The Pros And Cons Of Abortion

Abortion is most certainly a contentious issue, an issue that divides countries and families across the world. Because the practice of abortion intentionally ends a pregnancy is the reason for the contentious nature. Proponents and opponents alike vie for their point of view and with contrasting positions, this argument has raged on for many years. Thus, it is clear that these arguments can neither be forced nor settled through a majority vote. Rather, a more logical way to settle this dispute would be to analyze medical aspects and scientific evidence. Based on available medical information, one can argue that abortions are immoral because it involves killing a potential human being and may cause long-term mental health issues for the mother, but far more compelling, is the possibility that a fetus can

feel pain.
Proponents of abortion argue that an anti-abortion stance is merely “a matter of religion [and has] merit only when there is no law concerning abortion” (Goldberg, 1997, p.

2). On the other hand, Judeo-Christian tenets limit individualism and promote values which “oppose human tampering with natural process...[and advocate for the] sacredness of human life” (Tamney, Johnson, & Burton, 1992, p. 3). Ultimately, at the heart of this contentious argument is whether a fetus is or is not a person. Proponents of abortion define a fetus as a nonperson and thus argue in favor of a woman’s right to choose, as well as the right to use her own body and she deems fit (Goldberg, 1997). Conversely, opponents define a fetus as a person and argue that the fetus’ rights are inviolable and would supersede the women’s right to do with her body as she pleases. Despite the merits of each argument, one can assert that these contentions are philosophical and limited in their intention to persuade anyone who has not already made a determination. Therefore, in order to make an informed decision and to determine the merits of abortion, it is more advisable to pursue scientific

information.
The decision to abort a pregnancy range from medical risk, fetal abnormalities, special circumstances such as rape, where it is inconvenient for the parent, and even cases where the individual either cannot afford to care for or do not want a child (Tamney, et al., 1992). Medically speaking, abortions cannot “be isolated from other aspects of women’s health” (Manian, 2014, p. 1319). Conversely, people relegate abortions to a mere medical procedure and the long-term emotional and mental complications are not fully contemplated. Research papers published between 1995 and 2011 compared abortion to miscarriage and “found that short-term anxiety and depression were higher in the miscarriage group, while long-term anxiety and depression were present only in the abortion group” (Bellieni & Buonocore, 2013, p. 1). Clearly, a correlation between long-term mental disorders and abortion exists and it is necessary to carefully assess these risks when facing a difficult pregnancy, or when considering abortion as a family planning matter. It is of paramount importance to remember that “the patients’ right of self-decision...can be effectively exercised if the patient possesses enough information to enable an intelligent choice” (Manian, 2014, p. 1324).
Conversely, banning or restricting abortions could result in serious medical contraindications impacting the very life of the mother as there are valid medical arguments advocating for abortion as a necessary evil. Bans or restrictions on abortion inhibits a “physicians’ medical judgment of what procedures would best protect their patients” (Manian, 2014, p. 1321). Thus, it is necessary to consider the unintended consequences, the medical impact, as well as impediments created by laws banning or restricting abortion. Yet, philosophical arguments have consistently resulted in the passage of various laws in respect of abortions. However, these decisions are best left in the hands of qualified medical professionals, in consultation with their patients, than in the hands of the members of the US Congress.
The emotional and mental impact of abortion is not the only medical consideration. Fetal pain is an area of serious medical concern and is becoming more and more relevant to the overall abortion argument. Unfortunately, the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASO) asserts that “an emotional reaction [is required] for the stimulus to recognized as pain” (van Scheltema, Bakker, Vandenbussche & Oepkes, 2008, p. 19). This position is undeniably a very subjective view of pain based on an erroneous philosophical determination that a fetus is not mature enough to perceive pain. In fact, although “[t]he fetus might not be able to perceive pain at a cortical level...he might be able to perceive painful stimuli, process the information and alter the development of the nervous system as a response to pain” (van Scheltema, et al., 2008, p. 21).
Consequently, although a fetus may not possess the maturity to understand or effectively communicate the emotional concept of pain, one cannot assume the fetus feels no pain. Indeed, given recent medical discoveries in the field of in utero development, “the serotonin-releasing inhibitory descending pain fibers only develop after birth. It is therefore safe to assume that [a fetus]...feels more pain than the infant or adult” (van Scheltema, et al., 2008, p. 22). Therefore, whether medically advised or where women make a philosophical decision to abort, it is important to consider the comfort of both patients. Certainly, even if there is only a slight chance that a fetus can feel pain, women should possess this information so they either have an opportunity to decide against abortion or request the use of anesthesia to minimize fetal pain.
In conclusion, the immorality of abortion can be substantiated medically because there is sufficient evidence to indicate a stress response to pain in a fetus. Moreover, studies suggest there are long-term mental health risks for women who abort their pregnancies. Although the decision to abort a pregnancy may be individualized and based on personal convictions, the philosophical arguments used to substantiate the abortions are arbitrary, fallacious, and unanswerable. Therefore women should carefully consider other important medical factors. Overall, it is important to recognize that political issues and philosophical arguments on abortion serve only to cloud the medical analysis of not only mental disorders, but also the very real experience of pain for the fetus.