An Assessment of Abortion: an Ethical Perspective

An Assessment of Abortion: An Ethical Perspective

The controversy of abortion exists because both sides can be strongly argued. The position one takes is known either as Pro-life or Pro-choice. Even though these terms are just descriptors of each side, it is best to steer clear from them as they can imply the wrong idea. Just because one is “Pro-life” does not mean the opposing side is against life, and “Pro-choice” does not mean the other side is against choice. When dealing with a controversial issue it is important to try to understand and respect the opposing side.

After extensive research and several ethical questions I can determine that abortion is in fact morally wrong. Abortion is morally wrong because killing innocent human beings is wrong. Since human life begins at conception, a fetus is an innocent human being. Therefore killing the fetus is wrong, and therefore abortion is always wrong. Since life begins at conception, abortion is equivalent to murder, as it is the act of taking human life.

In order to determine if abortion is morally permissible one must understand the statistics and background of what abortion is. Abortion is the deliberate termination of a pregnancy. This action and decision has been legal in the United States since 1973, but may be restricted in any state to certain degrees. With a consult with a physician, women have a constitutionally protected right to have an abortion in the early stages of pregnancy. Approximately 3700 abortions are conducted daily in the United States. Just as any medical procedure there are health risks and side effects when performing an abortion. Some side effects may include pain/ or cramping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, reaction to anesthetic, and of course death. Along with side effects there can be short term problems such as infection, heavy bleeding, retained tissue, puncture of the uterus, and sterility. Following these short-term problems is more severe long-term problems such as problems...