For many decades, the question on whether abortion should be legalized or not, remain one of the contentious and sensitive topics in the contemporary society. This topic has raised a heated debate between the medical fraternity, members of the public and government quotas. The most fascinating aspect about this debate is the fact that the involved parties support their logical argument with substantive facts that warrant consideration. A considerably portion of the population hold the view that the government should not legalize abortion; an idea that is strongly opposed by proponents who hold the view that abortion should be legalized.
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Most developing countries have not legalized abortion. This move has increased the number of unsafe abortions performed annually. Statistics affirm that more than 200 million women conceive annually, but about forty-five per cent of the pregnancies are unintended. This aspect compels women to perform induced and unsafe abortions where more than 69,000 women die from complication associated with unsafe abortion. Over the years, the number of women dying from maternal complications and unsafe abortion has gradually increased; an idea that raise a concern to the government. Different states have formulated and enacted policies that aim at reducing maternal deaths, but much need to be done. United States remains one of the countries that has been in the forefront advocating for reforms in medical sector coupled with formulation of universal health policies.
On this premises, the American government has formulated several policies that strive to address the issue of abortion. Roe Vs Wade policy of 1973, remain the most effective policy that safeguard fundamental rights of the mother and the unborn child. Since its enactment in 1973, Roe vs Wade policy has raised a heated debate between pro-choice and pro-life supporters. The proponents of the policy also known as pro-choice hold the view that abortion should be legalized on the premise that it is a fundamental right ascribed to all women. On the other hand, pro-life oppose legalization of abortion on the assertions that it contravenes morality. Despite such varied views, the question that ought to be addressed is: what are the pros and cons of legalizing abortion.
Pros
Legalizing abortion will protect rights of women: A woman has the right to perform an abortion because the constitution provides this provision. Under the Roe vs Wade policy, every woman has the right to terminate pregnancy voluntary because it is her fundamental right to do so as enshrined in the constitution. The act of not legalizing abortion will amount to violation of fundamental human rights and violation of the constitutions.
Reduce maternal deaths associated with unsafe abortion: The report released by World Health Organization (WHO, 2006) indicates that more than 69,000 women die annually from complications associated with unsafe abortion. Legalizing abortion will reduce deaths accruing from induced and unsafe abortion because women will prefer professionally performed abortions. The government will hire qualified medical practitioners who will offer safe and hygienic abortion thus reducing maternal deaths and complications.
Legalizing abortion promotes safety and hygiene: Unsafe abortions are performed by untrained medical practitioners who use unsterilized equipment to terminate the pregnancy. The use of unsterilized equipment destroys the uterus and infects the mother with dangerous diseases. However, legalizing abortion will promote hygiene because only trained professional will be allowed to perform the abortion.
Cons
Legalizing abortion defies God’s Commandment: It is against Christian and Muslim teachings to legalize abortion because it amounts to killing. The teachings of the Bible and the Quran condemn killing because it is only God who has power to give and take life. A person who defies God’s commandment should be punished and condemned. On this assertion, abortion should not be legalized as it contravenes God’s commandment and infringes morality.
Legalizing abortion will increase promiscuity: Today, more than 44 million women perform abortion annually, despite abortion being illegal in most countries. It is obvious that the number of women engaging in promiscuous behaviour will increase after legalizing abortion. Most women will not fear becoming pregnant because they will perform abortion; an idea that increase promiscuous behaviour.
In conclusion, I hold the view that abortion should be legalized because it will reduce number of women dying from maternal complications enhances safety and hygiene of the mother and protect rights of women as envisioned in the constitution.
