Major Effects of Abortion - Essay Example

Abortion Introduction  The desire to procreate is one of the most innate, biological needs of humanbeings and a protected right in modern society. However, even as modern medicine has paved the way for  safer reproduction processes it has also allowed people greater options for controlling and curtailing the natural process in the form of sophisticated birth control. Access to abortions and the legality of the procedure are controversial issues in the United States as they bring into question the balance of rights of potential parents versus their unborn children. Current medical terminology classifies abortion into categories, that is, spontaneous abortion and induced abortion (Keeling and Khong 102). Spontaneous abortions refer to the natural process during which the human body rejects and expels the fetal contents without any “voluntary involvement or utilization of induction methods” (102). These events are often the source of great psychological distress to expecting parents and communities. However, the real social dilemma is regarding induced abortions; which refer to a voluntary disruption of a pregnancy brought upon through medical intervention (Hou Chap. 29). As a legal matter, the Supreme Court of United States supported the right to abortion in the judgment given for Roe v Wade case (Hou, Chap. 29). It was seen as the biological right of a woman to decline to carry an undesired child to term, as her physiological right. After this decision was taken there was a significant increase in the rate of abortions in the country (National Right to Life Committee, 4). But not everyone in either the public or private sector agreed with the decision and different states in the United States implemented separate legislations with varying degrees of leniency with regards to the accessibility to abortion services (Hou, Chap. 29), and in many states the debate for the right to abortion is still going on. Recent trends reveal that there is a reduction in abortion rates in the country (National Right to Life Committee 4), indicating that the perspective of the population has shifted against the process, which is labeled “barbaric” by individuals who oppose it. Anti-abortion perspectives are fueled by the concern for the rights of the unborn child as well as the sanctity of human life – eliminating a human life destroys the sense of a safe and beneficial society for all. Given these sentiments, states with the majority against abortion should implement strong anti-abortion policies which can guide the distressed mothers-to-be and families in making the right decision and which will only allow abortions under very exceptional circumstances. Suggested Policy Changes: “Pro-life” policies are not intended to take away a woman’s rights to her body rather they protect the rights of the unborn child towards a healthy and secure existence and provide the required psychological and social support for the women who may need help with such a big milestone in their lives. The following policy frameworks are designed to provide the maximum protection to both involved bodies: The capstone policy in the issue to be implemented without exception is that an abortion cannot be allowed after twenty weeks have elapsed from the conception (Belluck n.p.). Despite the different reasons a women may have for deciding to terminate her pregnancy, the fact remains that at the start of the twentieth week the fetus has developed far enough to experience pain and sensation. This would mean that an abortion would be causing undue pain to a feeling and sensing being and effectively kill an innocent person (Belluck n.p.). Research has shown that the thalamus of the brain is fully developed by this time, allowing the body to detect pain. Some opponents of the theory claim that this cut off point should be the twenty-fourth week since before this point the cerebrum (the part of the brain involved with pain sensation) has not fully developed, the fetus would not be able to feel any discomfort or pain from the procedure. However, further research has shown that it is possible for humans to experience pain even when the cerebral cortex has been removed, as it is not alone responsible for that function. It was also revealed that fetuses that underwent surgical procedures prior to birth showed an increase in the level of stress hormones resulting from the discomfort and pain that they had experienced (Belluck n.p.). Given these findings it would be an inhumane act to allow an abortion to go through after the twentieth week had passed and a policy determining this as the cutoff date should be implemented. The Abortion procedure should include an obligatory viewing of the ultrasound by the expectant mother prior to the surgery (National Right to Life Committee 22) as a legal requirement. The rationale behind this step is that the ultrasound is an important source of information about the baby and a permanent decision like an abortion should not be undertaken without the mother understanding all facts and information about the baby. The mother-to-be should be aware of the developmental stage of the baby. Viewing the baby via an ultrasound would allow her to consider the decision to abort in light of how it would impact a real being (National Right to Life Committee 22, 23). There has been anecdotal evidence that women may be persuaded to keep their children, instead of opting for abortion after viewing an ultrasound of the child (National Right to Life Committee 29). There are people who will oppose this policy on the grounds that it is a form of emotional coercion and is a breach in the rights of freedom of speech of the women (Associated Press). However, this is not the case as the ultrasound printout is a medically relevant document that should be available for all women to pursue so they can make an informed decision relating to the fetus. It is both the mother’s right and her responsibility to have access to and understand the ultrasound (National Right to Life Committee 22). On the other hand, a medical research concluded that those women who were convinced of their need for an abortion are not likely to change their decision after they have initiated the process. 98.4 percent of the women in the study went ahead with the abortion even after viewing the ultrasound images (Dockterman). But, though, the efficiency of the policy may not be very high, as proved by the study there were still 1.6 percent of the women who were convinced towards choosing ‘life’ after being observing by the ultrasound images. Thus, such a policy could be just the support that women who are conflicted about their decision need in order to avoid the inhumane procedure and if even a minority are helped by it then it is worthwhile. Compulsory counseling sessions for women undergoing abortion should be added into the policy (National Right to Life Committee 23). An unexpected pregnancy is a deeply complicated and emotional event for most women; however, it does not mean that they should turn towards abortion as a convenient solution. All women have the right towards understanding exactly what the procedure will entail for them and their baby, as well as the risks and ethical concerns associated with it (National Right to Life Committee 23). Compulsory counseling will allow women to reach out for help and understand their options with regards to the baby. Anti-abortion groups are against the compulsory nature of these counseling sessions as they allege that the purpose is politically motivated and instead of providing neutral support they exist to stop women from opting for abortion (Kumar). They also argue that this step does not respect women’s right towards a quick abortion and simply creates a hurdle in their decision to eliminate the pregnancy. A part of this allegation can be considered relevant since the counseling does provides extra time and space for the women to consider their decision carefully. Ending an unborn child’s life is not a decision to be made hastily and without proper information. Mandatory counseling would ensure that no woman is forced to go through an abortion which proves psychologically damaging to her in the long run. A 2013 study by Vandamme and his colleagues showed that most women accept this stance and have indicated a positive response towards the counseling sessions, sharing how the supportive environment helped them. Women opting for abortion are in a vulnerable state and these sessions will equip them with better knowledge of the procedure along with many other options they can avail if they choose to be ‘pro-life’. Impact and responses to these polices Strong implementation of these policies would benefit the residents of Texas by ensuring that they have legal access to both safe abortion methods as well as support systems that will prevent the possibility of any rash decision making with regards to a fetus’ life. Women in need can be provided with proper guidance before they embark on such a life changing procedure so they will be aware of all the problems and risks associated with abortion and can make an informed decision. These policies will also be a source of comfort for the ‘pro-life’ people who are concerned about the rights of the unborn children, as now these babies will be provided with adequate representation. In the year 2011, United States had the lowest number of abortions as compared to the last 30 years, indicating the decreasing acceptance of the procedure among the population (Eckholm). While the proposed polices do not completely ban abortions due to the cases where an abortion may be medically required or for the elimination of unwanted pregnancies resulting from criminal acts such as rape; they do provide the needed support for the pro-life stance. These policies would be welcomed by the majority holding ‘pro-life’ sentiments, including vocal groups such as the National Right to Life Committee that works tirelessly to campaign against abortions and to lower its occurrence in the state. Religious and secular groups would likewise support the policies as a step towards increased ethical treatment of the fetuses and for showing respect for the sanctity of life. Many people are highly concerned about the casual way that abortions are sometimes discussed in; in essence the procedure kills off a sentient being even if it is not labeled a ‘baby’ as yet. These policies are designed to allow women to understand and accept the dire consequences of their decision and to protect the rights of the baby. It is expected, however, that there could be some negative consequences resulting from the implementation of theese policies. While the measures outlined in the policies, especially the counseling sessions are there to support the women through their decision regarding their child, it is possible that some women may opt to go for a quick abortion for personal reasons. In such a case, women who are determined to have an abortion even after the 20 weeks cutoff period has passed or who decline to go through the ultrasound will necessarily have to travel to other states (with more lenient laws) to access abortion services. There is also a chance that unsafe, black market alternatives may crop up against the state regulated abortion facilities to cater to such women. To curtail the chances of these types of events from happening, the benefits and clauses of the policies should be communicated widely to women of all demographics with the assurance that they will provide support and assistance instead of coercion and are in place to protect both them and their babies. Some people and institutions (abortion clinics and staff working there) would also not consider these implementations in a favorable light as it will impact their work routines, regulations and may require them to adjust their workflow according to the new requirements. Given the best intentions behind these policies, staunchly ‘pro abortion’ groups like American Civil Liberties Union (A.C.L.U) would openly oppose the new regulations along with Republicans who also follow a pro abortion stand. These groups refuse to recognize the rights of the fetus and advocate for complete access to abortions at the sole discretion of the mother. However, they don’t take into account the different factors that may be pressuring a person towards a decision that could potentially cause them deep distress for a long time and, hence, the need for greater safeguarding policies against rash abortions. Conclusion An abortion is a life changing decision that not only takes away the potential life of a fetus but may also have long lasting negative psychological consequences for the mother. People in Texas would greatly benefit from stronger regulations and supportive policies regarding access to abortions. Important changes in the current mandate can be made to include mandatory ultrasound viewing and emotional, financial and social counseling that will help a mother make an informed decision, keeping in mind all the options available. This said, abortions should still be made illegal after the 20th week, as after that period the fetus can feel pain sensations. It would be immoral to eliminate a sentient being and the fetus’ right to existence should take priority over a mother’s right to choice at this point. As the American population has changed its views over abortions in the past few decades and now supports pro-life, it is expected that the new, stricter policies would be welcomed by both the pro-life groups and the mass public. Some resistance is expected from Republicans, ACLU and the abortion clinic owners as they may consider these regulations too restrictive; but the overall intended beneficial outcomes of these policy changes will support not just the mothers but also the unborn children. These policies should be implemented to keep abortion rates as low as possible. Works Cited Associated Press. "Judge: N.C. abortion ultrasound law illegal." USA Today. 18 Jan. 2014. Web. 27 Oct. 2014. Belluck, Pam. "Complex Science at Issue in Politics of Fetal Pain." The New York Times. 16 Sep. 2013. Web. 28 Oct. 2014. Dockterman, Eliana. "Will Looking at an Ultrasound Before an Abortion Change Your Mind?" Time. 9 Jan. 2014. Web. 27 Oct. 2014. Eckholm, Erik. "Abortions Declining in U.S. , Study Finds." The New York Times. 2 Feb. 2014. Web. 27 Oct. 2014. Keeling, Jean, and T Y. Khong. Fetal and Neonatal Pathology. London: Springer, 2007. Print. Kumar, Anu. "Abortion, the States and the World Health Organization." Huffington Post. 8 Oct. 2012. Web. 27 Oct. 2014. Hou, Melody Y. "Therapeutic Abortion. " Obstetrics and Gynecology: The Essentials of Clinical Care. Ed. Reece, E A, and Robert L. Barbieri.  Stuttgart: Thieme, 2010. Chapter 29. n.p. Print. National Right to Life Committee. "The State of Abortion in the United States" National Right to Life Committee. 28 Jan. 2014. Web. 17 Sep. 2014. Vandamme, J, E Wyverkens, A Buysse, C Vrancken, and R Brondeel. "Pre-abortion Counselling from Womens Point of View." The European Journal of Contraception & Reproductive Health Care : the Official Journal of the European Society of Contraception. 18.4 (2013): 309-18. Print. Read More