Sam Chambers
Mrs. Boresen
Expos, p4
Final
5/11/11
Abortion is one of the most controversial topics in American politics, and it has split America right down the middle. It is such an even divide, very little legislature can be passed concerning the subject. Although both the pro- life and pro -choice parties have extensive arguments to support their beliefs, the thought of lawful and purposeful killing is unacceptable. In order to decide which party to side with, a fundamental understanding of both sides is absolutely necessary.
According to BalancedPolitics.org the pro-life side believes in no abortion at all. They dispute that it is not only taking away the constitutional rights of the child, but it is even murder. Their discontent is based mostly on their definition of when life is started; they believe life starts at conception. This simple definition implies that abortion is killing a human being. No civilized society permits the murder or harm of a human without punishment, they don’t agree with this policy (BalancedPolitics.org). They also argue that there are many alternatives. Many families wait years to adopt a child and, with 1.5 million wanting to adopt, there is no scarcity in loving parents (BalancedPolitics.org). There is also efficient forms of contraception which can be used, while abstinence is always a sure fire policy. The thought of abortion being used as contraception is truly appalling. There are always laws which seem unjust in certain cases but the pro life side of the abortion argument believes that abortion is never right.
In opposition to the pro life party there is a pro-choice party. Make no mistake; these people don’t believe abortion is right but, they believe the woman has the choice to do whatever she pleases with her body. They also justify abortion by defining the difference between human life and personhood. They believe that human life starts at conception, but personhood is different. Take in vitro fertilization for example, these fertilized eggs are also human lives but they are routinely thrown away (womensissues.about.com). If that is legal how can abortion be any different. Also they claim abortion isn’t used as a form of contraception because only eight percent of women who choose abortion used no other form of birth control (womensissues.about.com). By far the most powerful argument used by the pro choice party is centered on the control of the woman’s body. If the government can choose this for her, it’s only a matter of time before it is forced, and maybe to the extent of court ordered sterilization (womensissues.about.com). Convincing women to forgo this right will only act as a gateway to more government control.
I side with the pro life party. Abortion is more than just terminating a pregnancy it is terminating a life. That life may not look like a human yet, it doesn’t talk or walk or do anything adults do but it is still a working progress. That little fetus would eventually grow into a human and why should anyone get the right to take that away. I agree that in some cases abortion may seam expectable because of extenuating circumstances, but any law may seem unjust at times. The truth is, no matter why, it is still killing. The pro life and pro choice parties both have great arguments that are nearly polar opposites. Pro life believes in preventing all abortion, while pro choice believes that the women should have the power to decide. The legislature which will be decided by these parties will ultimately impact all of our lives, and if we want to surmount this issue, it is up to us to know who and what we are voting for.
Works Cited
"BalancedPolitics.org - Abortion (Pros & Cons, Arguments For and Against)." BalancedPolitics.org - Free Balanced, Non-Partisan Discussion of Political & Social Issues for Debate (Pros and Cons - Decision Making Politics). Web. 16 May 2011. <http://www.balancedpolitics.org/abortion.htm>.
Lowen, Linda. "10 Arguments For Abortion and Against Abortion." Women's Issues - All About Women's Issues. Web. 16 May 2011. <http://womensissues.about.com/od/reproductiverights/a/AbortionArgumen.htm>.
Sam: I have really enjoyed having you in 2 classes a day. You are always trying your best, and turing things in on time! Overall, you are a good student:)
ReplyDeleteThis paper is good. I feel that your position in the topic is very general and the paper needs a conclusion, even if it goes a little over the page/word requiements, for me I would like to see that from your paper.
Total score (If you want to change the paper you still have time): 172/200
Score in the class:91%
By the way, I am still missing 2 letters of recommendation from you, so show those to me by 1:30 tomorrow!