Exploring the Pro-Life Standpoint in Abortion Discussions Migdalia Calderon
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EXPLORING THE PRO-CHOICE STANDPOINT IN ABORTION DISCUSSIONS
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Exploring the Pro-Choice Standpoint in Abortion Discussions
Migdalia Calderon
Springfield Technical Community College
EXPLORING THE PRO-CHOICE STANDPOINT IN ABORTION DISCUSSIONS
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Abstract
This paper examines six articles offering insights into the pro-life and pro-choice debate, with a
specific focus on the ongoing controversy surrounding late-term abortion and reproductive
rights. The discourse encompasses the intricate intersection of individual rights, social values,
and historical context. The overturning of Roe vs. Wade has not only shifted decision-making to
states but has also heightened the risks associated with accessing safe and legal abortion. The
narrative underscores the transformative role of education in shaping societal attitudes and legal
outcomes. It recognizes the historical journey where laws, forged through the struggles of
countless women, were enacted to safeguard reproductive rights. However, the prospect of living
in a time where these hard-won protections might vanish, leaving only echoes of debate, evokes
a sense of unease. Education emerges as a powerful force that has the capacity to effect positive
change, as evidenced by the passage of laws mitigating the suffering of many women. The
narrative reflects on the potential disquietude of being alive in a period when robust legal
safeguards may give way to mere arguments in their shadow.
Keywords: Late-term abortion, Roe v. Wade, Bodily Autonomy
EXPLORING THE PRO-CHOICE STANDPOINT IN ABORTION DISCUSSIONS
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Exploring the Pro-Choice Standpoint in Abortion Discussions
In the ongoing discourse surrounding reproductive rights, the topic of late-term
reproductive rights remains relevant almost five decades after the passing of Roe vs. Wade. Late-
term abortion, generally defined as procedures performed after the 24th week of pregnancy, is a
subject deeply rooted in emotional and ethical complexities. As we contextualize the matter, it
becomes evident that maintaining the legality of late-term abortion is essential for the upholding
of women’s First Amendment rights, ensuring access to safe and legal procedures, and keeping
an eye on the delicate balance between individual autonomy and social interests. By
understanding the nuances of late-term abortion, we can better assert the need for preserving
women's rights to bodily autonomy while addressing the broader societal concerns that surround
this sensitive topic.
In the United States, the discourse on reproductive rights has been continually relevant
and evolving since the pivotal Supreme Court decision, Roe vs. Wade, in 1973 (Rich, 2022). This
landmark ruling solidified a woman's legal right to choose abortion, striking a balance between
the right to privacy and the state's interest in protecting fetal life. Over the years, this precedent
has been a focal point of intense debates, with one significant area of contention being late-term
abortion. Planned Parenthood challenges the legitimacy of the term, characterizing it as a product
of anti-abortion propaganda: “It's actually a completely made-up phrase that has no basis in
medicine. It's pure anti-abortion propaganda, intended to confuse people about when abortion
happens” (Planned Parenthood website, 2022). As we navigate the complexities of late-term
abortion, it is crucial to dispel any misconceptions surrounding the terminology and to approach
the examination of women's rights through an ethical lens.
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In looking to dispel misconceptions surrounding abortion terminology let us review the
stance of planned parenthood, the only source on the internet to define this term. “Late-term
abortion” is a form of language manipulation and stigmatization, designed to shape public
opinion and create a negative perception of individuals seeking abortions. Planned Parenthood
states: “Late-term abortion isn’t a real thing; It is used by anti-abortion right activists who really
are referring to abortions done 15-20 weeks [the fetus] can reach “late-term” (week 41)”(Planned
Parenthood website, 2022). Planned Parenthood argues that the phrase is wielded by anti-
abortion activists to insidiously influence public opinion and instill a negative perception of
individuals seeking abortions. Anti-abortion activists use this term to refer to abortions
performed between 15 and 20 weeks, inaccurately categorizing them as ‘late term.’ Late-term
abortion is a misconception used to shame women for the decisions made on their bodies. Such
deceptive tactics not only perpetuate harmful narratives but also underscore a historical context
of the patriarchy, where a society or government in which men hold the power and women are
largely excluded from it, in reference to the history of the United States.
Myths about abortion have played a pivotal role in the regrettable overturning of Roe v.
Wade, resulting in the removal of the constitutional right to abortion. Today, the authority to
permit or ban abortions lies within the discretion of individual states, marking a shift that poses
challenges to reproductive rights. The implications of this legal reversal extend beyond mere
policy changes. In the wake of Roe v. Wade's removal, poses a threat to the health and well-being
of those seeking abortion services. This is problematic because the overturning of Roe vs Wade
restricts individuals seeking abortion within their limits. Raising health concerns, the overruling
led to an increase in unsafe, illegal abortions, posing serious risks to women’s general health and
lives across the country. In an interview with Contraceptive Technology Updates asked Danika
EXPLORING THE PRO-CHOICE STANDPOINT IN ABORTION DISCUSSIONS
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Sereino what the response of planned parenthood is to the overturning of Roe vs Wade, stating
“Overturning Roe means 36 million women — nearly half of the women of reproductive age in
the United States — and more people who can become pregnant, could soon lose abortion
access. However, banning abortion does not stop people from getting abortions — it forces
people to travel hundreds, if not thousands, of miles to access abortion out of state or seek care
outside of the healthcare system entirely (Wynn, 2022).” Planned Parenthood's statistics
underscore the magnitude of the issue and the potential impact on a vast number of individuals
nationwide. The overturning of Roe v. Wade brings abortion back to being a privilege, with
restrictions extending 24 states-wide (Nash, 2023).
This alarming shift not only hinders
reproductive rights, but also exacerbates existing social and economic disparities. Information is
not only essential for an informed society but is also crucial in safeguarding fundamental rights
and the well-being of countless individuals in need of reproductive healthcare.
Patrick Johnson mentions a statement by physicians against abortion legalization in
Ireland called ‘The Dublin Declaration’. “As experienced practitioners and researchers in
obstetrics and gynecology, we affirm that direct abortion- the purpose of the unborn child- is not
medically necessary to save the life of a woman. We uphold that there is a fundamental
difference between abortion and necessary medical treatments that are carried out to save the life
of the mother, even if such treatment results in the loss of her unborn child (Johnson, 2015).” The
Dublin Declaration is correct, direct abortions aren’t deemed medically necessary, and there are
distinctions between abortion and necessary medical treatments. While the physicians in ‘The
Dublin Declaration’ argue that direct abortion is not medically necessary to save the life of a
woman, it’s important to recognize medical situations can be incredibly complex and very wide.
While the Declaration argues for a clear ethical distinction between abortion and necessary
EXPLORING THE PRO-CHOICE STANDPOINT IN ABORTION DISCUSSIONS
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medical treatments, it is important to recognize the inherent complexity and variability in
medical situations. While there are cases where alternative medical treatments may effectively
address life-threatening conditions without direct abortion, there are situations where the
necessity of abortion becomes a critical consideration. ‘The Dublin Declaration’ emphasizes the
ethical distinction between abortion and necessary medical treatments, but lacks the necessary
ethical diversity, and contextual considerations aren’t applied. It is important to respect a
woman’s autonomy and her right to make decisions about her own body is paramount,
particularly in situations where her life is at risk.
When we examine the pro-choice position on late-term abortion, it becomes clear that the debate
transcends legal complexities and medical debates. It is a moving exploration of our social
values, our ethical diversity, and the preservation of individual autonomy. The complexity
surrounding late-term abortion forces us to question the prevailing myths and misleading
terminologies that contributed to the undermining of women's and reproductive rights that led to
the overturning of Roe v. Wade. This watershed in legal history has not only shifted discretion to
the states but ushered in an era in which access to safe and legal abortion is increasingly at risk.
While 'The Dublin Declaration' acknowledges ethical nuances, it neglects the dynamic
complexity of medical situations and the crucial need to prioritize a woman's autonomy in life-
threatening circumstances.
Late-term abortion is not only a legal and medical issue, but a complex intersection of
individual rights, societal values, and historical context. To understand the nuanced complexities
surrounding late-term abortion, rejecting misleading terminology, and embracing ethical
diversity in reproductive healthcare decisions. Roe vs Wade was the only legal tool that helped
women but only lasted 18,050 days (Tamkin, 2022).
Without the power of education, many
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movements would cease to exist, and the world would be a much more different place. Moving
forward, let’s become our own architects of empathy, advocates of understanding, and
champions of informed conversations. In every aspect of your life, including housing,
employment, education, or training, you have the right to protection yourself from unfair
treatment and discrimination. The laws in force that protect laws these rights allow for certain
measures to be taken where they are violated since those rights are a core part of our democracy.
Being aware of your rights can help to identify situations in which discrimination, and abuse of
power are taking place and guides you on the path to action and change.
EXPLORING THE PRO-CHOICE STANDPOINT IN ABORTION DISCUSSIONS
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References
Contraceptive Technology Update, CINAHL Complete. (2022a, July).
EBSCOhost Login
.
Planned Parenthood Prepares for Abortion Bans, Capacity Increases.
https://search.ebscohost.com/?site=dmp&
Johnston, P. (2015). Abortion Should Be Banned, Regardless of the Circumstances.
Current Controversies:
Abortion
.
Nash, E., Guttmacher Institute, & Guarnieri, I. (2023, September 5).
Six Months post-roe, 24 US
states have banned abortion or are likely to do so: A roundup
. Guttmacher Institute.
https://www.guttmacher.org/2023/01/six-months-post-roe-24-us-states-have-banned-
abortion-or-are-likely-do-so-roundup
Rich, A. K., & Wagner, G. (2022). Abortion: Overview. Salem Press Encyclopedia.
Tamkin, Emily, and Katie Stallard. “The Land of Lost Liberty: Fear and Frustration Grip the US
as Roe vs Wade Is Overturned. What Comes Next?”
New Statesman
, 1 July 2022, p. 24.
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There’s no such thing as a “late-term abortion.”
Planned Parenthood. (n.d.).
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/blog/theres-no-such-thing-as-a-late-term-abortion