Pro life vs. Pro choice movement
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Philosophy
Date
Nov 24, 2024
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Uploaded by tnahal123
Introduction
Protests generate a platform that provides citizens to speak up, advocate for change,
demand representation, and take part in political decision-making processes for societal issues.
Protests and Political representation are vital as they aid in bringing light to marginalized and
underrepresented groups and their concerns. Throughout history there have been many
movements and protest such as the civil rights movement, environmental movements, the pro-
life and pro-choice movement, all which have played a distinct role in political developments.
The impact of both protests and political representation can often influence policy alterations and
can lead to ripple effects such as legislative changes. Protests serve as public support and give
the opportunity to individuals to participate in democratic processes however, the effectiveness
of protest and political representation can vary depending on many factors. Factors can include
organization of groups, protest strategies, the receptiveness of the public and so forth. While
focusing on protests and political representation this paper will address the pro-life vs. pro-
choice movement in Canada and the United States.
Case study: Topic Summary
The Pro-life vs. Pro-choice movement is a longstanding debate that revolves around an
individual’s right to an abortion and reproductive freedom. The Pro-life side focuses on
protection of the unborn fetus. They essentially disagree with abortions as they see it as
‘murder’. On the other side, the pro-choice movement is giving women a right to decide about
their own body, advocate for freedom and access to safe and legal abortion services.
Both movements were brought to light throughout the pre-1973 era. Through ought 1973-
1976 there was development in both anti-abortion groups and pro-choice groups, both groups
who at the time developed more organized structures which aided them with their movements
and the survival and success of them. Both views on this movement have gained societies
attention and has brought many discussions about morality, ethics, law, the role of the
government, individual decision-making, and freedom to light. The movement are complex as
there must be an understanding of the historical, political, and moral foundation of both sides.
Abortions and the understanding of them have evolved significantly over time. Abortions
link with morality solely was based off religious beliefs. Christianity for example began to form
a perspective on abortions as they viewed it as ‘sinful’. As society has progressed there have
been many new ethical and moral inquires such as individual autonomy, women’s rights, the
value of having a choice, which all has played a part in reshaping historical moral and ethical
stances on abortion.
Major issues
This movement is seen as controversial to not only the public eye but with political
involvement as well in both America and Canada. When focusing on America, one of the most
defining moments for this movement was the Roe v. Wade case. This case took place in 1973 and
wasn’t brought up again until 2022. The case showcases both sides of the movement and helps
with the understanding of the historical context of pro-life vs. pro-choice, alongside it also
provides better context of understanding the significant role protests and political representation
play in societal development. The Roe Vs. Wade case stemmed from a woman in Texas who in
1970 was 5 months pregnant with her third child and wanted to have an abortion. The case was
based on giving not only this woman but women around the world the choice and freedom to
safely terminate their pregnancies until fetal viability. Luckily in 1973 due to this woman coming
forward and fighting for her rights, the supreme court made the decision to establish a
constitutional right to an abortion. This rule was struck down on many states who at the time
banned abortion. It wasn’t until 2022 when the Supreme court had overturned Roe V. Wade,
which then ended women’s right to an abortion in many states.
Several states, despite the Roe V. Wade case that took place in 1970 such as Mississippi,
North Carolina and Wisconsin still have decade-old abortion bans. When Roe was overturned
many feared these states will turn into the environment that was present pre-Roe. Many states as
well carry abortion restrictions and laws that carry a variety of penalties that change depending
on each state. However, even with abortions becoming ‘illegal’ again there have been an
“increase in abortions” (Npr.org), and a lowering in population of those that get pregnant. The
Roe overturn has now led to a fight for reproductive justice and to help those that are struggling.
When focusing on Canada we’re able to look at pro-life vs. pro-choice in a less complex
view. In 1988 the supreme court stated that Canada’s abortion law was unconstitutional. Chief
Justice Brain Dickson had written “Forcing a woman, by threat of criminal sanction to carry a
foetus to term unless she meets certain criteria unrelated to her own priorities and aspirations, is
a profound interference with a woman’s body and thus a violation of her security of the person.”
(nafcanada.org). Abortion since then has now been treated like a medical procedure rather than
govern sanctioned decision. Throughout the years there have been many attempts to create an
Anti-choice legislation but as time went on the expansion of safer access to abortions have
increased in Canada.
Pros and Cons
Based on research, pro-life and pro-choice vary in the pro’s and cons they possess.
Worldwide “nearly one in three pregnancies ends in abortion” (msichoices.org). Since there is a
widespread need for abortions being pro-choice will opt for safer access to abortion clinics.
Another positive of pro-choice is giving women the basic right to make their own decision for
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their own bodies. Women can get pregnant for a variety of reasons whether it be planned,
unplanned and even forced, they should be given the right to terminate the pregnancy not just for
themselves but for the unborn baby that the mother is not and may not be ready for. Based on
research most negatives that surround the pro-choice movement is related back to religion and
their beliefs. Many different religions find abortions to be seen as a ‘sin’ and as ‘murder’. With
that being said, the only factual cons are the physical and mental risks that come along with the
procedure. The physical health effects and mental effects that are a potential harm post-procedure
can range from infertility, stillbirths, risk of breast cancer, mental health disorders and so forth.
In contrast the pro-life movements main negative issue is that banning abortions is only
reducing the number of safe abortions that are occurring. The protest of Roe V Wade had many
protesters holding up a hanger which represented when abortions were self-performed and when
they were unsafe. Banning abortions will only lead to illegal one's and unsafe one's being
performed by women that have no other choice as they are stripped away from a legal and basic
right. There is contradiction that lies within the positive and negative of this movement. As
though it’s a negative that illegal abortions are occurring the positive that was found was women
going through with their pregnancy due to not having access to a safe abortion. The pro-life
movement’s goal is for women to carry out their pregnancy, eliminating that option for them and
forcing them to give birth is seen as a ‘positive’.
My own position on the issue (opinionated statement)
I believe that everybody deserves the freedom to make their own choices on their body
and the ability to attain reproductive rights without government interference. Denying women,
the right to access safe and legal abortions is denying them of basic human rights. By supporting
pro-choice I acknowledge the fact that one can be having an abortion for a myriad of reasons.
These reasons can range from financial instability, if you have an unplanned pregnancy and are
not financially stable it’s understandable that you won’t be able to care for a kid in a way that
they need and the way that one should as a parent. Abortions can also be a result from
pregnancies that result in rape or incest. Restricting access to abortions is disregarding the
complexities that come along with making the decision to have or need an abortion. It is crucial
to understand that anyone that advocates for pro-choice does not necessarily mean they are pro
‘abortion’ it means advocating for people to have a right to choose what they want to do with
their own body.
The protests are seen to be of aid to this movement. The protests have gained attention
worldwide and have given women the courage to speak up and to fight. The political
representation on the other hand has shown to be against the pro-choice movement and in aid for
pro-life. A prime example of this would be the Roe case being overturned after over a decade of
It being in place and giving women the option to make a choice for themselves.
When the Roe v. Wade case became overturned it was a slap in the face to women all
around the world pregnant or not. The case being overturned essentially says women don’t get a
say for what happens to their bodies. As a society it has been instilled in us that women can’t do
the same things as men, that they don’t deserve the same rights. However, as times have changed
and as a society we are evolving, women are speaking up and we will speak up for our rights and
fight for the right to our own body. It is visible that both political representation and protests can
be vital in making a change and creating awareness of an issue that needs to be spoken about.
Conclusion
The pro-life vs. pro-choice movement used the aid of protests and political representation
to its advantage. The movement influenced protests, rallies, and advocacy for each individual’s
ideology.
Pro-life’s foundation is based off religious, ethical, and moral grounds. Conversely,
pro-choice is for defending reproductive rights and giving women the option to safe and legal
abortions while still fighting for political representation and rights. Both sides have differing
beliefs which is also shown in politics when the roe vs. wade case had become overturned.
Political representation is crucial for movements such as this as it can shape and change policies
and values within our society. While both movements are entrenched in their values and beliefs,
opening conversations to seek compromises are necessary and to do that there needs to be a
common understanding of each group’s perspectives. Being able to find policy solutions and
address the issue that’s at hand is imperative for societal and economic progress and unity.
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Bibliography
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Taylor, D. B. (2022, May 4).
What is Roe v. Wade? here’s a short history of the case.
The New
York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/25/us/what-is-roe-v-wade-heres-a-short-
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The Catholic Historical Review
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Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, ending
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Women’s right to Abortion Care
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