This argument paper will give an overview over the issue of abortion and attempt to provide a justification for the legalization of abortion.
Abortion is seemingly becoming an enormous public health challenge in the United States. It has also emerged to be one of the most contentious social issues among the U.S population, leading to an unprecedented debate over its legalization. This debate can be attributed to the current situation whereby the prevalence rates of abortion seem to have assumed upward trends. It is quite surprising to learn that almost half of pregnancies among women, in the United States are unintended; thus, termination of the pregnancies serves as the most appropriate alternative. It has been found out that half of the women experiences at least one unintended pregnancy before the age of 45 years, and a third of these pregnancies are terminated.
In the past decade, cases of abortion have increased significantly and this change in prevalence trends is believed to have been caused by an array of social, medical and economic factors. Currently, epidemiological reports indicate that four women out of ten pregnant women carry out abortion, in the U.S. However, it is worth noting that the prevalence of abortion among different social classes of people with different socioeconomic status are relatively variant, owing to the differences in conception rates. In the past two decades, unintended pregnancy rates among women with low socioeconomic status increased by 50%, whereas the rates decreased by 29% among women with high socioeconomic status. These epidemiological trends have caused uproar in the society, leading to the current abortion debate. Despite the controversy overshadowing the issue, abortion appears to be a personal issue because; it influences one’s health and social life.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Thesis Statement
- History of Abortion Laws in the United States
- Roe vs Wade Case
- Women Rights
- Current Legal Situation
- Statistics
- Public Opinion
- Arguments
- Counter-arguments
- Rebuttal
Objectives and Key Themes
This argument paper aims to provide an overview of the abortion debate in the United States and justify the legalization of abortion. It explores the history of abortion laws, the landmark Roe vs. Wade case, and the current legal situation in various states. The paper also discusses public opinion, arguments for and against abortion, and the potential impact of abortion on women's health and social life.
- The History of Abortion Laws in the United States
- The Significance of the Roe vs. Wade Case
- The Current Legal Landscape of Abortion in the U.S.
- The Impact of Abortion on Women's Health and Social Life
- The Ethical and Moral Considerations Surrounding Abortion
Chapter Summaries
- Introduction: This chapter introduces the issue of abortion as a major public health challenge and a contentious social issue in the United States. It highlights the increasing rates of unintended pregnancies and the role of abortion as a solution. The author argues that abortion is a personal issue with significant implications for women's health and social life.
- History of Abortion Laws in the United States: This section delves into the historical context of abortion laws in the United States, tracing their evolution from the 1760s to the present day. It outlines the gradual criminalization of abortion in the 19th century and the subsequent rise of restrictive laws in various states. The chapter highlights the impact of the Comstock laws and the pivotal role of the American Medical Association in shaping public opinion on abortion.
- Roe vs Wade Case: This chapter examines the landmark Supreme Court decision of Roe vs. Wade, which legalized abortion in the United States in 1973. The decision granted women the right to terminate their pregnancies during the first trimester and struck down existing restrictive state laws. The chapter explores the rationale behind the court's ruling and its impact on women's rights.
- Women Rights: This section focuses on the implications of the Roe vs. Wade decision for women's rights. It highlights the court's recognition of women's privacy and autonomy over their reproductive decisions. The chapter emphasizes the right of women to make choices about their bodies and their families without undue interference from the state.
- Current Legal Situation: This chapter provides an overview of the current legal situation surrounding abortion in the United States. It discusses the ongoing debate and legislative efforts to restrict or expand access to abortion. The chapter explores the varying legal statuses of abortion in different states and the impact of recent court decisions.
- Statistics: This section presents statistical data on abortion in the United States, including the prevalence of abortion among different age groups and demographic categories. It examines the reasons for abortion and the impact of social and economic factors on abortion rates.
- Public Opinion: This chapter explores public opinion on abortion in the United States, highlighting the diverse perspectives and the influence of gender, age, political affiliation, and religious beliefs on attitudes towards abortion.
- Arguments: This section presents arguments in favor of legalizing abortion. It examines arguments from various perspectives, including the Islamic view on abortion, the liberal perspective on teenage pregnancies, and the Democratic Party's position on decriminalization.
- Counter-arguments: This chapter presents arguments against legalizing abortion. It explores the positions of the Republican Party, conservationists, and those who believe that abortion violates societal norms and values.
- Rebuttal: This section refutes counter-arguments against legalizing abortion. It argues that women's right to make decisions about their bodies and their reproductive health outweighs other concerns. The chapter also criticizes the inconsistency and flaws in existing laws that restrict abortion.
Keywords
This paper focuses on the legal and ethical aspects of abortion in the United States. Key terms and concepts include: abortion, legalization, Roe vs. Wade, women's rights, privacy, autonomy, public opinion, religious views, political perspectives, societal norms, ethical considerations, and health inequity.
- Quote paper
- Patrick Kimuyu (Author), 2016, Should Abortion Be Legalized?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/381134
