I am so sorry this post is late! In class this week we have talked about abortion and adoption and though I think adoption is an important subject, I chose to make my blog entry about abortion and the restrictions we have on it in the United States.
According to the Guttmacher Institute, twenty-two percent of all pregnancies in the United States will end in abortion. Though it is not the most popular decision for women who have an unplanned pregnancy, a significant amount of women each year are choosing abortion (in 2008, 1.21 million legal abortions were performed in the US). Abortion is also the focus of a lot of political and moral debates and because people feel so strongly for and against the issue of abortion, legislation on the procedure is usually controversial.
In an article that I read on azcentral.com titled, Ban on race-based abortions OK'd, it explained that an Arizona Rep. named Steve Montenegro had pushed for a bill to be passed in Arizona that would ban women from having abortions because they are unhappy with the race or gender of the fetus. Many are saying this idea of abortion based on race/gender can't be proved to even be happening and the state Rep. admitted to getting his information from a magazine article about the practice taking place in India and China.
In an article from foxnews.com titled, States Looking to Change Definition of Late-Term Abortion, it outlined the current laws on when a woman can have an abortion and also the soon-to-be changing laws regarding this matter. Restrictions on late-term abortion vary from state to state. In Kansas, this past Wednesday, the Senate passed a bill that will prohibit most abortions after the 21st week of a woman's pregnancy. Also, in Idaho, their Senate backed a similar proposal stating that women cannot have abortions after their 20th week of pregnancy. These bills were decided upon based on research claiming that a fetus can feel pain after 20 weeks.
There are also restrictions on who can have an abortion and who has a say over the decision. Thirty-five states currently enforce parental consent or notification laws for minors seeing abortion. In states where it is mandatory to have a parent's go-ahead, what are young girls supposed to do if they don't have parents? Or if they don't have a good enough relationship with their parents to talk to them about being pregnant and being interested in abortion?
This brings up a lot of questions that I'd like to hear your opinion on:
Who do you think should get to decide what is a "good" reason to have an abortion and what is a "bad" reason? Also, when is it okay to have an abortion and when is it not? And lastly, do you agree with the restrictions on teens seeking abortion?
Sorry AGAIN that this is so late! Have a great/safe Spring Break!
The articles I read for this post:
facts on abortion in the United States
law on late-term abortion changing
abortion based on race article
-Rachel Mitts
Great article! It is defiantly very controversial today. Girls that have to get consent from their parents to have an abortion or if they decide they want the child. They have really not much say in the situation. Honestly, no one knows the best decision for you other than yourself. I think it depends on the person and the situation if it’s so called a “good” or “bad” reason. I am pro life so I don’t think it is okay to have an abortion, although there may be situations that it is necessary to have an abortion if educated about the effects. When can the fetus feel the pain and how could you hurt a human in your body? Many questions pop up to mind when talking about abortions and it is a heated debate still today. I found a neat article on abortions and links to other articles that are interesting: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/sections/abortion/ I am not sure what to think about the restrictions yet. But I do agree that you need to be educated and depending on the situation take action.
ReplyDeleteMolly Ewigman
Great articles and post subject because this topic is very relevant today. Although there are many different views and standpoints on abortions and adoptions, abortion above the two may be the most controversial. As you have mentioned laws in regards to abortions vary statewide and in some states parental consent is required in order for someone underage to have an abortion. This can cause a dilemma especially for a teen who considers themselves to not have a parent(s) or aren't comfortable speaking to them about pregnancy options. In my opinion such a possibility should motivate parents/guardians to become more involved in their child's life especially when it involves sex, safety, and pregnancy. Although it may be a touchy subject it is highly important.
ReplyDeleteWhen deciding to terminate a pregnancy I believe the choice, reasoning, and decision should be up to the pregnant mother. It is good to consider the thoughts of others especially the fathers, but when it comes down to it all it is the woman's body and life. No matter the decision made each has its pros and cons. Restrictions on whether teens can have abortions or not seems like a sort of punishment to me. Not allowing them the choice basically implies "you made the decision to have sex now deal with the consequences" which is very harsh. Parenting is not easy and most teens do seek abortions due to a lack of support, resources, and finances.
-Tiffany Williamson
I really liked this subect and article, controversial, but important to look into. I believe that the choice of an abortion and the reasoning to get one is soley the choice of the pregnant woman. There should not be limitations on who can or cant get abortions, but there should be limitations on when a woman is allowed to get an abortion. I feel that if it is too far along like 6-9 months, then that is too far along in the pregnancy to terminate the baby. As far as sex and race of the child, I believe that the decision is still in the hands of the mother. It is not right if someone finds out that they are pregnant by someone of a race that they dont want their child to be mixed with, and then terminate the pregnancy. If a person did not want to have a child be someone of a certain race then they should not have had sex with them in the first place. There should not be limitations on abortions due to gender because some people have traits of diseases or other health problems that only affect boys or girls, so that is another reason why gender should not be excluded.
ReplyDeleteWhen teens seek abortions, I believe that there are too many restrictions placed on them. I think that teens should not have to have parental consent because many parent do not know that their kids are having sex and the teen may not want their parent to know. Some teens have abusive parents and the revelation of sexual activity or a pregnancy may result in abuse to the teen. Regardless of the reason why teens have sex or get abortions, I believe that is is still their decision an restrictions should not be placed on them. One question that I would like you all to consider is this...You are a 16 year old sexually active girl, you have a steady boyfriend and you all use contraception, you and your boyfriend are not financially stable and the both of you attend school. Your living conditions are not comfortable, and life is a daily struggle for your parents or caregivers. If you found out you were pregnant and wanted an abortion, how would you feel if the law said you couldnt? How would you deal with bringing a child into the world that would have to struggle to survive just as you and your family does?
comment above is by Seqwinya Stevens
ReplyDeleteSeqwinya, I think that's a really interesting question to ask, especially because all of us that are a part of this blog are sitting back from an outsider's perspective and judging what other teens are choosing to do. Yet, in many ways, we can't understand where the teen is coming from unless we are in their position. In the scenario that you played out, which I'm fine with saying is basically my personal situation right now, if I got pregnant, I would love to say that I would keep the child. I love children, I feel responsible and experienced with children and I've always looked forward to being a mother. BUT when it really comes down to it, if I'm not even comfortable enough with where I am in my life, how could I expect a child to be comfortable growing up in the same environment? I think at this moment, if I got pregnant, I would have an abortion. Adoption would be too hard for me emotionally, because I want children so bad, but I know that I can't afford it and it would be somewhat of a tease.
ReplyDelete-Rachel Mitts
ReplyDelete