Abortion stands out as one of the most controversial and debated subjects in contemporary society, involving the termination of a pregnancy by removing the fetus from the uterus. This multifaceted issue has roots in conflicting views that emerged during the twentieth-century sexual revolution, leading to controversies surrounding abortion. The Catholic Church, exemplified by the Vatican’s 1987 instructions and its steadfast stance at the 1994 Cairo Conference, has consistently opposed abortion.

Similarly, many countries share this opposition to abortion and family planning (Turgambayeva et al., 2018). In contrast, Protestant and Orthodox countries tend to adopt a more tolerant approach. Globally, an estimated 60 million abortions occur each year (Turgambayeva et al., 2018).

Importance of Abortion from Multiple Viewpoints

Abortion assumes significance from diverse perspectives, including individual autonomy and freedom in decision-making, essential in a democratic society. Additionally, the importance of safe and lawful abortion for women’s reproductive health cannot be overstated (Yokoe et al., 2019). Issues of gender equality come to the forefront, with women from low-income backgrounds and minority groups facing disproportionate challenges due to restricted access to healthcare for safe and lawful abortions (Erdman, 2019). Furthermore, abortion serves as a highly controversial topic with profound political and social implications (Baird & Millar, 2020).

Conflicting Perspectives Regarding Abortion

Three major conflicting perspectives on abortion exist. On one hand, advocates for women’s rights argue for access to lawful and secure abortion, particularly in cases of rape, incest, or when the woman’s physical or mental health is at risk. They contend that restricting access would impede women’s rights and lead to unsafe, illegal abortions (Yokoe et al., 2019).

On the contrary, critics perceive abortion as morally wrong, disregarding the sanctity of human life. They argue that life begins at conception, and the fetus possesses the right to life. Additionally, they assert that abortion can harm women psychologically and physically, advocating for alternative options like adoption (Zareba et al., 2020).

Lastly, a moderate view recognizes the complexity of the matter, advocating for lawful and attainable abortion while emphasizing efforts to minimize abortion incidents through sex education, access to contraceptives, and support for expectant mothers (Terzungwe et al., 2021).

Analysis of Stakeholder’s Interest and Arguments

Stakeholders in the abortion issue encompass women seeking abortions, potential fathers, and governments shaping policies. Women seek reproductive rights, health, and safety, advocating for access to safe and legal abortion without government interference. Men may support their partners’ reproductive health while seeking to avoid unintended parenthood. Governments aim to protect citizens’ health and safety by setting standards for abortion services and addressing the rights of both mothers and fetuses (Baird & Millar, 2020).

Abortion, being a multifaceted issue, receives insights from various academic disciplines. Sociology suggests that safe and legal abortion services reduce maternal mortality, unwanted pregnancies, and births. Ethical research delves into moral aspects, debating the moral rights of the fetus and a woman’s right to self-determination. Psychology studies explore potential adverse psychological consequences for women who undergo abortions (Akbari et al., 2020; Blackshaw & Rodger, 2021).

Analysis of Abortion through Deontology

Analyzing abortion through deontology, an ethical perspective emphasizing actions irrespective of consequences, reveals conflicting viewpoints. Deontological ethics consider killing an innocent person wrong, classifying a fetus as a person with moral value. However, proponents argue for abortion in certain circumstances, emphasizing personal choice and the positive impact on women’s lives (Watt & McCarthy, 2020).

Conclusion

The abortion issue remains highly contentious, encompassing varied viewpoints and interests. From personal autonomy to women’s health and gender equality, abortion holds significance in contemporary society. Conflicting perspectives range from advocating for women’s right to choose to perceiving abortion as a violation of the sanctity of life. Despite differences, there is common ground in the shared goal of reducing the need for abortions through prevention and support, emphasizing the importance of considering diverse perspectives and evidence in shaping individual conclusions.

References

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Blackshaw, B., & Rodger, D. (2021). If fetuses are persons, abortion is a public health crisis. Bioethics, 35(5). https://doi.org/10.1111/bioe.12874

El-Ali, L. (2021). When men deprive women of their free will, they are not protecting anyone: They are obstructing God’s plan. Sustainable Development Goals Series, 87–91. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-83582-8_9

Erdman, J. N. (2019). The gender injustice of abortion laws. Sexual and Reproductive Health Matters, 27(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/26410397.2019.1626181

Latt, S. M., Milner, A., & Kavanagh, A. (2019). Abortion laws reform may reduce maternal mortality: An ecological study in 162 countries. BMC Women’s Health, 19(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-018-0705-y

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PHI FPX 2000 Assessment 4 Contemporary Social Issues

Terzungwe, D., Benjamin, Oojo N‟s, I. M., & Emmanuel, O. O. (2021). Influence of sex education on abortion prevention among adolescents in high level, Makurdi local government area of Benue state. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 05(07), 310–318. https://doi.org/10.47772/ijriss.2021.5712

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