It is established that abortion is legal in the United States. Though, in every state the specifics do vary. For instance, in Texas there must be consent from one parent, and in Oregon there are no parental consent or notification laws. This makes every state very different and individual.
Conservatives in the United States are against abortion and are trying to change the laws. Many feel that abortion is against their religious beliefs. But while many just preach this belief very few go further to take the next step. In Austin, there is a catholic church that does do this. They have a helpline that discourages abortions and provides supplies and assistance to expecting mothers. Many preach viciously about the crime of abortion, but don't do anything further. The church I discussed is taking a step in the right direction, for those who do feel abortion is morally and ethically wrong.
But I feel many anti-abortion groups miss a crucial step. Before the abortion comes pregnancy, and not enough emphasis is put on contraception. Many religions are against contraceptive methods; so when many women inevitably get pregnant and are left alone. There needs to be much more education starting at a younger age involving contraception and sexuality. Lack of education leads to increased pregnancy and abortion rates among young women, and those careless habits will continue through their lives.
It can get complex because preaching and educating about contraceptives also gives the idea that sex at an early age is OK. Many young people engage in sexual activity very early on, which can be very damaging. But, it is always better to teach young people to use protection, then to never have sex, which many will. There needs to be a holistic approach to sex education.
Overall I do feel abortion is a woman's right. If someone knows they are not ready to be a parent then that is so important. A women's body is her own and it is not up to older men in Congress to decide that she can't terminate her pregnancy. But, I do feel that abortion is very unfortunate and sad, and it education can be used to lower the abortion rate. A woman that has had many abortions in her lifetime, because she uses it as a birth control method is not acceptable. Life is so precious and great importance should be put on it, but so is a women's right to choose.
1 comment:
I agree with many of the points you make in your post. However, I do think the ideas you express could be a bit more thought out and or expanded on. I too feel that women should have the right to choose regarding abortions and that educating our youth in regards to sexual activities is a must.
I also concur with your statement about many people/ groups being against abortions. I understand your thoughts on it however; I think that the paragraph is a bit ambiguous. You talk how many people believe abortion is wrong but don’t talk action, then about a church in this area who is active in an anti-abortion campaign then jump back to how people “preach viciously” but don’t follow with actions, etc. This makes for a choppy and hard to read and understand paragraph. I would recommend stating your objective then following it up with information that supports your idea.
Abortion should be a right that all women have; in 1973 the Supreme Court granted us that right. While surely there are cases of abuse (women using abortion as a means of birth control) there are many, many women that don’t. Having this right means that people who aren’t ready for children don’t have to have them. Many women’s lives have been saved because “back-alley” abortions are no longer needed. Each state does have the ability to regulate abortions for minors, and I believe this should be the case. Under our laws children are not able to give legal consent until the age of 18 and abortion should not change this.
Sex education in our country needs to be revisited also. Some parents are worried by that talking about sex, we will only encourage children to engage in it. I contend that children who are engaging in sexual relations are going to do so with or with out sex education and that it is our responsibility as adults to educate them as to the consequences of unprotected sex (STD’s, pregnancy) and for god’s sake teach these kids how to protect themselves. Teaching abstinence is in no way helpful, this method will leave kids uneducated and unprepared.
Although abortion is a right granted all women by the Supreme Court this does not give us leave to act without regard. As adults and role models for people of all ages we need to teach each other how to behave and act responsibly with our bodies.
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