The legalization of abortion is a very new and controversial topic. While infanticide has existed since the beginning of human existence, abortion is a relatively new medical phenomenon in that it is, “a deliberate termination of a human pregnancy” (dictionary.com). Such brings about a prominent moral and medical issue in public policy: should abortion be legal? The availability of abortion clinics varies from state to state, and country to country. Supporters of pro-choice argue that women should have a safe option to terminate a pregnancy at a safe and early stage. However, there is a strong consensus of vehement supporters of pro-life. They argue that killing an embryo in the womb is considered murder, unwanted pregnancy can be prevented by the plethora of contraceptives available. Finally, there are many responsible alternative solutions to having an abortion, such as adoption.
The moralist approach is perhaps the most powerful, in that it is driven by people’s internal compass. What is the difference between religions and murder? The founding religion of this country, Christianity, has many different sects with many different beliefs. However many Christians agree that the Bible says abortion is murder. A famous Bible verse many Christians Exodus 21:22-23:
"If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life,"
The Bible is a document that is very open to interpretation, that being said, many people believe that this is God’s way of saying that abortion is murder. The very last line, a “life for a life”, makes it pretty clear that if someone harms a pregnant woman and she has a miscarriage, the fetus is considered to be a “life” and the aggressors “life” should be taken to.
Another key line in the Bible is Deuteronomy 27:25 says, "Cursed be he that taketh reward to slay an innocent person. And all the people shall say, Amen." A fetus is an unborn child, and it is considered by most people to have pure innocence, because it has yet to make any worldly decisions. The act of abortion goes directly against this part of the Bible.
The immorality of abortion is also held up by an ample supply of scientific research finding abortion to be medically unethical. The minute a sperm enters an egg it is considered fertilized. The definition of fertilized is: “(an egg, female animal, or plant) to develop a new individual by introducing male reproductive material” (Dictionary.com). The definition states “a new individual”. This is the earliest stage of human development, yet scientifically a fertilized egg is considered a human being. The scientific name of a fertilized egg is a “Zygote”, or the first cell formed at conception. The zygote is composed of human DNA and other human molecules, there-bye possessing the unique chemical make-up of a human being. The fact that the zygote possesses DNA means that it has a genetic composition that is absolutely unique to itself, different from any other human that has ever existed (England,1996). Such characteristics assert the validity of the immorality of abortion.
There are preemptive and alternative options a woman can consider for an unwanted conception. There are four different methods available to help prevent the need of an abortion: Condoms, Birth Control, Plan B, and Planned Parenthood. Condoms are available all over the world and are cheep to produce. Condoms help stop pregnancy’s and the spread of STDs. Many High Schools and universities offer free condoms in their health centers to help promote the use of contraceptives.
Birth control is readily available in today’s society as well. This prescription drug helps stop ovulation, allowing sperm to enter the vagina with out making contact with an egg. This method is