Abortion as an Ethical Issue
Abortion is a controversial moral issue that has raised condemnation from all paradigms of the society. This issue falls under the class of applied ethics, and its manifestation is a subject of discussion. While some feel that abortion is right, and well framed in the general human realms, a larger population believes that its application contravenes the general principles of law, and does not merit the religious moral standards. Therefore, I have intentionally settled on abortion as a critical issue of sexuality since it has sparked controversy and aggravation among the members of the society. Besides, being a sensitive issue, I believe that it fits well within the general social and philosophical dynamics of the society.
Before, I did a research about the abortion; I was somehow naïve about core philosophical realms behind its manifestation. In as much as I hold a general belief about this issue; I indeed lacked the philosophical support of its manifestation. For example, I have always held a general viewpoint that abortion should only be recommended on medical grounds and that it should never be allowed in all ways. On the contrary, my views have somehow landed in contradiction with the general philosophical attributes to the sexuality issues. As a matter within the domains of sexual ethics, it is understandable that abortion triggers emotions with regards to its application in the society (Garfield, and Patricia 1). Moreover, as a moral issue, my take is very specific, and I hold a firm belief that abortion should never be allowed, except under specific cases where the life of a mother feels threatened. On the contrary, my position is highly controversial with the common doctrines and understanding.
The History of Abortion
The ethical issue of abortion began way back before the 18th century. The medieval ages witnessed a flourishing culture where women would assist their colleagues to terminate the pregnancy. During this time, the laws about abortion had not been instigated, and the act occurred indiscriminately. Moreover, the legality of abortion did not end during this time but even escalated when U.S and the Western Europe women healers propagated the vice (Baumgardner 19). For example, this group of enlightened women would train others on safer abortion since there were no legal litigations in place. The trend of indiscriminate abortion increased, and thus the introduction of abortion laws to control the vice that had become a challenge to the society.
It was not until the 19th century that the society came forth and condemned abortion. For example, the U.S instigated laws that outlawed abortion in the 19th Century. The passage of anti-abortion laws in the States was preceded by a similar act in Britain that saw the church and the civil society clamor for these laws. Precisely, the Britain passed the anti-abortion laws in the year 1803, which marked the beginning of changes in the social paradigm with regards to the abortion menace. Moreover, the antiabortion laws became tighter by the end 19th century, with the U.S recording the highest number of states that had adopted the laws (Baumgardner 20).
While laws about abortion were instigated, the traditional U.S women disregarded them, and instead continued with the practice. Most abortionists were regarded and respected in the society, so they remained immune to the law. In fact, they received public support, and the juries had no reason but to grant them reprieve in any lawsuit challenging their acts.
Modern and even the post-modern periods saw elaborate laws about abortion being implemented in the society. Indeed, abortion was considered as a sin and crime, and humanitarian reforms of the mid-19th century brought legislation that criminalized such acts. Indeed, abortion could only be accepted in case the pregnancy is life-threatening to the mother. Principally, the legal suits underlying abortion operates within the maxims of applied ethics and criminal justice.
Works Cited
Baumgardner, Jennifer. Abortion & Life. New York: Akashic Books, 2008. Print.
Garfield, Jay L, and Patricia Hennessey. Abortion, Moral and Legal Perspectives. Amherst: University of Massachusetts Press, 1984. Print.
