|
Abortion-Freedom of Choice
Abortion has been one of the most heated topics being debated in the United States and Canada. Abortion is a discussion of human interaction where ethics, emotions, and law come together. There are people that have different views of abortion but no matter what their view is they fall under a thin line. |
Positive Test
|
There is the pro-choice and the pro-life. These are the only two categories that people’s views fall into. A pro-choice person would feel that the decision to abort a pregnancy is that of the mothers and the government has no right to interfere. A pro-life person would believe that from the moment of conception, the embryo or fetus is alive. Since this embryo or fetus is alive and is a person, you have no moral right to abort a life. If you aborted the life (person) you would be committing murder.
The word “murder” is mainly used by pro-lifers to describe what happens when you abort an embryo/fetus. Murder means intentional and for no reason killing of another person. Pro-choicers wonder how anyone can tell a woman that she can’t abort an embryo/fetus to interrupt a pregnancy if it is a result of rape or incest? A women cannot bear the thought of having a child that would be a constant reminder of her trauma.
Currently, an estimated 1,365,000 million women receive abortions in America annually. Approximately 40 million abortions have been performed since 1973 (1). According to a case, Rex v. Beare, Abortion has been part of human lives since the 1700s (8). Many sources also state that it has been practiced quite long time in history before the 1700s. Whether or not abortion should be a right of a mother or banned completely is an issue that could be debated, and has been debated, for years. The controversy of this issue partly depends on the fact that different people have different measures of defining ‘Human-life.’ Some people believe a soul is given to a human being, by God, while it is developing in the mother’s womb, and some believe it is given to the child after its birth. Both cases seem to be based on opinions and what each side promptly believes in.
The word “murder” is mainly used by pro-lifers to describe what happens when you abort an embryo/fetus. Murder means intentional and for no reason killing of another person. Pro-choicers wonder how anyone can tell a woman that she can’t abort an embryo/fetus to interrupt a pregnancy if it is a result of rape or incest? A women cannot bear the thought of having a child that would be a constant reminder of her trauma.
Currently, an estimated 1,365,000 million women receive abortions in America annually. Approximately 40 million abortions have been performed since 1973 (1). According to a case, Rex v. Beare, Abortion has been part of human lives since the 1700s (8). Many sources also state that it has been practiced quite long time in history before the 1700s. Whether or not abortion should be a right of a mother or banned completely is an issue that could be debated, and has been debated, for years. The controversy of this issue partly depends on the fact that different people have different measures of defining ‘Human-life.’ Some people believe a soul is given to a human being, by God, while it is developing in the mother’s womb, and some believe it is given to the child after its birth. Both cases seem to be based on opinions and what each side promptly believes in.
According to World Net, abortion is defined as the termination of pregnancy (9). There are two main types of abortions; Medical abortion and surgical abortion. In a medical abortion, the mother’s uterus is not treated; instead, the mother is given medication to end the pregnancy. There are two medications that can be legally induced in the United States, mifepristo.
View Video Below
South Africa
Introduction
The Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act 1996 allows a women to terminate pregnancy upon her request if she is within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy (gestation). However an abortion can be performed from the the 13th to 20th week of pregnancy if approved by a medical practitioner under the following conditions :
* continuing the pregnancy may be a risk to the mother’s physical or
mental health.
* the fetus (foetus) may suffer with severe physical or mental
abnormalities should the pregnancy continue to full term.
* the pregnancy is a result of rape or incest.
* continuing the pregnancy may have severe economic or social impact
on the mother.
An unwanted pregnancy can be a daunting prospect for many women and teen girls especially without appropriate financial or social support. Fortunately within South Africa, the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1996 allows an expectant mother to terminate the pregnancy through safe and cost effective abortions. Choosing the correct abortion method is essential in maintaining both your reproductive health and preventing complications or even death.
Abortion Clinics in South Africa
Many private and public health facilities now provide medical and surgical abortions at an affordable rate or free to expectant mothers. A private abortion clinic in South Africa is often the facility of choice for pregnant women as it provides affordable and safe abortions in addition to counseling and a choice of abortion methods. Public health facilities also provide these services but the strained public health care system in South Africa means that pregnant women may not always be given the same level of care or priority compared to a private abortion clinic.
Introduction
The Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act 1996 allows a women to terminate pregnancy upon her request if she is within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy (gestation). However an abortion can be performed from the the 13th to 20th week of pregnancy if approved by a medical practitioner under the following conditions :
* continuing the pregnancy may be a risk to the mother’s physical or
mental health.
* the fetus (foetus) may suffer with severe physical or mental
abnormalities should the pregnancy continue to full term.
* the pregnancy is a result of rape or incest.
* continuing the pregnancy may have severe economic or social impact
on the mother.
An unwanted pregnancy can be a daunting prospect for many women and teen girls especially without appropriate financial or social support. Fortunately within South Africa, the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1996 allows an expectant mother to terminate the pregnancy through safe and cost effective abortions. Choosing the correct abortion method is essential in maintaining both your reproductive health and preventing complications or even death.
Abortion Clinics in South Africa
Many private and public health facilities now provide medical and surgical abortions at an affordable rate or free to expectant mothers. A private abortion clinic in South Africa is often the facility of choice for pregnant women as it provides affordable and safe abortions in addition to counseling and a choice of abortion methods. Public health facilities also provide these services but the strained public health care system in South Africa means that pregnant women may not always be given the same level of care or priority compared to a private abortion clinic.
Abortion Methods
Certain abortion clinics may provide a range of abortion methods depending on the individual case or personal choice of the pregnant mother. * Safe surgical abortions * Medical abortions – Abortion pill The morning after pill (emergency contraceptive) is often used as an abortion pill but should not be taken more than 3 days after intercourse. For a more advanced pregnancy, medical intervention is required to reduce complications and ensure a safe abortion. Consult with a medical practitioner on suitable abortion methods for your pregnancy. If you are less than 9 weeks pregnant, you can consider a medical abortion which involves using the abortion pill. For a pregnancy that is further along, you will need to undergo a surgical abortion. Medical abortions usually involve a process known as dilation and curettage (d&c) – a pill is used for dilation of the cervix and foetal contents are removed through a tube inserted via the vagina (manual vacuum aspiration or MVA). The process is not pain free but with proper medical supervision, it is quick and fairly painless. Speak to a medical doctor about the abortion method so that you have fully understand the procedure. |
Pregnancy Test |
Dangers of Abortion
Most medical abortions are safe when conducted by a medical specialist in appropriate facility. However illegal abortions are still common in South Africa and you will often find advertisements for abortions in newspapers and street posters, irrespective of your stage of pregnancy. Always be cautious when undergoing an abortion or using any abortion pill (tablet, capsule or liquid) that is sold through shady street dealers.
Beware of the following persons or scenarios when seeking a quick abortion.
* Any person claiming to be a medical doctor, medical student, nurse or pharmacist who is prepared to sell you an abortion pill on the street.
* Any person who is willing to come to your home to perform an abortion.
* Any abortion that is performed in unhygienic and inappropriate settings.
* Any person who claims that their abortion method is safe for any stage of pregnancy.
* Any person who can only be contacted on a cell phone, does not wish to disclose their full identity and cannot provide any proof of registration with a medical council or health authority in South Africa.
* Any person promising a cheap abortion.
Most medical abortions are safe when conducted by a medical specialist in appropriate facility. However illegal abortions are still common in South Africa and you will often find advertisements for abortions in newspapers and street posters, irrespective of your stage of pregnancy. Always be cautious when undergoing an abortion or using any abortion pill (tablet, capsule or liquid) that is sold through shady street dealers.
Beware of the following persons or scenarios when seeking a quick abortion.
* Any person claiming to be a medical doctor, medical student, nurse or pharmacist who is prepared to sell you an abortion pill on the street.
* Any person who is willing to come to your home to perform an abortion.
* Any abortion that is performed in unhygienic and inappropriate settings.
* Any person who claims that their abortion method is safe for any stage of pregnancy.
* Any person who can only be contacted on a cell phone, does not wish to disclose their full identity and cannot provide any proof of registration with a medical council or health authority in South Africa.
* Any person promising a cheap abortion.
These illegal abortion practitioners and pill peddlers are operating in almost every city in South African and their abortion methods are dangerous and could possibly cause death.
Although medical abortions are very safe, any abortion may come with some risk and complications.
* Danger to your reproductive health – you may not be able to fall pregnant again or be at risk of an ectopic pregnancy.
* Infections – can result in removal of your reproductive organs, septicemia (blood poisoning) or death.
* Excessive bleeding which may result in death.
Although medical abortions are very safe, any abortion may come with some risk and complications.
* Danger to your reproductive health – you may not be able to fall pregnant again or be at risk of an ectopic pregnancy.
* Infections – can result in removal of your reproductive organs, septicemia (blood poisoning) or death.
* Excessive bleeding which may result in death.
The occurrence of the above risks and dangers is very unlikely if you opt for a safe medical abortion by a gynaecologist in an appropriate abortion clinic. Even if complications do arise, your gynaecologist will be able to attend to it immediately and with appropriate medical treatment, the risks of more severe side effects or complications are reduced. However if you opt for an illegal abortion, the above risks and complications are very likely and if you do not receive proper medical treatment in time, you can lose your life.
South African women and girls are fortunate to be allowed to terminate their pregnancy at a range of suitable abortion facilities. An abortion is your constitutional right and may often be a better option than having a child without appropriate financial and social support. However religious and cultural factors along with personal choice may not make an abortion a suitable option for some women. Whether you opt for an abortion or putting your baby up for adoption, always use legitimate and reputable channels which are widely available in South Africa.
Under all circumstances, stay calm. Don't let Panic and Anxiety get hold of you.
South African women and girls are fortunate to be allowed to terminate their pregnancy at a range of suitable abortion facilities. An abortion is your constitutional right and may often be a better option than having a child without appropriate financial and social support. However religious and cultural factors along with personal choice may not make an abortion a suitable option for some women. Whether you opt for an abortion or putting your baby up for adoption, always use legitimate and reputable channels which are widely available in South Africa.
Under all circumstances, stay calm. Don't let Panic and Anxiety get hold of you.