ABORTION
The Ethical Controversy of the Twenty First Century
Abortion
 Abortion is the termination of a pregnancy
 It is a very safe procedure when performed by a
professional
 The earlier an abortion is performed, the fewer the
risks
 In 2005, 96 815 induced abortions were recorded in
Canada
 Generally, there has been a decrease in induced
abortions over the past five years
Types of Abortion
 Spontaneous Abortion


http://www.prolifelouisiana.org/uploads/images/ru486.jpg
Also known as a miscarriage
25% of pregnancies end in a miscarriage
 Medical Abortion


Uses two type of medication to end pregnancy
One pill stops progesterone while the other empties uterus
 Surgical Abortion

Removal of the contents in the uterus
 Late Term Abortion


Medication causes uterus to contract and expel fetus
Partial Birth: Fetus is pulled out by the feet and abortionist
collapses the skull to remove from uterus
Technological Advancement
 Technology allows fetuses and embryos to be
screened for genetic abnormalities
 Amniocentesis and Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)


Using fluid that surrounds the uterus or a sample of the
placenta
Can check for genetic abnormalities in the fetus and in some
countries, offered the choice of an abortion for severe
abnormalities
 Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)


Screens embryos for abnormalities before being re-implanted
into the uterus
Allows parents to choose or ‘design’ their future children
Pro-Life vs. Pro-Choice
Pro-Life
Pro-Choice
 Against abortion
 For abortion
 Aims to stop abortion
 Aims to reduce number
altogether
 Unwanted pregnancies
should go to adoption
 Unborn child should
have equal rights
of abortions needed
through more
contraception use
 Cannot take away
woman’s right to
choose
Human Rights
Pro-Life
Pro-Choice
 Human life begins at
 Human life begins when
conception and should
have human rights
 Unborn child should
have full legal rights to
protect it
the child is born
 Government laws
interfering with
women’s rights to their
own body violates
privacy rights
http://nmhm.washingtondc.museum/exhibits/imgs/conception3.jpg
Genetic Screening
Pro-Life
Pro-Choice
 A ‘defective’ fetus
 Allows for healthier
deserves just as much
right to live
 Discriminates against
those who are disabled
children
 Less complications with
a healthier child
http://www.obgyn.net/Frontiers_In_Reproductive_Medicine/images/PGD.gif
Partial Birth Abortion
Pro-Life
Pro-Choice
 Like any other type of
 Stage of fetus should
abortion, it is immoral
 Risks increase with a
late term pregnancy
 Fetus is conscious
during this stage and
can feel pain
not matter
 Woman’s health could
be endangered if partial
birth abortion does not
take place
http://www.babble.com/CS/blogs/strollerderby/fetus2.jpg
Future of Abortions
 As technology increases, the easier and safer
abortions will be
 This will lead to more arguments over the topic of
abortion
 The controversy of abortions will continue and a
common ground will not be reached between those
who are Pro-Life and those who are Pro-Choice
Bibliography
Arthur, J. (2000, August 24). The Pro-Choice Action Network. Retrieved November 14, 2008, from
http://www.prochoiceactionnetwork-canada.org/articles/realchoice.shtml
Cavanagh, D. (2001). Abortion. In Encyclopedia Americana (Vol. 1, pp. 43-45). Connecticut: Grolier Incorporated.
Ending Your Pregnancy. (2006, July). Retrieved November 9, 2008, from
http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/articles/846.printerview.html
Induced Abortion. (n.d.). Retrieved November 11, 2008, from http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp043.cfm
Induced Abortion Statistics. (2008, May 21). Retrieved November 23, 2008, from http://www.statcan.gc.ca/bsolc/olc-cel/olc-
cel?lang=eng&catno=82-223-X
Lassieur, A. (2001). Abortion. San Diego: Lucent Books, Inc.
Mifeprex (mifepristone) Information. (2007, August 29). Retrieved November 9, 2008, from
http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/mifepristone/
Pro-Life Answers to Pro-Choice Questions. (n.d.). Retrieved November 16, 2008, from http://righttolifetoronto.org/index.php?id=113
Torr, J. D. (2006). Abortion. New York: Greenhaven Press.
Watkins, C. (2005). The Ethics of Abortion. New York: Greenhaven Press.