The issue of abortion has been one of the most debated topics in society, as it balances deeply personal beliefs with the need for healthcare access. Surveys show that over 60% of Americans believe abortion should stay legal but agree there should be reasonable limits (Pew Research Center, 2023). This highlights the country's mixed view on a complicated issue. The debate centers around protecting women's reproductive rights while considering ethical concerns about when abortion should be limited. Abortion laws in the United States present significant challenges, reflecting deep divisions over personal rights and societal values.
Abortion became a major legal topic in 1973 with the Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade. The ruling gave women the constitutional right to abortion while allowing states to set restrictions later in pregnancy (Pew Research Center, 2023). However, in 2022, the Supreme Court overturned this ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization. This gave states control over abortion laws, leading to a patchwork of rules across the country. Some states, like California and New York, protect abortion access, while others, like Texas and Alabama, have implemented near-total bans.
Before Roe v. Wade, abortion was often illegal, forcing women to seek unsafe methods that put their lives at risk. Advocates for abortion rights say this history shows why legal abortion is critical for women's safety. Many point to the high rates of maternal deaths and injuries caused by unsafe, back-alley abortions during this time as evidence of the need for access to safe procedures. However, opponents argue that abortion ends a potential human life and should be restricted. These contrasting views have made abortion a controversial and emotional issue for decades, shaping debates that continue to divide society. Both sides remain deeply rooted in their beliefs, making compromise on this issue particularly difficult.
After Dobbs, a woman's access to abortion now depends on where she lives. In some states, strict bans force women to travel far for care or carry pregnancies that aren't viable. As of 2024, 14 states have near-total abortion bans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2022). Meanwhile, states with more permissive laws have seen an increase in patients traveling from other states, overwhelming their healthcare systems (Nash & Cross, 2023).
Most abortions happen early in pregnancy. The CDC reports that 93% of abortions occur within the first trimester, with most happening between three and six weeks of pregnancy (CDC, 2022). Women seek abortions for many reasons, but the most common ones are financial struggles and not being ready to raise a child. These issues often affect low-income women and people of color the most. Strict abortion laws worsen these struggles by making access harder for those who already face financial or social barriers (Guttmacher Institute, 2023). Many women cite the inability to afford childcare, healthcare, or time off work as reasons for not being able to carry a pregnancy to term. The Guttmacher Institute notes that nearly half of women seeking abortions live below the federal poverty line, making the financial burden of pregnancy even more severe. Additionally, restrictive laws increase the cost of care by forcing women to travel long distances to reach clinics, sometimes across state lines. This not only creates logistical challenges but also amplifies the economic strain, as women must take time off work, arrange transportation, and sometimes find overnight lodging. For women in states with bans, these barriers can make access almost impossible, pushing them to seek unsafe alternatives or carry unintended pregnancies to term, further perpetuating cycles of poverty. Ensuring access to abortion services is essential to address these inequities and provide fair opportunities for women to make the best decisions for their lives.
The debate over abortion reflects a deeper conflict between personal rights and societal values. People who support abortion rights argue that women should have control over their own bodies and the ability to make decisions about their health and futures. This belief is grounded in medical ethics, which emphasize the importance of patient well-being and personal autonomy. Opponents, however, focus on the moral value of fetal life, arguing that abortion ends a potential human being's chance to live. These differing views highlight the difficulty of finding common ground in such a deeply personal and ethical issue. For many, the debate also involves religious or cultural beliefs, which further influence how individuals perceive the balance between a woman's rights and the fetus's rights. This divide is one of the main reasons abortion remains a polarizing topic, even as the majority of Americans support some form of access with reasonable limits. Both sides agree that life is valuable, but they differ on where and how that value should be prioritized.
Public opinion shows that many Americans agree abortion should be allowed in certain cases, such as when the mother's health is at risk or in pregnancies caused by rape or incest. Fewer people support abortions later in pregnancy unless there are serious medical reasons (Pew Research Center, 2023). These views suggest that most people favor a balanced approach that respects personal freedom while considering ethical concerns. The consensus reflects a recognition of the complexity of the issue, where people acknowledge the need for choice but also value the potential life of the fetus. Surveys consistently show that Americans are more divided when it comes to abortions performed for non-medical reasons later in pregnancy, highlighting the importance of gestational limits in public opinion. Many who support restrictions later in pregnancy still believe in exceptions for extreme circumstances, such as severe fetal abnormalities or threats to the mother's life. This nuanced perspective demonstrates that most Americans are not strictly "pro-choice" or "pro-life" but instead support a middle ground that accounts for both ethical and personal factors. Policymakers can use this public sentiment as a guide to create laws that reflect these balanced viewpoints.
Philosopher Judith Jarvis Thomson has made significant contributions to the discussion on abortion rights. In her influential essay, "A Defense of Abortion," she presents the famous violinist analogy. This analogy asks the reader to imagine waking up connected to an unconscious violinist whose life depends on using your kidneys for nine months. Thomson argues that even if the fetus is considered a person with a right to life, this does not mean a woman is obligated to maintain a pregnancy against her will. She contends that the right to life does not include the right to use someone else's body without consent. This reasoning highlights the importance of bodily autonomy and supports the view that abortion is a deeply personal choice (Thomson, 1971). Thomson further emphasizes that pregnancy often involves significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens, which makes forced continuation especially unjust. Her argument underscores that recognizing a fetus's right to life does not erase a woman's right to choose what happens to her own body.
Restrictive abortion laws harm both women and healthcare providers, creating dangerous situations where medical care is delayed or denied. In states like Texas, strict abortion bans have led to significant medical delays in care for women with life-threatening conditions, such as ectopic pregnancies or severe infections. Healthcare providers often hesitate to act promptly because they fear the legal consequences of performing procedures that could be interpreted as violating state laws, even in emergencies (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2023).
One notable case involves Marlena Stell, a woman from Texas who suffered a miscarriage but was forced to carry a non-viable fetus for two weeks because her doctors feared breaking the law. The delay not only caused her emotional trauma but also posed significant risks to her physical health (People, 2022). Another heartbreaking instance involved a woman who was compelled to carry twins diagnosed with severe abnormalities to term, even though it was clear they would not survive. This prolonged her physical and emotional suffering, as Texas's restrictive laws prevented her from obtaining a medically indicated abortion (Texas Tribune, 2023).
These cases highlight how ambiguous and restrictive abortion laws leave women in dangerous situations, forcing them to endure unnecessary health risks and trauma. For healthcare providers, the fear of legal repercussions creates a chilling effect, where they may hesitate or avoid performing necessary procedures. This can lead to preventable maternal deaths and severe health complications for patients (Center for Reproductive Rights, 2023).
Restrictive abortion laws not only endanger women's health but also undermine trust in the medical system. Doctors are placed in an untenable position, balancing their duty to save lives with the fear of criminal charges. These policies harm the relationship between patients and providers, making it harder for women to feel safe seeking the care they need. Clear federal guidelines allowing abortions in emergencies and for medically necessary reasons would help ensure that no woman faces these avoidable dangers.
Other countries offer valuable insights into abortion laws. In El Salvador, abortion is banned under all circumstances, even when the mother's life is at risk. This strict policy has led to women being jailed for miscarriages and forced to undergo unsafe procedures. El Salvador's abortion ban is among the harshest in the world and highlights the dangers of extreme restrictions (Center for Reproductive Rights, 2018).
Poland has also enacted strict abortion laws, allowing the procedure only in cases of rape, incest, or life-threatening conditions for the mother. In 2021, Poland banned abortions for fetal abnormalities, which previously accounted for 98% of legal abortions in the country. This policy has led to widespread protests and a rise in unsafe abortions (Human Rights Watch, 2021).
On the other hand, the United Kingdom provides a more balanced approach. Abortion is legal up to 24 weeks, with exceptions for medical emergencies or severe fetal issues. This system ensures women have access to safe care while addressing ethical concerns. Studies show countries with legal abortion access, like the UK, have significantly lower rates of maternal mortality compared to those with strict bans (Berer, 2017).
A short-term solution is to create federal rules that allow abortion in emergencies. This would protect doctors who need to act quickly to save a woman's life or prevent serious health problems. These rules could also make it easier for women to get care in states with unclear or very strict laws. Expanding access to telemedicine for abortion pills is another way to help women in states with few or no abortion providers. It could also reduce the number of women who face life-threatening risks because doctors are afraid to act due to legal concerns. Without clear guidelines, some doctors may hesitate to perform necessary procedures, which could lead to more preventable deaths. Providing clear protections for doctors and patients would ensure women get the care they need without creating unnecessary fear or legal complications.
Long-term solutions require more changes to make a lasting impact. A national policy could allow abortion up to 15 weeks with exceptions for cases like rape, incest, or risks to the mother's health. This would create consistency across all states so women wouldn't face different rules depending on where they live. Schools should also provide better sex education to teach students about the responsibilities of having a child and how to avoid unplanned pregnancies. It's important that young people also learn how to protect themselves from sexually transmitted diseases, which can affect their health long-term. Programs like free or low-cost access to contraception can help prevent unintended pregnancies. Comprehensive sex education, when paired with access to birth control, has been proven to lower both pregnancy and STD rates among teens. Supporting these initiatives would reduce the need for abortions while improving overall public health. Giving students the right information and tools helps them make smarter, healthier decisions about their futures. These efforts would work together to reduce unplanned pregnancies and ensure everyone has the resources to stay safe. It's also important to address the reasons women seek abortion in the first place. Many women face financial struggles or lack the resources to raise a child.
Expanding programs like affordable childcare, paid family leave, and accessible healthcare could significantly ease the burdens that often lead women to seek abortions. Affordable childcare would allow working mothers to maintain their jobs while ensuring their children are cared for in safe and supportive environments. Paid family leave would give women the time they need to recover from childbirth and bond with their babies without worrying about losing their income. Healthcare access is another critical factor, as many women face high medical costs during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum care. Addressing these financial concerns would give women more confidence to carry pregnancies to term, knowing they have the resources to support themselves and their families. These programs could also help break cycles of poverty by providing families with the stability needed to thrive. Research shows that comprehensive support systems for parents lead to better outcomes for children, including improved health and educational opportunities. By creating a stronger safety net, society could reduce the number of women feeling forced into difficult decisions due to a lack of resources.
Abortion is one of the most personal and difficult decisions a person can face. The debate reflects the larger struggle to balance individual rights with societal values. Keeping abortion legal with clear, reasonable limits is both a practical and fair solution. A national policy would provide consistency, protect women's autonomy, and ensure no one is forced to face dangerous situations without support. By addressing the root causes of abortion and improving resources for families, society can create a future where choice and responsibility work together.
At the same time, the mental and emotional impact of abortion is often overlooked. Many individuals who undergo abortion may struggle with feelings of guilt, shame, or grief, especially in communities where abortion is heavily stigmatized. This stigma can prevent them from seeking help or support, leaving them to face their emotions alone. Fear of judgment or criticism often discourages people from reaching out to counselors, support groups, or even close friends and family. Without proper mental health resources, the aftermath of abortion can lead to prolonged emotional pain or feelings of isolation. Providing access to nonjudgmental counseling and support networks is essential to ensure that individuals can heal and move forward with their lives. Addressing these mental health challenges is just as important as ensuring safe and legal access to abortion.
I am looking for any peer review so I can do a reflection on my rough draft.
Thank you so much!
Works Cited
Abortion became a major legal topic in 1973 with the Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade. The ruling gave women the constitutional right to abortion while allowing states to set restrictions later in pregnancy (Pew Research Center, 2023). However, in 2022, the Supreme Court overturned this ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization. This gave states control over abortion laws, leading to a patchwork of rules across the country. Some states, like California and New York, protect abortion access, while others, like Texas and Alabama, have implemented near-total bans.
Before Roe v. Wade, abortion was often illegal, forcing women to seek unsafe methods that put their lives at risk. Advocates for abortion rights say this history shows why legal abortion is critical for women's safety. Many point to the high rates of maternal deaths and injuries caused by unsafe, back-alley abortions during this time as evidence of the need for access to safe procedures. However, opponents argue that abortion ends a potential human life and should be restricted. These contrasting views have made abortion a controversial and emotional issue for decades, shaping debates that continue to divide society. Both sides remain deeply rooted in their beliefs, making compromise on this issue particularly difficult.
After Dobbs, a woman's access to abortion now depends on where she lives. In some states, strict bans force women to travel far for care or carry pregnancies that aren't viable. As of 2024, 14 states have near-total abortion bans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2022). Meanwhile, states with more permissive laws have seen an increase in patients traveling from other states, overwhelming their healthcare systems (Nash & Cross, 2023).
Most abortions happen early in pregnancy. The CDC reports that 93% of abortions occur within the first trimester, with most happening between three and six weeks of pregnancy (CDC, 2022). Women seek abortions for many reasons, but the most common ones are financial struggles and not being ready to raise a child. These issues often affect low-income women and people of color the most. Strict abortion laws worsen these struggles by making access harder for those who already face financial or social barriers (Guttmacher Institute, 2023). Many women cite the inability to afford childcare, healthcare, or time off work as reasons for not being able to carry a pregnancy to term. The Guttmacher Institute notes that nearly half of women seeking abortions live below the federal poverty line, making the financial burden of pregnancy even more severe. Additionally, restrictive laws increase the cost of care by forcing women to travel long distances to reach clinics, sometimes across state lines. This not only creates logistical challenges but also amplifies the economic strain, as women must take time off work, arrange transportation, and sometimes find overnight lodging. For women in states with bans, these barriers can make access almost impossible, pushing them to seek unsafe alternatives or carry unintended pregnancies to term, further perpetuating cycles of poverty. Ensuring access to abortion services is essential to address these inequities and provide fair opportunities for women to make the best decisions for their lives.
The debate over abortion reflects a deeper conflict between personal rights and societal values. People who support abortion rights argue that women should have control over their own bodies and the ability to make decisions about their health and futures. This belief is grounded in medical ethics, which emphasize the importance of patient well-being and personal autonomy. Opponents, however, focus on the moral value of fetal life, arguing that abortion ends a potential human being's chance to live. These differing views highlight the difficulty of finding common ground in such a deeply personal and ethical issue. For many, the debate also involves religious or cultural beliefs, which further influence how individuals perceive the balance between a woman's rights and the fetus's rights. This divide is one of the main reasons abortion remains a polarizing topic, even as the majority of Americans support some form of access with reasonable limits. Both sides agree that life is valuable, but they differ on where and how that value should be prioritized.
Public opinion shows that many Americans agree abortion should be allowed in certain cases, such as when the mother's health is at risk or in pregnancies caused by rape or incest. Fewer people support abortions later in pregnancy unless there are serious medical reasons (Pew Research Center, 2023). These views suggest that most people favor a balanced approach that respects personal freedom while considering ethical concerns. The consensus reflects a recognition of the complexity of the issue, where people acknowledge the need for choice but also value the potential life of the fetus. Surveys consistently show that Americans are more divided when it comes to abortions performed for non-medical reasons later in pregnancy, highlighting the importance of gestational limits in public opinion. Many who support restrictions later in pregnancy still believe in exceptions for extreme circumstances, such as severe fetal abnormalities or threats to the mother's life. This nuanced perspective demonstrates that most Americans are not strictly "pro-choice" or "pro-life" but instead support a middle ground that accounts for both ethical and personal factors. Policymakers can use this public sentiment as a guide to create laws that reflect these balanced viewpoints.
Philosopher Judith Jarvis Thomson has made significant contributions to the discussion on abortion rights. In her influential essay, "A Defense of Abortion," she presents the famous violinist analogy. This analogy asks the reader to imagine waking up connected to an unconscious violinist whose life depends on using your kidneys for nine months. Thomson argues that even if the fetus is considered a person with a right to life, this does not mean a woman is obligated to maintain a pregnancy against her will. She contends that the right to life does not include the right to use someone else's body without consent. This reasoning highlights the importance of bodily autonomy and supports the view that abortion is a deeply personal choice (Thomson, 1971). Thomson further emphasizes that pregnancy often involves significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens, which makes forced continuation especially unjust. Her argument underscores that recognizing a fetus's right to life does not erase a woman's right to choose what happens to her own body.
Restrictive abortion laws harm both women and healthcare providers, creating dangerous situations where medical care is delayed or denied. In states like Texas, strict abortion bans have led to significant medical delays in care for women with life-threatening conditions, such as ectopic pregnancies or severe infections. Healthcare providers often hesitate to act promptly because they fear the legal consequences of performing procedures that could be interpreted as violating state laws, even in emergencies (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2023).
One notable case involves Marlena Stell, a woman from Texas who suffered a miscarriage but was forced to carry a non-viable fetus for two weeks because her doctors feared breaking the law. The delay not only caused her emotional trauma but also posed significant risks to her physical health (People, 2022). Another heartbreaking instance involved a woman who was compelled to carry twins diagnosed with severe abnormalities to term, even though it was clear they would not survive. This prolonged her physical and emotional suffering, as Texas's restrictive laws prevented her from obtaining a medically indicated abortion (Texas Tribune, 2023).
These cases highlight how ambiguous and restrictive abortion laws leave women in dangerous situations, forcing them to endure unnecessary health risks and trauma. For healthcare providers, the fear of legal repercussions creates a chilling effect, where they may hesitate or avoid performing necessary procedures. This can lead to preventable maternal deaths and severe health complications for patients (Center for Reproductive Rights, 2023).
Restrictive abortion laws not only endanger women's health but also undermine trust in the medical system. Doctors are placed in an untenable position, balancing their duty to save lives with the fear of criminal charges. These policies harm the relationship between patients and providers, making it harder for women to feel safe seeking the care they need. Clear federal guidelines allowing abortions in emergencies and for medically necessary reasons would help ensure that no woman faces these avoidable dangers.
Other countries offer valuable insights into abortion laws. In El Salvador, abortion is banned under all circumstances, even when the mother's life is at risk. This strict policy has led to women being jailed for miscarriages and forced to undergo unsafe procedures. El Salvador's abortion ban is among the harshest in the world and highlights the dangers of extreme restrictions (Center for Reproductive Rights, 2018).
Poland has also enacted strict abortion laws, allowing the procedure only in cases of rape, incest, or life-threatening conditions for the mother. In 2021, Poland banned abortions for fetal abnormalities, which previously accounted for 98% of legal abortions in the country. This policy has led to widespread protests and a rise in unsafe abortions (Human Rights Watch, 2021).
On the other hand, the United Kingdom provides a more balanced approach. Abortion is legal up to 24 weeks, with exceptions for medical emergencies or severe fetal issues. This system ensures women have access to safe care while addressing ethical concerns. Studies show countries with legal abortion access, like the UK, have significantly lower rates of maternal mortality compared to those with strict bans (Berer, 2017).
A short-term solution is to create federal rules that allow abortion in emergencies. This would protect doctors who need to act quickly to save a woman's life or prevent serious health problems. These rules could also make it easier for women to get care in states with unclear or very strict laws. Expanding access to telemedicine for abortion pills is another way to help women in states with few or no abortion providers. It could also reduce the number of women who face life-threatening risks because doctors are afraid to act due to legal concerns. Without clear guidelines, some doctors may hesitate to perform necessary procedures, which could lead to more preventable deaths. Providing clear protections for doctors and patients would ensure women get the care they need without creating unnecessary fear or legal complications.
Long-term solutions require more changes to make a lasting impact. A national policy could allow abortion up to 15 weeks with exceptions for cases like rape, incest, or risks to the mother's health. This would create consistency across all states so women wouldn't face different rules depending on where they live. Schools should also provide better sex education to teach students about the responsibilities of having a child and how to avoid unplanned pregnancies. It's important that young people also learn how to protect themselves from sexually transmitted diseases, which can affect their health long-term. Programs like free or low-cost access to contraception can help prevent unintended pregnancies. Comprehensive sex education, when paired with access to birth control, has been proven to lower both pregnancy and STD rates among teens. Supporting these initiatives would reduce the need for abortions while improving overall public health. Giving students the right information and tools helps them make smarter, healthier decisions about their futures. These efforts would work together to reduce unplanned pregnancies and ensure everyone has the resources to stay safe. It's also important to address the reasons women seek abortion in the first place. Many women face financial struggles or lack the resources to raise a child.
Expanding programs like affordable childcare, paid family leave, and accessible healthcare could significantly ease the burdens that often lead women to seek abortions. Affordable childcare would allow working mothers to maintain their jobs while ensuring their children are cared for in safe and supportive environments. Paid family leave would give women the time they need to recover from childbirth and bond with their babies without worrying about losing their income. Healthcare access is another critical factor, as many women face high medical costs during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum care. Addressing these financial concerns would give women more confidence to carry pregnancies to term, knowing they have the resources to support themselves and their families. These programs could also help break cycles of poverty by providing families with the stability needed to thrive. Research shows that comprehensive support systems for parents lead to better outcomes for children, including improved health and educational opportunities. By creating a stronger safety net, society could reduce the number of women feeling forced into difficult decisions due to a lack of resources.
Abortion is one of the most personal and difficult decisions a person can face. The debate reflects the larger struggle to balance individual rights with societal values. Keeping abortion legal with clear, reasonable limits is both a practical and fair solution. A national policy would provide consistency, protect women's autonomy, and ensure no one is forced to face dangerous situations without support. By addressing the root causes of abortion and improving resources for families, society can create a future where choice and responsibility work together.
At the same time, the mental and emotional impact of abortion is often overlooked. Many individuals who undergo abortion may struggle with feelings of guilt, shame, or grief, especially in communities where abortion is heavily stigmatized. This stigma can prevent them from seeking help or support, leaving them to face their emotions alone. Fear of judgment or criticism often discourages people from reaching out to counselors, support groups, or even close friends and family. Without proper mental health resources, the aftermath of abortion can lead to prolonged emotional pain or feelings of isolation. Providing access to nonjudgmental counseling and support networks is essential to ensure that individuals can heal and move forward with their lives. Addressing these mental health challenges is just as important as ensuring safe and legal access to abortion.
I am looking for any peer review so I can do a reflection on my rough draft.
Thank you so much!
Works Cited