to go about when pregnant with an unwanted child, such as adoption. With that said and referring to what I said previously, what differs between our beliefs is I believe it is none of my business with whatever a person does with their body.

Throughout the conversation I had with Alayna, there was no hostility or frustration due to the fact that we are best friends and have mutual respect for one another and our beliefs. I did not learn anything nor was my own opinion altered in any way, but I can see where she is coming from and why she believes what she believes. I have seen first-hand what abortion can do to someone mentally and physically, and it isn’t great. This is an argument that I have struggled with forever. Most people who terminate a pregnancy struggle for years if not forever with the guilt and it takes an obvious toll on them. With that being said, I still agree that a woman should have the right to choose, but they should also be informed with what will happen before, during, and after the termination. As well as have access to necessary coping strategies like counseling.

Conclusion

I don’t think that polarization had much effect on this conversation and the outcome of it, because we have discussed our beliefs before and we respect that we have different ones and can understand why we hold them. The wider national problem of political polarization is nothing like the conversation I had with my best friend. With political polarization, there is a huge lack of respect and understanding between parties. No one takes the time to hear opposing opinions anymore, and it is their way or the highway. It is very rare that one can have a political conversation with someone of an opposing viewpoint and not get frustrated and mad. Therefore, I was pleasantly pleased with the outcomes of my conversation, and how we kept it honest, polite, and understanding.