Since the landmark case, Roe v. Wade in 1973, which allowed women to have abortions under the right to privacy protected by the Fourteenth amendment, abortion has been a point of contention ever since. Deemed legal to terminate a woman's pregnancy in the first trimester, the specifications have narrowed over the years and grown in complication and significance. Three months ago, in January, an appeal was rejected that would have been the "strictest in the nation" on abortion rights (NBC). "Intend[ing] to make abortions illegal after a fetal heartbeat could be detected," appeals this strict could potentially have launched a major setback for women's rights and also set a precedent for other states to follow (NBC). For example, Texas abortion clinics have dropped in number from 42 to 19 since the issuance of further strict laws on standards of abortion and clinics have been implemented. With furthered, advanced studies on the events of an abortion, the righteousness of it all is constantly debated. As a matter of utility and principle, I favor the nation removing the states' ability to restrict abortion in multiple degrees. In the instance of rape, harm to the mother, or overall unpreparedness, abortions are imperative to society and it is our duty to fulfill women's "dignity in making reproductive decisions". (NBC) 

Not only is abortion a challenging subject to discuss, because of the grotesque aspects it entails, but it is also a challenge to wrap around one's mind, with varying medical beliefs. To some, the issue of abortion is only a problem to a woman, since it is just her body that is involved. If a father is in the picture and active, then the process includes him as well. Bachiochi, an esteemed journalist, proposes that having the ability to bring a child into the world is a respected gift, unique to women, while debunking the stereotype that only feminists are pro-choice. (Bachiochi). The creation of a baby includes both a man and a woman, so men are equally as liable and responsible for their actions and their outcomes. To put it into perspective, let's say, for example, that the impregnated woman is only sixteen, and the father is aloof. The absence of a father, and even more serious- the absence of a husband who is bonded to the mother of the child by marriage, raising a baby alone is challenging. Worst-case scenario, the woman, or young teenager I should say, is without support from her family. Like most fifteen year olds, she is in school and is incapable of raising a child. Now that is, if raising a child means nurturing it with not just nutrients, but also attention, care, and love. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "in 2014, a total of 249,078 babies were born to women aged 15-19 years, for a birth rate of 24.2 per 1,000 women in this age group" (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Thanks to increased education on the topic of pregnancy, rates have dropped, but the issue of teen pregnancy still remains. Since almost half of pregnancies in America are unwanted or unexpected, abortions can relieve the unqualified or unprepared women (Women's Health survey). If the woman is out of school and is of average age of having children, there are still potential barriers that could stop her from raising the baby to the best of her ability in qualified condition. On the financial spectrum, a lot of investment in time and money go into the birth and overall childhood support of a baby. From daycare expenses to the costs of cribs and infant supplies, raising just one child can be incredibly taxing on an individual's paycheck. As explained, family and financial factors play a huge role in the upbringing of a healthy, happy baby. 

In the event of rape, in which a woman has least expected the interaction and a pregnancy as its outcome, the mother of the child is tremendously unprepared in expecting this life-changing event. In a situation where the woman did not give consent, she is liable to get pregnant against her own will. Even though woman are supposedly held responsible for getting pregnant since they are aware of the abilities of their reproductive organs, in the event of rape, a woman should not be held responsible for the outcome. 

Consider a scenario: what if a woman was aware of her actions and their repercussions, and still consented to sex knowing the potential outcomes, but if she decided later on that she simply does not want to have the baby? Is that selfish of her or is it just unfortunate that women are held to standards where they are suspected to be careful all the time just since another human has the ability to get a woman pregnant? Writer, Pollitt, demands a rally for society to consider the immense change in women's lives over the past decades, which calls for respect of privacy of a woman's body and freedom of choice. Pollitt argues that women should be allowed to become "mothers by choice, not fate" (Pollitt).  It is uncomforting to imagine a woman birthing and raising a child that she does not want. Whether it is because the woman wishes of pursuing a job, furthering her education, doesn't want to raise a child alone, or simply just does not want a child at all for personal reasons, I think it is important that a woman who raises a child is sure in entirety that she will do it to the best of her ability. According to Liz Lampkin, "if two people struggle to sustain a healthy connection, adding a child to the equation can be the straw that broke the camel's back" (Lampkin). If a child is raised poorly and brought up in an unwelcoming family, he or she is less likely to do good in the world. This, in turn affects us. The stability of society and welfare of the future population depends on the babies that are being born and raised today. If a woman already has too many children, cannot financially support the baby, wishes to continue education, or simply does not want or feel comfortable to carry the burden of raising a child, abortions can alleviate. It is crucial to ensure that able, loving parents, who are capable of financial, social, and emotional support, bring up the newest generation of humanity. 

Activists of abortion legalization believe that "between 68% and 81% of pregnancies abort within 2 weeks; 89% to 91% abort after 45 days" and the 68% of abortions that occur within the first six weeks of pregnancy are painless to the fetus, an organism incapable of brain activity and surviving without the bodily support of its mother (Women's Health). Also, these supporters believe that the other 32% of abortions can help end women's life threatening occurrences. During pregnancy and childbirth, fatalities within the fetus can cause pain and even death to the mothers, who are capable of living and feeling. Take Christy Zink, a mother of two children, for example. Thrilled by the blessing of another child, Zink discovered at a doctor's appointment that her baby was diagnosed with agenesis of the corpus callosum and that part of its brain had failed in developing. Zink's decision to abort her fetus after twenty-one weeks into pregnancy was one of thought and care- she did not want her child to have to be birthed and suffer with an entirely malfunctioning brain. Even though Zink's case is rare, in situations like this one, it is dire to grant woman the freedom with how to handle their lives, as well as their child's. In an argument over a law banning abortion after twenty weeks of pregnancy, two sides are taken, and not necessarily between conservatives and liberals. Roughly 50% of Americans who polled favoring the ban after twenty weeks believe that the baby can feel pain and could live independently of its mother at that time. The other 50%, including Christy Zink, believe that the ban would infringe on women's rights and that she has the choice up until viability. In Christy's case, she pushes for no time constraints on abortions for the overall lifetime health of her baby.

On the other hand, advocators of pro-life believe that abortion is the "premeditative killing of one human being by another" (Merriam-Webster). The main divide in the debate revolves around the question as to when the exact moment is that a fetus turns into a human capable of brain activity. Regardless of which trimester the abortion is performed, firm believers consider abortion the termination of an innocent life. From a religious perspective, the Catholic faith especially, values the preservation of human life. In literal terms, abortion goes against this principle, regardless of the scientific data of when an organism becomes a human. However, brain activity is not the only measure in which people determine when a fetus turns into a human being. Other bodily factors, such as heartbeat and size of the fetus, can also be a determinant for when a fetus makes that transformation. Not everyone agrees on these factors, as to which is the proper element for decision-making and for when the exact moment takes place. Since these guidelines have not been set or stabilized, arguments continue on this perplexing debate. 

Without even needing to get into the medical or religious aspects of abortion, pro-life advocates, many who deem like as a gift from God, offer the alternative option of adoption. From a religious aspect, followers would view an unexpected pregnancy as part of God's plan, and would not want to tamper with it. So, one would ask, why not give the baby up for adoption? Kelseigh Ingram, a student writer, is pro-choice for a more unique and private reason, being that she is infertile for her lifetime. Ingram considers this avoidance of abortion with the solution of adoption patronizing in a way to others like her, because she does not want people to assume that it is their burdening task on their bodies and themselves to have her baby. She views it as "unfair to make someone go through a pregnancy against their will" as if it were their job to give birth for someone else's desire.

In regards to women's natural rights of their bodies with respect to self-ownership, author Pollitt argues that women should be allowed to become "mothers by choice, not fate" (Pollitt). The author advocates for the "Trust Women" slogan in this movement to inform people that women are the most capable in deciding what to do with their bodies, since they are the ones living in them, not other spectators. Instead of assuming the opposite of pro-life is "pro-death," Pollitt encourages readers to reconsider the meaning of choice. It does not mean every pregnant woman is getting an abortion, but that one has the freedom to do so if necessary. Even if women never plan to get pregnant, they should be guaranteed with reassurance that if it were to occur, they would have control over their own bodies. Similar to how women innately were born with reproductive sexual organs, and had no choice over the fact that they have the ability to get pregnant, they should have a choice against that. Since there is nothing women can naturally do to rid of their ability to reproduce, an innate characteristic not chosen by themselves, they should have the opportunity to opt out as well, by not having a child. 

As stated, "social scientists need to understand embryology, whereas biologists need to look beyond the details of development and begin to explore the decision making side of abortion"; this topic can be construed from many varying stances (Ellertson). Remarks derived from only one branch of expertise and viewpoint are not reliable. Protection, in Ellertson's words, pregnancy should be viewed as the "state's duty to a woman in cases where she does not give consent for the fetus to use her body" (Ellertson). Similar to how the government responds to protecting its citizens with a police force, America should offer the same funds when a woman wants protection of her body instead of going through with an unwanted pregnancy. Another important point that needs to be addressed is the "cultural assumption that sex and pregnancy are a package deal" (Ellertson). It isn't fair that a man, who consensually participates in just as much sexual activity as his partner, does not face any bodily ramifications after. It forces women the need to be careful all the time, in the case that she could get pregnant. It is the woman's consent that perpetuates a positive experience with childbirth and the raising of a child. If an unwanted pregnancy occurs and an abortion is not available, then the outcome will in turn affect the rest of society with the child brought up in an unwelcoming state. Though we can't control how mankind was made and that women take on the burden and task of pregnancy, the least we could do is guarantee the female sex a path out of their unmarked road.

From a political stance, it is crucial to understand pro-life advocates' views and to differentiate pro-life supporters from conservatives and pro-choice supporters from liberals. Pointing out that pro-life is "the respect for sanctity of life," writer, Friedman, explains how life begins at conception. In regards to religion, Friedman expresses that pregnancy is a gift and notes that pregnant women would be protected with today's advanced technology and medicine, and will not need an abortion to stay safe. A well-respected writer, he says this without any background evidence sources, and does not assert the situation to all cases. In my opinion, it is better to be on the safe side and to have an option on the side, like abortion.

This topic of abortion interests me not only because I am a female and this law could potentially apply to me in the future, but also due to the social and economic welfare of the United States. Raised in a Catholic household, I would have expected my right-winged thoughts to align with my parents', which remain pro-life. Even though my opinion strays far from my family, I am confident in pro-choice decisions assisting America long term. The other morning I had a check up at the doctor, where I remained in the waiting room for half an hour observing a girl younger than me whose stomach protruded from her body. Without a mother or any guidance in sight, I couldn't help but wonder where her baby would be five years from now. Sadly, this potential of unguarded motherhood is one of the many cases in doctor's offices around America. 

In conclusion, women should have the opportunity of control and protection over their body and have to consent to the fetus to use their body. The states should not ban abortions in any way, as a right to women's freedom.

