Arguments For and Against Abortion

Abortion as defined in medical terms as 'premature expulsion of the

foetus from the womb' in modern society is still one of the most

controversial and talked about subjects in Christian homes. Should a

woman have the right to choose what happens when she finds herself in

a situation faced with an unwanted pregnancy? An unwanted pregnancy

can happen given different circumstances. A woman who has suffered

incest or rape may not want to be constantly reminded of the violent

act performed against her, but is that really a strong enough argument

to end a life? If the medical help is sought in time, the woman has

the right to immediate intervention to remove the semen and prevent

fertilisation. This is morally right according to the Catholic Church

views on abortion (1994) but in some cases of incest the victim is too

frightened or ashamed to tell anyone what has happened, by which stage

conception has already started. In some cultures people believe that

in modern society, if a woman is consenting to sex with a long-term

partner or other, without using contraceptives, then pregnancy in many

cases will be the consequences. How then can the woman abort or end

the life inside her? Family planning clinics are now worldwide and are

openly available. Women should have the right to choose when they

become mothers. In many religions family planning is not acceptable so

what is the woman to do in this situation? If she is not physically or

mentally mature to become a mother then who does have the right to

tell her otherwise?

Years ago abortions were carried out in what was commonly known as

'back street clinics'. The methods used in these clinics were crude,

unhygienic and extremely dangerous for the woman. In years to follow,

the abortion, although still controversial and wrong in parts of

society, became widely available to women who found themselves faced

with the situation of unwanted pregnancies. With modern clinics and

medical staff who knew what they were doing, the number of back street