Controversy is found within the majority of conversations in todays societies. Ranging from miniscule debates, to political disputes- it has evolved into a key part of communication. The debate on the prochoice, versus prolife movement, however has become one of the biggest debates in history. Prochoice is defending the idea that women should have the right to birth control, contraceptives, and abortions. Prolife defends natural family planning- selectively choosing to have sex at times when ovulation is not occurring- as the only form of birth control or contraceptive, and is against birth control under any circumstance. There is a lack of agreement in all aspects of this debate. As a result, there has been decades full of debates, movements, and political interventions that have amounted to no progress. A defining step in finding common ground is fully understanding the motives and beliefs behind each side. 

For prolife, their argument if rooted in the idea that from the moment of conception, there is a human being present. This belief then constitutes abortion as murder- the taking of a persons' life. Accordingly, so, anything to prevent or counteract the natural process of reproduction- such as birth control, and conception, are all variations of abortion and should not be legal. These medical practices are believed to be rooted from selfish, unmoral, and unethical behaviors, and are not viewed as appropriate. However, prochoice rights extend beyond superficial reasons, and attention needs to be brought to the benefits of these rights. 

Prochoice rights give women not only the right to choice, but the right to determine and decide. Beyond avoiding or terminating a pregnancy, these advancements benefit women on physical, mental, and financial levels. Having these resources readily available allow the woman to consider her individual circumstance and make a decision that is appropriate for that circumstance. Beginning birth control has many different motives ranging from period, hormonal, and acne control, all in addition to pregnancy prevention. Additionally, the physical, and emotional stress alongside financial instability create an unsafe environment for the woman, as well as the unborn child. These detrimental effects are eliminated by legal abortions. Having this medical practice available is beneficial to woman who are effected negatively in those ways by pregnancy. By taking away this procedure, more illegal, unsafe abortions are being preformed which has lead to the consumption of more hospital beds, and an increasing amount of avoidable deaths. 

Regardless of these benefits, prochoice is not arguing for abortions to be a form of birth control. There needs to be circumstantial regulation. There has to be a limitation, and open-minded process when making these decisions. None the less, prochoice rights have a selfless foundation as well, and positively impact woman and society that are overshadowed by the negative side of such rights that are illuminated by the prolife movement. 

There are many additional reasons for the use of birth control. Majority of them not associated with pregnancy prevention. For example, "Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance which causes irregular menstrual periods, acne, and excess hair growth" (Center for Young). Birth control pills lower target hormones to regulate these reactions- with regulation these hormonal abnormalities standardize (Center for Young). Psychologically it can be detrimental for young women experiencing puberty. Going through sexual, and mental identity changes, "[i]n particular, girls who mature earlier than their peers seem to find pubertal adjustment especially challenging and are more likely to experience detrimental sequelae" (Mendle). "Biological theories of maturational dysfunction hinge on the physical and hormonal changes" (Mendle), these hormonal changes can lead to excessive emotion and sensitivity (Mendle). Therefore, hormones related to periods can be damaging to a woman's mind- with the addition of uncontrollable acne, or hair growth, these changes put woman in a spot of confrontation, especially at a young age. Birth control can drastically decrease the hormonal side effects associated with menstrual cycles. In a result, preventing psychological damage to a woman's maturing mind. 

On the contrary, birth control pills can stimulate monthly menstrual cycles. Women in circumstances of low eight, excessive exercise, stress, radiation, or damaged ovaries are at risk for minimal to no menstrual cycle regardless of age. Birth control pills may be administered to replenish the hormone estrogen, that is lacking from the body. Estrogen is not only vital for fertilization; it also contributes to bone health in the female body. These pills act as a regulation for estrogen levels in the ovaries, maintaining a standard level. (Center for Young). There are pills that act in reverse ways that regulate heavy menstrual cycles, and reduce the amount of bleeding per cycle. This reduction, as well as birth control in general drastically reduce a women's risk of anemia- "a condition marked by a deficiency of red blood cells or of hemoglobin in the blood, resulting in pallor and weariness" (anemic). Red blood cells are essential for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the body tissue (Center for Young).Additional medical benefits include their ability to" lower [the] chance of endometrial (lining of the uterus) cancer, ovarian cancer, and ovarian cysts" (Center for Young). 

Its apparent that birth control has external effects on women besides pregnancy prevention. These conditions consistently effect women's health, and with the prescription of birth control, they can be reduced. These benefits should not be overlooked as they have medical reasoning and proof for improving women's health and fertility.  

A core disagreement between these two arguments is that birth control pills counteracts the natural process of reproduction. This statement is true on the prolife side, however, this counteraction has decreased the amount of unwanted pregnancies, then decreasing the rate of abortions. "According to a 20112 Brookings institution report, more than [ninety] percent of abortions occur due to unintended pregnancy" (Williams). An additional study was done by investigators at Washington University, and results prove that providing birth control drastically cuts abortion rates from 62 to 78 percent of the national rate (Williams). This study itself proves that birth control plays an immense role in controlling unplanned pregnancies. Prolife would argue that partners should abstain from sexual intercourse- then eliminating the need for both birth control, and abortions. However, in modern society 61 percent of eighteen year olds have had sex for the first time (American Teens). This being said, realistic action needs to be taken based off of social norms. 

A research study was conducted called the "Contraceptive CHOICE project" which contained 9, 256 women at risk for unintended pregnancy. The project allowed women their choice of birth control, as well as counseling methods throughout the project. The national abortion rate began at 19.6 abortions per 1,000 women; After the administered birth control, the abortion rate within the study ranged from 4.4 to 7.5 per 1,000 women (Williams). This study is a primary example of the drastic effect birth control has on abortion. In modern society, its unrealistic to expect teens to eliminate sex from their relationships, so precautions need to be taken to regulate this activity and prevent abortions from being used as a form of birth control. 

I strongly believe abortions should not be used as forms of birth control. Birth control pills or applications in addition to condoms should be used for pregnancy prevention. The utilization of abortions as a form of "pregnancy prevention" is abusive to this medical practice, and should not be tolerated. However, there are circumstantial reasons for abortions that should be taken under consideration when discussing the validity of these rights. Unwanted pregnancies can lead to excessive abuse on a female's body, and mind. In addition, the birth of an unwanted child can lead to post partum depression, as well s neglect and rejection to the child. In return, this will present the child with psychological disorders as well. Dr. Nancy Russo and Henry David present that "[a]lthough it is true that unwanted pregnancy does not always translate into unwanted births, research on the development of children who were unwanted during pregnancy suggests that when women say they cannot adequately care for a child, it is important to listen to them". They explore in their article the set backs associated with unwanted pregnancies. As stated in the article, "child bearing has been linked with a variety of social problems, including divorce, poverty, child abuse, and juvenile delinquency". It is able to be concluded that unwanted children are at an increased risk of living in a home that is not secure. These children are more likely to grow up and "be engaged in criminal behavior, be on welfare, and receive psychiatric services" (Russo). Additionally, it is proven that unintended children have a lower self esteem than their intended peers 23 year later (Russo). The unborn baby is also at risk for physical effects upon birth. Unborn babies of teenage moms "are more likely to have low birth weight and suffer birth injury and neurological defects. Such babies are twice as likely to die in the first year of life as babies born to mothers who delay childbearing until after age 20" (Russo). Despite the medical advances that decrease a child's chance for these effects at birth, the psychological effects continue to persist (Russo). Majority of these pregnancies occur with women who are from a disadvantaged background- then generally not being able to adequately provide the child with an education. As a result, they preform below average on standardize tests, and are generally disruptive in school compared to children of older women (Russo).  The obvious detrimental effects on children as a result of an unwanted pregnancy need to be accounted for when discussing the termination of a pregnancy. This counseling and evaluation needs to occur within the first few weeks of the pregnancy- I believe second and third trimester abortions should be illegal. A choice on the pregnancy needs to be aided by counseling, however, needs to be a timely decision before the embryo further develops. 

Not only does the unwanted pregnancy effect the child, it effects the mothers both mentally and physically. "Teenage mothers are more likely to suffer toxemia, anemia, birth complications and death" (Russo). These circumstances generally fall on women with social disadvantages. However, with the access to legal abortions, "the correlation between unwanted childbearing, and negative outcomes in the remaining population giving birth is reduced" (Russo). In general, it has been proven through research that regardless of age, any child born after an unintended pregnancy, where abortion was denied, the children are more at risk for psychological and social problems (Russo). These disadvantages are an apparent issue when discussing unwanted pregnancies. Through a psychological and physical evaluation, and counseling, these issues should be discussed and if found appropriate by a therapist and medical team, an abortion should be available to women at risk. 

"Every year, about 78,000 women die from unsafe and illegal abortions. For every death caused by unsafe abortion, several women are injured or left infertile" (Arthur). In areas where abortion is illegal, "women die at the rate of 330 deaths per 100,00 abortion procedures" (Arthur). Of these illegal abortions, over 30 percent of women suffer complications such as hemorrhaging, sepsis, and infertility. In countries where abortion is legal, this rate is reduced to 1-3 percent, and majority of those complications do not require hospitalization (Arthur). Abortions are occurring whether legal or not, however, its statistically proven that legal abortions proved a safe sterile environment that greatly decrease the complications associated with each procedure. Logically, its beneficial to women if this practice was legal, and could be regulated, monitored and preformed by medical experts. "Legal abortion is a very critical factor in improving survival rates for women. About 600,00 maternal deaths related to pregnancy and child birth occur every year in the world ( ... ) 13 percent of these deaths are due to unsafe abortions" (Arthur). In the United States before 1973, illegal abortions were responsible for 23 percent of pregnancy complications recorded in Municipal hospitals in New York City. After legalization, that percent fell by 75 percent (Arthur). Once again statistically proven, legal abortions provide a safer environment for women to have these procedures done, and decrease the amount of deaths associated. Unsafe abortion complications also consume "two-thirds of the maternity beds, and up to 50% of the hospitals maternity budget" (Arthur). All of these may be drastically reduced with the administration of contraceptives, and legal abortions. As stated by Joyce Arthur, "American woman's right to abortion and contraception has been undermined by extreme anti- choice violence and harassment, and numerous legal, social, and political obstacles. America's large and politically powerful anti-choice movement is also against contraception, with the result that 1.3 million American women still have abortions every year, a rate of 24 per 1000 women ( ... )The abortion rate has declined from a high of almost 1.6 million abortions in the early 1990's, due mostly to increased contraceptive use and reduced sexual activity amongst young people" (Arthur). This quote directly speaks on my argument. Since the reduction of pre-marital sex cannot be taken to zero, precautions need to be taken regarding safe sex. That includes the administration of birth control and condoms. Without these, abortion rates increase drastically, and without regulation, can occur in all three trimesters which is morally unacceptable. 

Prolife would morally disagree with the content of this paper. Their argument is the based in religious beliefs that do not evolve with society. Stated in an argument by TFP student action, prochoice are strict "sins against god". This article discusses prolifers belief that life begins at conception. Termination of anything beyond that point is unquestionably murder and should be outlawed. They believe that abstinence is the only appropriate form of birth control before marriage, and after marriage, couples should only engage in sex with the intentions of reproduction. Therefore, financial, physical, and psychological complications should be taken under consideration before participating in sexual activity, and are not validated reasons to end someone's life (terminate a pregnancy). However, it is impossible to control or force society to act along these regulations. Therefore, if the abortion rate is to be controlled, contraceptives and birth control need to be administered. Since 100 percent of couples will not comply with these beliefs as well, there are circumstantial situations where abortions are necessary for both the women and the child.   

There are obvious aspects of the prochoice side that have not received the attention they deserve throughout this debate. Through research on both sides of this argument, I have explored the agreements and disagreements in attempts to find a middle ground between the two debates. As presented in the article, Pro choice does not mean Pro Abortion, the author provides a feasible middle ground solution. It begins with the understanding of each argument, and maintaining an open mind when discussing the sides involved. Through understanding, and statistical facts of each side, the other can gain a view point on the foundation of each argument. The author of this argument, Reverend Carton, is a religious leader and has direct involvement with this debate. Unlike majority of leaders in this argument, he contains an open mind and interest in furthering his understanding of prochoice matters.  Alongside an article by Lydia Saad, she lays out the foundational agreements of each argument. In her article, she states that both sides agree they have the mothers best interest at heart. This meaning in a situation of life and death, both parties would vote for survival of the mother's life first. Likewise, participants who are truly prolife and prochoice, and not anti-abortion and pro-abortion, agree on the idea that second and third trimester are not ethical unless the mother's life is in danger (Saad). Through this foundation itself, a common area can be built upon. From concluding what I have learned, an increase in sexual education at younger ages, for extended periods of the time, can greatly decrease the amount of pre-marital sexual activity. If there is an unintentional pregnancy that a mother wishes to terminate, she must undergo a psychological, physical, and financial evaluation by a therapist and medical team to determine if her condition would worsen as a result of this pregnancy. Likewise, a complete banning of abortions in the second and third trimester completely- as the fetus has already fully developed, and it just continuing to grow. Especially after 25 weeks, when the child could scientifically live outside of the mother. With these solutions in mind, the road to common ground is very possible. 

In conclusion, both prolife and prochoice present convincing arguments, with logical reasoning behind each one. However, prochoice is evolving with society, and improves the condition of life for both mothers and children in certain circumstances. Outside of pregnancy however, prolife arguments ban birth control, and neglect external reasons for this medicine. This medicine greatly benefits women unrelated to pregnancy prevention, and their banning would be more harmful than their existence. Prochoice does not mean pro-abortion, it means the right to decide responsibly on your physical, mental, and financial state and act accordingly. 

