The Thre-Edged Sword: Abortion

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The Three-Edged Sword: Abortion

Producer and writer J. Michael Straczynski once said that, “Understanding is a three-edged sword. Your side, my side, and the truth (J. Michael Straczynski).” Abortion has been a three-edged sword for centuries. It is a very political, ethical, and personal issue that continues to cause major debate in America today between Pro-Choice and Pro-Life activists. Does either side have all of the right answers or is the truth about abortion somewhere in the middle?

Abortion is defined as ending a pregnancy before the fetus (unborn child) can live independently outside of the mother. If abortion happens spontaneously before 24 weeks of pregnancy, it is called a miscarriage. An induced abortion is caused deliberately in order to end the pregnancy (Brown). Induced abortions are classified as medical or surgical. A medical abortion is one that is brought about by taking medication that will end a pregnancy. A surgical abortion ends a pregnancy by emptying the uterus with special instruments. The American Medical Association recognizes abortion as a medical procedure if performed by a licensed physician in compliance with good medical practices standards.

Before any abortion can be done, a medical professional must confirm that a women is indeed pregnant and determine how long she has been pregnant. During a medical abortion the women would take medicine called mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone is taken in the form of a pill, and it works by blocking the hormone progesterone which is necessary to sustain pregnancy. Without this hormone, the uterus breaks down, the cervix softens, and bleeding begins. Methotrexate is usually given to the pregnant women in the form of an injection or shot, and ...

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Dudley, Susan, and Stephanie Mueller. "What Is Medical Abortion?."

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Matthews, Sarah. "Cannot Imagine Not Being Allowed to Control My Own Body."

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McBride, Alex. "Landmark Cases: Roe v. Wade (1973)."

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