Introduction and Theoretical Framework
Abortion can surely be taken to be a physical as well as mental strain for the females. It needs to be reckoned that abortion and the factors influencing it are highly influenced by the issues related to gender inequality and patriarchy. Ideally the females should have the utmost liberty and decision-making power in matters relating to child-birth as well as abortion. But, in practice, the scenario is quite different with the predominance of males coming into play in such a major decision of life.
Statement of the Problem
While there can be debates about ethical nature of the matter, the facet of gender discrimination and subjugation cannot be undermined in any way.
Purpose of the Study
The study is aimed at exposing the various societal factors that come to influence the decision of abortion by a female. The patriarchal and unethical external factors that take a toll on the mental and physical health of the female have to be identified so as to curb the influence in the decision of abortion of the fetus.
Review of Literature
Julia R. Steinberg goes on to discuss in her writing how abortion influences the female psychologically. Losing or killing a child is not just a physical thing, but it has prolonged implications on the minds as well. (Steinberg 545-46) Moreover, gender relations also influence the decision regarding abortion with the male playing the dominant role in many instances. (Barkan 941-943) There can be no doubt about the fact that abortion is nothing but the killing of a life in it fetal form. Now, this perspective raises the issue if abortion in itself an ethical practice or not (leaving cases of rape and other complications). (MacInnis 78) The societal influences have a major part to play in decision of abortions, although this should totally be a personal call. (Cahil 416) While one cannot deny the right to abort the child, the decision should be made by the pregnant lady sans any onus of the society or the counterparts in the relationships. As the mother, the lady should have the authority and freedom to decide for her child and herself. (Alward 273) It has to be noted that the decision of aborting the child is truly a difficult one for the mother. She should not be put to face more pressure in any way. (Ogden 245) The factors triggering abortion can be pragmatic ones, but the decision has to be autonomous under any circumstance. (Oduro & Otsin 919) Nonetheless, Hilevych discusses how gender differences come to play its role in the decisions about aborting the child. (Hilevych 88)
Questions and / Hypothesis
The main question is to seek the way out of the various surmounting factors that influence the females into aborting the fetus. Also, the factors that can work to establish the autonomy of the female in such a decision have to be analyzed.
Design- Methods and Procedures
The research work would be conducted via delving into articles related to the work. The statistical data would be taken into consideration for the purpose of the study. Questionnaires would be made so as to take interviews regarding the matter.
Limitations and Delimitations
The time provided might work to be a limitation in the research work in context. The entire research has to be finished within a stipulated time, thereby limiting the scope to an extent.
Significance of the Study
Surely this research work would be able to provide a holistic understanding of the issue in context. The research would shed light on the societal dynamics and the issues of gender and autonomy.
Works Cited
Alward, Peter. “Abortion Rights and Paternal Obligations.” North American
Philosophical Publications 26.4 (2012): 273-291.
Barkan, Steven E. “Gender and Abortion Attitudes: Religiosity as a Suppresor Variable.”
Public Opinion Quarterly 78.4 (2014): 940-950.
Cahill, Courtney Megan. “Abortion and Disgust.” PDF.
Gleeson, Kate. “Freakonomics, Market Populism and that Abortion-and-crime Theory.”
Australian Feminist Studies 26.68 (2011): 167-192.
Hilevych, Yuliya. “Abortion and gender relationships in Ukraine, 1955 – 1970.” The
History of the Family 20.1 (2015): 86-105.
MacInnis, Cara C. & MacLean, Mary H. & Hodson, Gordon. “Does ‘‘humanization’’ of
the preborn explain why conservatives (vs. liberals) oppose abortion?” Personality and Individual Differences 59 (2014): 77–82.
Oduro, Georgina Yaa & Otsin, Mercy Nana Akua. ““Abortion—It Is My Own Body”:
Women's Narratives About Influences on Their Abortion Decisions in Ghana.” Health Care for Women International 35.7 (2014): 918-936.
Ogden, Jane. “Abortion – the most difficult decision.” British Psychological Society 26.4
(2013).
Steinberg, Julia R. “Later Abortions and Mental Health: Psychological Experiences of
Women Having Later Abortions: A Critical Review of Research.” Women's Health Issues 21.3S (2011): 544-548.
Appendix
Introduction and Theoretical Framework 1
Statement of the Problem . 1
Purpose of the Study 1
Review of Literature . 2
Questions and Hypothesis ... 2
Design Methods – Procedures 3
Literature and Delimitations 3
Significance of the Study 3
Works Cited .. 4
