Question

is there anything that you have gained from thinking about abortion within the broader context of medical ethics?  is there something you learned that made you read the arguments for/against abortion in a new way?

Answer 1

Abortion is the ending of a pregnancy by removal or expulsion of an embryo or fetus.An abortion that occurs without intervention is known as a miscarriage or "spontaneous abortion" and occurs in approximately 30% to 50% of pregnancies.When steps are taken to end a pregnancy purposely , it is called an induced abortion. Unsafe abortion is a cause of maternal deaths in developing countries .Unwanted pregnancies are major reason for abortion. Laws made in various countres made abortion safe for all women. The law allows a woman to end her pregnancy due to valid reasons such as  that the pregnancy threaten physical or mental health of lady.

There are people who support and those who oppose abortion, as providers of abortion care to so many women we have an important part to play.

I view abortion  as an issue that concerns the autonomy and dignity of a pregnant woman. “Autonomy” means If a woman who is pregnant wishes to stop being, she is able to do it. Pregnancy is a major life event that can cause immense discomfort and disruption to women. For unintentional or unplanned pregnancies ,abortion is a better option.If the lady is not ready to receive the baby mentally or due to social circumstances choice of abortion is no harm. Since termination is legalised no point in pondering over ethical issues because it is done for valid reasons. Range of circumstances in which abortion is morally acceptable are

• disruption of education or employment;

• lack of support from family

• desire to support for existing children;

• poverty, unemployment or inability to afford additional children

• relationship issues with husband or partner

• adolescent pregnancy she is too young to have a child.

There should be freedom to make right choice in such difficult situations.

Opponents of abortion argue that abortion is equal to murder and that, no matter how much women may suffer, they should not be allowed to “kill their children”. Here embryo-foetus is considered a person from very early. I argue embryo-foetus is part of woman's body.If she is not mentally or physically ready no matter she should be allowed for abortion .But It is unethical if abortion is done due to gender preference ,body image disturbance.