Kelli Novak
Thesis: The purpose of this paper is to inform the reader on abortion with the
opposing sides of pro life, and pro choice. Feminism is the ethical theory that will
get tied into the issue.
Topic
An ethically interesting topic in which I would like to talk about is abortion.
Abortion is the deliberate termination of a human pregnancy, most often
performed during the first 28 weeks of pregnancy. 1972, Roe vs. Wade, a case
involving abortion in which the court ruled 7-2 that a right to privacy under the
Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment extended to a woman’s decision to
have an abortion. 38 states require an abortion to be performed by a licensed
physician, and 18 states require an abortion to be performed in a hospital at a
specific point in the pregnancy (Guttmacher Institute, papa. 2,3). Nebraska for
example needs to be performed by a licensed physician, and up to the 20 weeks
of pregnancy. Iowa, which is right across the river needs to be performed be a
licensed physician, and up to the third trimester of pregnancy (“An Overview of
Abortion Laws,” 2016).
The two opposing sides to abortion are pro choice, and pro life. The prochoice movement supports and works towards preventing unwanted
pregnancies, reducing abortion, promoting contraception, and education women
and youth. Pro choice does not mean pro-abortion, but to defend the right of
women to decide for themselves (The Pro Choice Action Network, Para. 7). Prolife believers believe life begins at conception and should not be taken away
(TFP Student Action, Para. 5). According to “10 Reasons Why Abortion is Evil &
Not a “Pro-Choice” (2015), 21 weeks is the viable age for the fetus to survive
outside of the womb and by 14 weeks, the entire body surface except for the
back and top of the head is sensitive to pain (TFP Student Action, Para. 15).
Theory
Feminism is the belief that women and men should have equal rights and
opportunities. According to the Feminist PPT, “The origins of the feminist
movement are found in the abolitionist movement of the 1830’s. Seneca Falls,
New York is said to be the birthplace of American feminism”. The goals of
feminism are; to demonstrate the importance of women, to reveal that historically
women have been subordinate to men, and to bring about gender equity.
Feminists fight for the equality of women and argue that women should share
equally in society’s opportunities and scare resources (Feminism PPT).
The four types of feminism are Radical, Socialist, Culture, and Liberal.
According to Study.com, “Radical feminism is a movement that believes sexism
is so deeply rooted in society that the only cure is to estimate the concepts of
gender completely. Radical theorist would argue that the entire traditional family
system is sexist” (Para.5). Socialist feminism is a movement that calls for an end
to capitalism through a socialist reformation of our economy. Socialist argues that
capitalism strengthens and supports the sexist status quo because men are the
ones who currently have the power and money. Socialist feminism focuses on
economics and politics with pointing out the fact that in the United States, woman
are only paid $.70 for the exact same job that a man would be paid a dollar for,
according to study.com (Feminism Types and Definitions, Para. 8).
Cultural feminism points out how modern society is hurt by encouraging
masculine behavior, but society would benefit by encouraging feminine behavior
instead. Liberal feminism focuses more on issues like equality in the workplace,
education, and political rights. Liberal feminists also tend to support marriage as
an equal partnership, more male involvement in childcare, and abortion with the
control ones life choices (“What is Liberal Feminism”).
Application
When you bring up feminism and abortion together, with the question of
pro choice, or pro-life, feminist are going to believe in pro choice. Women have
the respect of their own bodies and can choose as they see fit. If a man rapes
her, she has the decision to abort the baby because that woman knows what’s
best for herself, and her body. Women themselves are the best people to decide
what they should do about getting pregnant, giving birthday, and raising their
children (“Everyday Femanism”).
Feminist believe that forcing women to carry pregnancies again their will is
involuntary servitude, and that children should be wanted with their entrances
into the world, a joyous occasion, and never be considered punishment. Women
have a right to birth control, to have children, to make own decision, and the
ability to decide what they are to do with their bodies (“Why I’m Pro-Choice”).
Evaluation
Every woman has their own right to the choices they make, which took
years to get to. When it comes to abortion, I believe life does start at conception
and babies can feel pain at 14 weeks of age. I think it unfair that many states,
with Nebraska being one of them, allow to abort a baby at 20 weeks of age,
when the fetus only needs to be 21 weeks to be viable outside the womb. I do
believe that under circumstances such as rape or incest that it is appropriate to
abort before the age of 8 weeks.
It surprises me that abortion laws are different in every state and require
certain medical evaluations. I think it is nice that some states require counseling
to occur before and after an abortion, which I think should be implemented in
every state. I do believe in feminism and that men and women should be treated
equally in their public and private lives. Essentially it is the woman’s choice to
make on their bodies, but should be made with their husband or significant other
if it will affect both their lives.
Work Cited
"Roe v. Wade." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Web. 26 Apr. 2016.
An Overview of Abortion Laws." Guttmacher Institute. 2016. Web. 26 Apr. 2016.
"What Pro-Choice Really Means." THE PRO-CHOICE ACTION NETWORK. Web. 26
Apr. 2016.
"10 Reasons Why Abortion Is Evil & Not a 'Pro-Choice'" TFP Student Action. Web. 26
Apr. 2016.
PBS. PBS. Web. 26 Apr. 2016.
"Femanist." Web.
"Feminism Types and Definitions: Liberal, Socialist, Culture & Radical - Video &
Lesson Transcript | Study.com." Study.com. Web. 30 Apr. 2016.
"What Is Liberal Feminism?" About.com Education. Web. 30 Apr. 2016.
"Why I’m Pro-Choice." Everyday Feminism. 2012. Web. 30 Apr. 2016.