The Pros and Cons of Supporting Abortion: A Comprehensive Analysis

Abstract

Life is full of choices, every day we choose to stay on one path or to start another one. The choices you make define who you are, they stay with you, and most importantly they can affect your life dramatically. Abortions, or otherwise known as an intended termination of a pregnancy, are a matter of choice nowadays but it wasn’t always that easy. Individuals, groups, social activist groups, women’s groups, social injustice groups, and more have fought for years for the rights and to shine a light on the sensitive topic. A hundred years ago even advertising an abortion could get you in serious trouble with the law. As a country, Canada has had a huge social shift around the procedure. This essay about supporting abortion by highlighting the history of abortions in Canada, the reasons supporting abortion rights, and the difference between pro-choice and pro-life movements. Abortions, to this day, have been one of the most arguable topics throughout history.

History of Abortions

Abortions have had a long history in Canada. In the 19th century, the procedure and any form of advertisement for the procedure were banned illegally. In 1969, the Parliament allows abortions in extreme cases. Few hospitals allow the procedure, so access is limited around the country, and the waiting time is months. Since access is so limited, hundreds of unwanted pregnancies are being aborted at home, or in unlicensed clinics, like Dr. Henry Morgentaler’s practice in Quebec. The doctor’s office was raided, and he was later charged with conspiracy to perform an abortion. This causes a huge shift for the abortion movement, with the first national feminist protest taking place the following year. (Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada, March 2017).

Pros and Cons of supporting abortion

To date, there has been a huge debate in whether an abortion should be legal or illegal. The facts range from the simple fact that women have a right to their bodies, to the question of is the procedure violates moral rights? Of course, individuals have a right to their opinion, but for some reason, the topic itself has always seemed to cause conflict between people or groups. Some reasons supporting abortion rights include:

• Women have control over their bodies
• The fetus isn’t fully developed yet
• It is not painful
• Choice of not bringing a fetus with abnormalities to full term
• Can reduce poverty rates

Pro-choice or Pro-Life

Pro-choice refers to the right women have when deciding if they want to end a pregnancy. Pro-life is the term used to identify the right the fetus or baby has. Both terms are used by activists, politicians, physicians, and others when talking about the controversial subject. The difference between the two groups who share their opinions openly on the topic are substantial, and much like the previous paragraph, there are many reasons as to why one would believe in either of the categories. The entrenchment of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms was a turning point for pro-choice and anti-abortion organizations. (Johnstone, 2017, p.26).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the topic of abortion has been a controversial issue for many years, with both pro-choice and pro-life movements having their own set of beliefs and reasons. Throughout history, Canada has seen a significant shift towards the acceptance of abortions, from being banned in the 19th century to being legalized in 1969, and with the help of various individuals and social activist groups, the topic has been brought to light. Women's right to control their bodies and the choice of not bringing a fetus with abnormalities to full term are among the reasons supporting abortion rights. It is important to remember that while the debate may continue, individuals should have the right to make their own choices regarding their bodies. The entrenchment of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms was a turning point for both pro-choice and anti-abortion organizations, and it is crucial to continue the conversation and work towards a society where individuals have the autonomy to make their own decisions without fear of stigma or judgment.

References

1. Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada (2017, March). Retrived from http://www.arcc-cdac.ca/postionpapers/60-History-Abortion-Canada.pdf
2. Johnstone, R. (2015). After morgentaler. Victoria, B.C : UBC Press.
3. Should Abortion be Legal? (2018, November 9). Retrived from https://abortion.procon.org
4. http://www.arcc-cdac.ca/postionpapers/60-History-Abortion-Canada.pdf
5. http://www.arcc-cdac.ca/postionpapers/60-History-Abortion-Canada.pdf
6. https://abortion.procon.org/