The Ethical Controversy of the Twenty First Century

ABORTION

AbortionAbortion is the termination of a pregnancyIt is a very safe procedure when performed

by a professionalThe earlier an abortion is performed, the

fewer the risksIn 2005, 96 815 induced abortions were

recorded in CanadaGenerally, there has been a decrease in

induced abortions over the past five years

Types of AbortionSpontaneous Abortion

Also known as a miscarriage25% of pregnancies end in a miscarriage

Medical AbortionUses two type of medication to end pregnancyOne pill stops progesterone while the other empties

uterus

Surgical AbortionRemoval of the contents in the uterus

Late Term AbortionMedication causes uterus to contract and expel fetusPartial Birth: Fetus is pulled out by the feet and

abortionist collapses the skull to remove from uterus

http://www.prolifelouisiana.org/uploads/images/ru486.jpg

Technological AdvancementTechnology allows fetuses and embryos to be

screened for genetic abnormalitiesAmniocentesis and Chorionic Villus Sampling

(CVS)Using fluid that surrounds the uterus or a sample of the

placentaCan check for genetic abnormalities in the fetus and in

some countries, offered the choice of an abortion for severe abnormalities

Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)Screens embryos for abnormalities before being re-

implanted into the uterusAllows parents to choose or ‘design’ their future children

Pro-Life vs. Pro-Choice

Pro-Life Pro-Choice

Against abortionAims to stop

abortion altogetherUnwanted

pregnancies should go to adoption

Unborn child should have equal rights

For abortionAims to reduce

number of abortions needed through more contraception use

Cannot take away woman’s right to choose

Human Rights

Pro-Life Pro-Choice

Human life begins at conception and should have human rights

Unborn child should have full legal rights to protect it

Human life begins when the child is born

Government laws interfering with women’s rights to their own body violates privacy rights

http://nmhm.washingtondc.museum/exhibits/imgs/conception3.jpg

Genetic Screening

Pro-Life Pro-Choice

A ‘defective’ fetus deserves just as much right to live

Discriminates against those who are disabled

Allows for healthier children

Less complications with a healthier child

http://www.obgyn.net/Frontiers_In_Reproductive_Medicine/images/PGD.gif

Partial Birth Abortion

Pro-Life Pro-Choice

Like any other type of abortion, it is immoral

Risks increase with a late term pregnancy

Fetus is conscious during this stage and can feel pain

Stage of fetus should not matter

Woman’s health could be endangered if partial birth abortion does not take place

http://www.babble.com/CS/blogs/strollerderby/fetus2.jpg

Future of AbortionsAs technology increases, the easier and

safer abortions will beThis will lead to more arguments over the

topic of abortionThe controversy of abortions will continue

and a common ground will not be reached between those who are Pro-Life and those who are Pro-Choice

BibliographyArthur, J. (2000, August 24). The Pro-Choice Action Network. Retrieved November 14, 2008, from

http://www.prochoiceactionnetwork-canada.org/articles/realchoice.shtml

Cavanagh, D. (2001). Abortion. In Encyclopedia Americana (Vol. 1, pp. 43-45). Connecticut: Grolier Incorporated.

Ending Your Pregnancy. (2006, July). Retrieved November 9, 2008, from

http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/articles/846.printerview.html

Induced Abortion. (n.d.). Retrieved November 11, 2008, from

http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp043.cfm

Induced Abortion Statistics. (2008, May 21). Retrieved November 23, 2008, from

http://www.statcan.gc.ca/bsolc/olc-cel/olc-cel?lang=eng&catno=82-223-X

Lassieur, A. (2001). Abortion. San Diego: Lucent Books, Inc.

Mifeprex (mifepristone) Information. (2007, August 29). Retrieved November 9, 2008, from

http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/mifepristone/

Pro-Life Answers to Pro-Choice Questions. (n.d.). Retrieved November 16, 2008, from

http://righttolifetoronto.org/index.php?id=113

Torr, J. D. (2006). Abortion. New York: Greenhaven Press.

Watkins, C. (2005). The Ethics of Abortion. New York: Greenhaven Press.