Cause and Effect Essay: "Abortion"

Abortion as defined by Mr. Head in About.com is “the termination of a pregnancy after conception.” It allows women to put an end to their pregnancies but involves killing the undeveloped embryo or fetus. For this reason, I is a very controversial subject in the society. Approximately 42 million abortions were performed worldwide in 2007, resulting in a worldwide abortion rate of 115,000 per day. Among the developing countries, the abortion rate is 83% while in developed countries; the abortion rate is 17%. (Abortion Facts, 2007)

Abortion is the result of critical situations which individuals face, such as rape, health problems, fear from the judgement of society, and unwanted pregnancy.

Rape is a horrible abuse with traumatic effects for many of it victims. For a woman who carries in her womb the baby of her rapist, it is more devastating. Although our culture would give a raped victim “permission” and even encouragement to abort, a victim often commits abortion because adding another violent act to the horrible thing that has already happened to her will only complicate her healing process. A raped woman, who wrote anonymously to a magazine, said that she had an appointment with an abortion expert but canceled it. “I knew that what I had in my entrails was my baby. Now I have a daughter, a precious girl. I thank God daily for not have aborted.” (Abortion Methods and consequences, 2007) Also based on the survey of AGI in the United States, only 0.3% raped women commit abortion.

Health problems are also reason for aborting a baby. The performance of abortion is most commonly permitted on the grounds of saving the life of the mother, particularly in situations or cases wherein the life of the mother herself is at stake because of the child in womb. Hence, preservation of the physical and mental health of the pregnant woman is prioritized (UN Publish World Abortion Information, 2007). Based on the survey of AGI in the United States, 1.0% omen who have health problems abort their child.

Fear from the judgement of society is another reason why women commit abortion. A woman with a high status in the society experiences tremendous pressure. Being pressured by the society, she needs to be a good example, by making right decisions and planning her life well. These are the facts why pregnant women who belong to a high status in society tend to abort their child to prevent embarrassments.

Unwanted pregnancy is the most common reason why some resort to abortion. Why? They say that are not ready to accept responsibilities, too young to be a parent, cannot afford to raise a child, and the like. Also based on AGI’s survey in the United States, the percentage of unwanted pregnancy is 98% (Johnston, 2006).

These four effects I have mentioned are just some of the reasons why women commit abortion. It is devastating to know that every year the number of abortion is doubled. Hence, many innocent children were aborted because of the “personal choices” made by the irresponsible individuals. To lessen abortion rate, people need to accept responsibilities and be disciplined.

References:

Abortion Facts. (2007). Retrieved August 2, 2008, from http://www.abortionno.org/Resources/fastfacts.html

Abortion: Methods & Consequences. (2007). Retrieved August 3, 2008, from http://www.anael.org/english/abortion/index.htm

Johnston, R. (2006). Reason given for having abortions in the United States. Retrieved August 2, 2008, from http://www.johnstonarchieve.net/policy/abortion/abreasons.html

UN Publishes World Abortion Information. (2007). Retrieved August 3, 2008, from http://www.abortionreview.org/index.php/site/article/266/