When we hear the word ‘abortion,’ it often conjures up negative connotations such as murder and inhumanity. However, the prohibition of abortion presents a significant issue for women not only in the Philippines but worldwide. Pregnancy requires careful consideration and planning, and if it occurs without these factors, why should women be forced to proceed? This article aims to explore why abortion should be legalized and address the questions surrounding this controversial topic.
Despite the government’s efforts to provide preventive services, abortion remains illegal and highly condemned. Nevertheless, some women resort to unsafe and unhygienic procedures to terminate unintended pregnancies due to the stigma associated with abortion in our country. Every year, hundreds of Filipino women face life-threatening complications from unsafe abortions, contributing to the high maternal mortality rate. Additionally, thousands of women require hospitalization for abortion-related complications. The risks associated with unsafe abortions create barriers for women seeking post-abortion care, including the shame associated with the procedure and the high cost of medical services.
Why Abortion Should Be Legal
Supporting Women’s Rights and Reducing Crime
First and foremost, legalizing abortion upholds women’s fundamental rights by giving them the choice to make decisions about their own bodies. It also helps reduce crime by decreasing the number of children growing up in non-ideal conditions. Women should have the autonomy to decide whether to have an abortion based on several significant reasons. In cases where complications arise during pregnancy, and the doctor determines that saving the mother’s life is necessary, abortion is justified. While this means the loss of the fetus, it is preferable to endangering the lives of both the mother and the unborn child.
Acknowledging the Challenges of Parenthood
Raising a child is a demanding task that requires social, emotional, and financial resources. If individuals cannot provide a child with a healthy life, bringing them into this world will only create more problems. Women have the right to control their own bodies and decide if they are emotionally and physically prepared to have and raise a child at any given time. Their rights are not only for themselves but also for the child depending on them for survival.
Challenging Misconceptions about Religion
The “war on women” has coerced many into believing that Christians must universally oppose any form of legal abortion, even to the point of condemning miscarriage itself. However, contrary to popular belief, the Bible does not explicitly prohibit abortion. In fact, there are instances in which the Bible mentions and even commands abortion. One example is the story of Tamar in Genesis 38, where killing an undesired pregnancy is deemed necessary. The Bible is not inherently against abortion. Therefore, the argument that Christians must reject any form of abortion lacks a biblical foundation.
Addressing Instances of Sexual Assault
Legalizing abortion also resolves cases of unwanted pregnancies resulting from rape and other forms of sexual assault. In such situations, the victim should not be blamed; the responsibility lies with the perpetrator. Furthermore, most victims are not prepared for these pregnancies. Therefore, abortion becomes a viable option to terminate unwanted pregnancies and allows women to pursue their aspirations freely. Legalization empowers individuals to seek assistance from professional medical doctors for safe termination of pregnancies, reducing the number of deaths resulting from abortion complications. Unfortunately, the Philippines is out of sync with most of the world regarding abortion laws, subjecting Filipino women to similar risks.
In conclusion, this argumentative essay supports the legalization of abortion as crucial for ensuring the human rights, survival, and well-being of women. Failing to do so perpetuates the risks associated with unsafe abortions. While abortion should be legal but discouraged, it is primarily a matter of choice, and a woman should have full control over her body. By not legalizing abortion, we disregard several fundamental human rights, including the rights to privacy, life, non-discrimination, and health. It is not the government’s place to restrict individuals’ choices without understanding their unique circumstances.
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