The Abortion Controversy

Abortion - termination of pregnancy before birth, resulting in the death of the fetus.

Abortion is one of the most controversial issues of today’s society. Many women feel it is their right to choose, but some feel the exact opposite. Some believe that if a woman has been raped, a victim of incest, or if the woman’s life is in danger, abortion should be used.

Abortion can be performed for many reasons. The main reason if the woman’s health is at risk. However, some people abuse this right and use it has a form of birth control.

There are a variety of drug-based abortion methods, all of which need to be monitored by a physician. In a method commonly referred to as the “morning-after pill”, a woman is given large doses of estrogen within 72 hrs of unprotected sexual intercourse and again 12 hrs later. Depending on where a woman is in her menstrual cycle, the estrogen will either inhibit or delay ovulation or it my altar the uterine lining. This will prevent the implantation of a fertilized egg. However, several side effects may include, nausea, headache, dizziness, or fluid retention.

There are more dangerous forms of abortion. In one procedure, a drug called Misoprostol is used with an anti-cancer drug called Methotrexate, to induce abortion. First, a physician injects a pregnant woman with methotrexate. About a week later the woman takes misoprostol to induce uterine contractions and expel the fetus. Both of these drugs combined effectively end pregnancy in 95% of women who take them, but the side effects can be deadly.

One of the most controversial types of abortions is the one known as a partial birth abortion. This procedure has come under fire in many states. This method is usually preformed during the third trimester and requires major surgery. It consists of partially removing the fetus from the uterus through the vaginal canal, feet first, and using suction to remove the brain and spinal fluid from the skull. The skull is then collapsed to allow complete removal of the fetus. Many people feel that this method is barbaric and doctors should not be allowed to perform is type of abortion.

Abortion has been practiced around the world as a cruel and unusual method of birth control. Although many religions forbade the practice, abortion was not considered illegal in most countries until the 19th century. In 1803 England banned all types and forms of abortion.