Exploring the Pro-Life Standpoint in Abortion Discussions Migdalia Calderon

.docx

School

Springfield Technical Community College *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

101

Subject

Philosophy

Date

Jan 9, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

Uploaded by LieutenantRock13074

Running head: EXPLORING THE PRO-CHOICE STANDPOINT IN ABORTION DISCUSSIONS 1 Exploring the Pro-Choice Standpoint in Abortion Discussions Migdalia Calderon Springfield Technical Community College

EXPLORING THE PRO-CHOICE STANDPOINT IN ABORTION DISCUSSIONS 2 Abstract This paper examines six articles offering insights into the pro-life and pro-choice debate, with a specific focus on the ongoing controversy surrounding late-term abortion and reproductive rights. The discourse encompasses the intricate intersection of individual rights, social values, and historical context. The overturning of Roe vs. Wade has not only shifted decision-making to states but has also heightened the risks associated with accessing safe and legal abortion. The narrative underscores the transformative role of education in shaping societal attitudes and legal outcomes. It recognizes the historical journey where laws, forged through the struggles of countless women, were enacted to safeguard reproductive rights. However, the prospect of living in a time where these hard-won protections might vanish, leaving only echoes of debate, evokes a sense of unease. Education emerges as a powerful force that has the capacity to effect positive change, as evidenced by the passage of laws mitigating the suffering of many women. The narrative reflects on the potential disquietude of being alive in a period when robust legal safeguards may give way to mere arguments in their shadow. Keywords: Late-term abortion, Roe v. Wade, Bodily Autonomy

EXPLORING THE PRO-CHOICE STANDPOINT IN ABORTION DISCUSSIONS 3 Exploring the Pro-Choice Standpoint in Abortion Discussions In the ongoing discourse surrounding reproductive rights, the topic of late-term reproductive rights remains relevant almost five decades after the passing of Roe vs. Wade. Late- term abortion, generally defined as procedures performed after the 24th week of pregnancy, is a subject deeply rooted in emotional and ethical complexities. As we contextualize the matter, it becomes evident that maintaining the legality of late-term abortion is essential for the upholding of women’s First Amendment rights, ensuring access to safe and legal procedures, and keeping an eye on the delicate balance between individual autonomy and social interests. By understanding the nuances of late-term abortion, we can better assert the need for preserving women's rights to bodily autonomy while addressing the broader societal concerns that surround this sensitive topic. In the United States, the discourse on reproductive rights has been continually relevant and evolving since the pivotal Supreme Court decision, Roe vs. Wade, in 1973 (Rich, 2022). This landmark ruling solidified a woman's legal right to choose abortion, striking a balance between the right to privacy and the state's interest in protecting fetal life. Over the years, this precedent has been a focal point of intense debates, with one significant area of contention being late-term abortion. Planned Parenthood challenges the legitimacy of the term, characterizing it as a product of anti-abortion propaganda: “It's actually a completely made-up phrase that has no basis in medicine. It's pure anti-abortion propaganda, intended to confuse people about when abortion happens” (Planned Parenthood website, 2022). As we navigate the complexities of late-term abortion, it is crucial to dispel any misconceptions surrounding the terminology and to approach the examination of women's rights through an ethical lens.

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help