The Issue of Abortion Medical abortion exists as the most controversial issue in modern society. Abortion is a surgical or medical procedure that puts an end to a pregnancy. Abortion, to say the least, is a controversial topic in today’s society and has been for the last two decades. Two opposing sides emerge from this problem: Those opposed to abortion, “Pro-life”, have concerns about protecting human life. On the other hand, those in favor of abortion, “Pro-choice”, feel it is the right of the individual to make the decision for themselves. No issue brings out so much passion and hatred of the other side. Any court decisions related to abortion regularly bring protestors from both sides. Those who think abortion should be generally illegal typically use terms such as "unborn baby." According to Webster's College Dictionary, the word "baby" can apply before birth, but this usage is medically inaccurate and tends to evoke a warm sentiment. Hence, it will not be used. Those who think abortion should be generally legal typically use the word "fetus." This is a medical term, and depending upon the number of weeks since conception, it may be accurate. However, the word sounds clinical and inanimate, and those who use it in the political arena have a double standard when it comes to using medical terms. Rarely do activists or the mainstream media use medical terms when referring to a pregnant woman (gravida) or a newborn child (neonate)(1). The heart of the fight is about when life begins and where government jurisdiction ends. According to pro-choice supporters the fetus is not an independent existence, since it is connected to th... ... middle of paper ... ...s self-righteousness from both sides is in order, then. References: 1. McMillan, Jeff. “Focusing On a Woman’s Right To Self Defense” The Chronicle of Higher Education. 6 December 1996: p12 2. Merril, Ted. “Abortion; Extreme Views Ignore Reality” Medical Economics 15 July 1996: p33 3. "The History of Abortion." What is abortion. Abortion Info. 23 Feb. 2005 WCLA,. Legal Abortion: Arguments Pro & Con. Westchester Coalition for Legal Abortion, Inc.. 23 Feb. 2005 4. Condit, C. M.. 1990. Decoding abortion rhetoric: Communicating social change. Urbana: University of Illinois Press. 5. Clark S, Ellertson C, Winikoff B. Is medical abortion acceptable to all American women: the Impact of sociodemographic characteristics on the acceptability of mifepristone-misoprostol abortion. JAMWA 2000; 55 (3):177-182.