Abortion is a profoundly difficult issue for women and families who make these decisions. It is not one to be made casually. Women should be trusted to make these decisions in conjunction with their doctors, families, and clergy. If abortions are banned and a young person is put in such a difficult decision, actions could be taken that may later be regretted. Unsafe abortions may be committed whether or not it is legal and whether or not a parent is notified. The parents of a minor should not be required to have such knowledge. Parents always want their children to come to them in a time of need, but they should never be forced to do so. Requiring minors to notify their parents of an abortion emanates from a desire that our children come to their parents when they are in trouble; that they are not afraid, that they should not be afraid to disappoint, and that they are open. This is ideal, but most of the time this is not true. Abortion is an issue that is and will continue to be a controversial issue; one that may never be agreed upon.
It is a battle to protect a woman’s right to choose. Citizens must respect this right and realize that they make such decisions after much thought; it is definitely not a callous choice they are making. Every pregnant woman has taken such moral issues into consideration. A ban on abortions would only force women to seek unsafe abortions. One can never be told not to do something, if they really want to do it, they will find a way. Instead more proactive things must be done to help in preventing unwanted pregnancies.
            The focus should be on reducing teen pregnancy in general; that seems to be one area where there is agreement. If this is reduced in the first place, then people will be less likely to resort to having an abortion. The way to do that is to encourage people of any child-bearing age to act responsibly. There must be ways readily available to make it less likely for women to find themselves in these circumstances. Expansion should be made in the realm of preventive health care services that reduce unintended pregnancy, reducing the number of abortions, and improving access to women’s health care. There should be an increase of funding towards family planning services. Funds should require equitable prescription coverage for contraceptives under health plans. Funds should also be allocated to create and expand teen pregnancy prevention programs and education programs concerning emergency contraceptives. If the belief is that life begins at conception, then that idea cannot be changed. There has to be some kind of comprehensive view that says family planning and education for young people to prevent teen pregnancies, to prevent the kinds of situations that lead to women having to struggle with these difficult decisions, and people should be supportive of those efforts.

 

"Abortion Facts." Heritage House. 19 Feb 2008 < http://www.abortionfacts.com/>.
"Barack Obama on Abortion." On the Issues. 19 Feb 2008 <http://www.ontheissues.org/Social/Barack_Obama_Abortion.htm/>.

Sara, Diamond. "Abortion Politics." ZMagazine. 19 Feb 2008 <http://www.zmag.org/ZMag/articles/may95diamond.htm>.