Gizmo De La Cruz Composition October 19, 2001 Unborn Sally walked towards the entrance of the clinic glancing nervously at the side of the building where protesters had been gathered since early morning. Their screams drowned out her thoughts as the words "murderer" and "sinner" welcomed her into the lobby. Once inside, she sat patiently waiting for the nurse to call her into the doctor's office. While Sally was waiting, she began to wonder what life would be like with a child. It only took a few moments for her to realize that an abortion would be a mistake. Immediately she got up and left the clinic, fetus and all. There is a major controversy over the issue of abortion. The nature of this practice cuts to the heart of humanity. Many people believe an unborn fetus is really a child and abortion is murder. However, there are many people who think women should have the right to choose whether to have a baby or not. Between these opposing viewpoints there is the question of when a fetus becomes a baby. Each side makes strong points to support their beliefs; nevertheless, the differences between both sides have kept this issue contentious for a long time. In the Christian world, every life has meaning and value. From conception to death, Christians believe every life has an inviolable right to live. The age-old belief that human life must be respected and protected is the philosophy these "pro-lifers" believe. The Pro-life movement has attempted to change the way America views abortion. Since the Supreme Court's ruling on Roe V. Wade in 1973, the Pro-life movement has had a difficult time gaining support from the secular world. However, they have successfully influenced legislators, creating laws that restrict abortion. The Pro-choice movement has been struggling to give women the right to choose what they want when it comes to pregnancy. Before Roe V. Wade, abortions were illegal in most of the United States. Thus, the Pro-choice supporters rallied to fight for the rights they believe every woman should have. Their main argument is that a woman should be able to decide for herself whether she wants a baby, and the state should not interfere. A social consensus exists among "pro-lifers" and "pro-choicers" that when a fetus becomes a human (human personhood), the person must be protected. However, the main issue is "when" this happens. The Pro-life followers believe human personhood begins at the instant of conception. Thus, they see an abortion clinic as the ethical equivalent of a Nazi death camp. To "Pro-choicers," human personhood begins later in gestation or at birth. Despite the similarity between the objectives of both groups (to reduce abortions), each side has its own methods of achieving their goals. In conclusion, both sides of the abortion issue present good arguments, and because of the major difference between the two, the issue of abortion will always remain controversial. However, if both sides ever found the ability to compromise, there truly would be fewer abortions in America. Sally made her choice; fortunately, it was a boy. |