Abortion will always be a topic of debate in the US. However, the fact is that it is legal in the United States. There is one stipulation for minors under the age of 18 and that is, they need parental consent with the exception of California.
Abortion is a right based on the infamous case of Roe v Wade. Jane Roe, a single pregnant woman, filed a complaint against Texas stating that Texas law on abortion was violating her right. At that time, the states law only permitted abortions to women at risk of losing their life, which must be done on medical advice. Henry Wade, District Attorney of Dallas County, unsuccessfully had to convince the jury that the law was not a violation of constitutional rights.
People have options from aborting, adopting and keeping their child. All 3 choices are tough decisions but only 1 can be made. I'm pro-choice as long as the termination is within the first trimester or if a woman's life is at risk. As for adoption, I understand people's arguments about putting the child up for adoption; however, can these people guarantee a safe place for these children? Take for example this case in Springfield, Ohio where not 1 or 2 but 5 adopted children were abused by their adoptive parents. These children were "beaten with sticks, belts, shoes, fists and hammers," and that's just naming a few unthinkable accounts of abuse. Now for those who are pro-life, can you still tell me and guarantee me that this is the best option for both parent and child besides abortion. Let's not discuss the fact that adoption agencies and social service workers are heavily loaded with cases of mistreated children. If you're pro-life, then are you willing to adopt one of those children?
It seems so simple to me and here is my own personal thought: if you don't believe in abortion then DON'T have one. For those who are pro-choice, well, I hope for the sake of you and your future health that a lesson is learned and that is to get on birth control. Abortion shouldn't be a form of contraceptive especially when you have a variety of options including over the counter items.
References cited
About.com (1973). Roe v Wade Supreme Court Decision: 410 U.S. 113. About.com Women's History.
http://womenshistory.about.com/library/etext/gov/bl_roe_a.htm
Lough, Valerie (2009). Woman accused of abusing 5 adopted children to go on trial Tuesday.
http://poundpuplegacy.org/node/19996
