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Week 4: Abortion Rights Outline
Cindy Hong
West Coast University
PHIL 434: Medical Ethics and Issues
Ahmed Hariri DNP
July 9, 2023
2
Week 4: Abortion Rights Outline
Introduction
Abortion rights involves the legal and moral rights of that individuals should be allowed
to possess. These rights should give the individual the autonomy to keep or terminate a
pregnancy. Abortion is such a controversial subject that has been a constant debate for years. The
issue concerns a woman's right to choose whether to continue a pregnancy, as well as the
government's position in regulating or restricting access to abortion services. Abortion refers to
the intentional cessation of a pregnancy, leading to the extraction or expulsion of an embryo or
fetus from the uterine cavity.
Abortion rights refer to the legal and moral prerogative of individuals to exercise agency
in determining whether to proceed with the termination of a pregnancy. The concept
encompasses the fundamental entitlement to obtain access to abortion services that are both safe
and in accordance with the law. The pro-choice perspective is a position that supports a woman's
entitlement to make decisions regarding whether to undergo an abortion, placing significant
emphasis on the principles of personal autonomy and bodily integrity. The pro-life position is
characterized by its opposition to abortion and its advocacy for the preservation of the
developing fetus, typically rooted in religious or ethical convictions. Reproductive rights is a
comprehensive concept that encompasses a range of dimensions pertaining to sexual and
reproductive health, such as the entitlement to obtain contraception, engage in family planning,
and access safe abortion services.
Technical Aspects of Abortion
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Gestational limits are enforced in numerous jurisdictions to establish the specific point in
a pregnancy at which abortion becomes restricted or prohibited. The duration of these limits can
differ among countries and states, encompassing a range from a few weeks to the point at which
a fetus becomes viable, which is generally considered to be between 24 and 28 weeks (KFF,
2023). According to the U.S. Supreme Court, it is constitutionally permissible for states to
prohibit or impose limitations on abortions beyond the stage of fetal viability, apart from
situations where it is deemed necessary to safeguard a woman's life or well-being (KFF, 2023).
In California, the statutory of limit on abortion is fetal viability. The concept of viability, as
delineated by the Supreme Court, refers to the ability to lead a meaningful life beyond the
confines of the womb, even if it necessitates artificial assistance, rather than merely achieving
momentary survival (KFF, 2023). Accurate determination of gestational age is of paramount
importance in adhering to legal obligations and ensuring that abortions are conducted within the
designated timeframes.
The subject matter of abortion procedures and medical standards pertains to a range of
medical techniques employed for the purpose of terminating pregnancies. The procedures
encompassed within this category may consist of medication abortion, aspiration abortion,
dilation and curettage, dilation and evacuation, and induction abortion (ACOG, n.d.). Every
procedure is accompanied by distinct medical protocols, safety guidelines, and healthcare
provider requirements to safeguard the well-being and health of the pregnant individual. In
exceptional instances, the termination of pregnancy may not be entirely successful. In such an
occurrence, it may be necessary to implement a subsequent procedure or administer additional
medication. Medication abortion carries a higher likelihood of incomplete abortion compared to
procedural methods (ACOG, n.d.).
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The issue of access and availability pertains to the technical dimension of obtaining
abortion services, encompassing the presence and geographical dispersion of healthcare facilities
that provide abortion care. Access to healthcare can be influenced by various factors, including
the quantity and geographical distribution of clinics, the presence of adequately trained
healthcare personnel, and the presence of legal constraints (ACOG, n.d.). There are several
supplementary elements that exert an influence on access to certain services. These include the
imposition of waiting periods, the mandatory provision of counseling or ultrasounds, the
requirement of parental consent for minors, as well as financial considerations such as insurance
coverage and affordability (ACOG, n.d.). Abortion is outlawed or strongly regulated in several
states. State laws may change. AbortionFinder.org provides state-by-state abortion legislation
(ACOG, n.d.).
Public Policy Debates
The legal status and regulation of abortion is a significant area of contention within
public policy discussions. Supporters of reproductive rights advocate for the preservation of a
woman's entitlement to make decisions regarding whether to undergo an abortion, placing
emphasis on bodily autonomy and individual decision-making. Conversely, proponents of
abortion restrictions or complete prohibition frequently assert their stance, often grounded in
moral or religious convictions. The focal point of these debates revolves around various matters,
including gestational limits, provisions for cases involving rape or incest, obligatory waiting
periods, prerequisites for informed consent, involvement of parents, and regulations pertaining to
clinics. The central focus of these discussions revolves around the delicate balance between the
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rights of pregnant individuals and the interests of the state in regulating healthcare and
safeguarding potential life.
Ensuring access to safe and legal abortion services is a crucial element within the realm
of public policy debates. Advocates for the right to abortion contend that various obstacles
hindering access, such as economic limitations, restricted geographical availability, obligatory
waiting periods, and stringent regulations, disproportionately affect marginalized communities
(ACOG, n.d.). They argue that these barriers not only undermine the principle of equal access to
healthcare but also contravene it. On the other hand, individuals who oppose abortion rights
frequently endorse policies aimed at limiting abortion accessibility, asserting the imperative of
safeguarding the fetus's entitlement to life (ACOG, n.d.).
The debates frequently encompass
topics pertaining to the allocation of public funds for abortion, insurance coverage, and the
accessibility of healthcare facilities and providers that offer abortion services.
Public policy debates pertaining to abortion encompass discussions on comprehensive
strategies for reproductive health education and prevention as well. Advocates of reproductive
rights advocate for the provision of comprehensive sexual education, a wide range of
contraceptive methods, and accessible family planning services. They underscore the
significance of preventing unintended pregnancies as a strategy to diminish the demand for
abortion. Critics frequently express apprehensions regarding the ethical ramifications associated
with specific contraceptive modalities, as well as the involvement of educational institutions and
governmental bodies in dispensing sexual education (ACOG, n.d.). The debates in question
revolve around the examination of the equilibrium between personal accountability, societal
well-being, and individual liberties within the framework of decisions pertaining to reproduction.
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Pro-Choice
There are many different arguments about abortion rights. Women who face insufficient
resources to adequately provide essential support for a child, such as limited financial means,
limited access to childcare options, or a lack of preparedness for the demanding responsibilities
of parenthood, should not be obligated to carry their pregnancies to full term. Moreover, intricate
situations arise in instances of sexual assault, wherein women may endure long-lasting
psychological and emotional consequences because of a traumatic event. In such given
circumstances, it is crucial to acknowledge and uphold the legitimacy of abortion as a viable
alternative for these individuals. Furthermore, situations in which women encounter substantial
health obstacles that require the termination of pregnancy, or when they choose to undergo
abortion to safeguard their own lives, warrant meticulous examination. At the core of these
discussions lies the principle of autonomy, which posits the notion of a woman's sovereignty
over her own physical being and decisions regarding reproduction. Ethical theories that are
congruent with this viewpoint, such as ethical individualism, contend that individuals ought to
possess the capacity for self-governance in matters pertaining to their physical well-being and
personal existence, provided that their actions do not inflict harm upon others (Hewson, 2001).
Pro-Life
Opposing perspectives argue that the developing fetus, being a human entity, inherently
possesses the attributes of humanity and therefore justifies recognition of its entitlement to life
and safeguarding. This viewpoint is consistent with the ethical principle that upholds the sanctity
and inherent worth of every human life. Proponents of this perspective underscore the unique
characteristics of the fetus and advocate for prioritizing its rights above those of the pregnant
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7
woman. In his study, Holland (n.d.) explores the influence of medical technology on the
depiction and understanding of the fetus, shedding light on how advancements in the medical
domain have played a role in acknowledging the fetus as an individual human being with legal
and ethical implications.
My Stance on Abortion
The pro-choice perspective gains significant persuasive power when considering the life
experiences, acquired knowledge, and hardships faced by individuals who may be contemplating
the prospect of becoming parents. The proposition posits that individuals who have accumulated
a greater number of years of life experience and acquired wisdom should possess the capacity to
exercise judgment and refrain from procreating a child who would be unwelcome, thereby
sparing both the child and them from potential suffering within the world. This perspective
highlights the concept that if pregnancy is considered a societal obligation, then it should also
discourage negligent parenting. The phenomenon of delivering a child in an adverse setting has
the potential to sustain an ongoing cycle of poverty, depression, and various detrimental
consequences.
For instance, it is frequently contended by individuals that oppose abortion that instances
where individuals’ express remorse regarding their choice to terminate a pregnancy are indicative
of the subsequent onset of depression. Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge that the act
of raising a child presents considerable difficulties and adversities. Parenthood entails a
multitude of challenges, including postpartum blues, postpartum depression, the potential risk of
sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), feelings of isolation, and difficulties in meeting the needs
8
of both the baby and mother. It is imperative to recognize that the verdant hue of grass on the
opposite side is not invariably superior.
Moreover, the accessibility of secure and lawful abortion holds significant significance. The
criminalization of abortion would potentially lead to an elevated probability of individuals in
desperate circumstances turning to unsafe methods to terminate pregnancies. The situation
presents notable health hazards and underscores the imperative of safeguarding the availability of
abortion as a medically sound intervention (ProCon.org, 2022).
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References
ACOG. (n.d.).
Abortion Care
.
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/induced-abortion
Hewson, B. (2001). Reproductive autonomy and the ethics of abortion.
Journal of Medical
Ethics
,
27
(Supplement 2), ii10–ii14.
https://doi.org/10.1136/jme.27.suppl_2.ii10
Holland, J. (n.d.).
Abolishing Abortion: The History of the Pro-Life Movement in America
. The
American Historian.
https://www.oah.org/tah/issues/2016/november/abolishing-abortion-
the-history-of-the-pro-life-movement-in-america/
KFF. (2023, June 6).
States with Gestational Limits for Abortion
. https://www.kff.org/womens-
health-policy/state-indicator/gestational-limit-abortions/?
currentTimeframe=0&sortModel=%7B%22colId%22:%22Location%22,%22sort
%22:%22asc%22%7D
ProCon.org. (2022, June 24).
Abortion - Top Arguments for and Against - ProCon.org
. Abortion.
https://abortion.procon.org/
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