Abortion: One of the Most Controversial Issues in Society

For many years, abortion has been one of the most controversial issues in society. Because ethics and law intertwine, the abortion debate continues to be a difficult topic to argue. Pain, sorrow, embarrassment, anger, regret, and shock are all emotions that come with the word abortion. Abortion is a very controversial subject that has everybody fighting over the question if it is right or wrong, and those it has fighting over it also have it thinking they know the right answer. Unfortunately no one really knows what the right answer to the question is. We can only speculate and reflect on the subject and from this make our own decisions as to whether we think it is right or wrong.

In the United States, abortion was legalized in 1970 after the ruling of Roe vs. Wade. The court ultimately ruled that it was a woman’s choice because it was her body. During the trial, the court gave up trying to define the exact moment when a new life is formed. They decided that it was up to everyone to decide for themselves.

Opposing Viewpoints :Pro-Life

In a pro-life view, abortion is a murder of another human being. The fusion of sperm and egg creates the genetic identity of a new and separate person (Tribe 117).

Anti-abortionists see abortion as not only murder of an unborn child, but also as a very risky procedure for the mother. For instance, illegal abortions were the leading cause of maternal death (Terkel 9). Abortions done early, within the first eight to twelve weeks, have a potential for danger. If done incorrectly, the mother could hemorrhage and die. Abortions done later, in the second or even third trimester, can kill the mother. Amniotic fluid could potentially enter the blood stream and reach the heart, causing it to stop (Terkel 53).

Abortions have after-affects that can be just as damaging, if not more so, than the actual procedure. PAS, or Post Abortion Syndrome, occurs after the abortion and can last for years. Women who experience this suffer...