Definition Argument: What is Abortion Essay Example

There has been a lot of controversy on what a person is when we refer to the term abortion. The biggest debate that has been a recently hot topic is whether to be “pro-life” or “pro-choice.” This term has many different views towards it with different opinions involved as well. It also remains a constant issue with the involvement of the government.  For someone who is “pro-choice”, they believe that a fetus is not a person until it is born. On the other hand, if someone is “pro-life”, they believe that as soon as a fetus is formed, that baby has a life and is alive. This definition is very arguable on whether it is right or not. People have not presented different definitions of this term, but it’s if they agree to it or not. It is very necessary to argue about this definition. Some people want abortion legal, and some want it to be illegal. The definition itself explains what it is and the process of it. Are we okay with this definition; with murder?

According to the Merriam-Webster’s dictionary, the definition of abortion is “the termination of a pregnancy after, accompanied by, resulting in, or closely followed by the death of the embryo or fetus: such as spontaneous expulsion of a human fetus during the first 12 weeks of gestation” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 2019). It is also compared to a miscarriage. The definition is explaining the process of how an abortion works. The argument is whether or not should this definition be acceptable or not. This particular case very well matches with the term. The controversial issue is whether you are for it or against it. It presents a definition by stating the characteristics. The process of this definition is whether it should be legal or not, even though it is ending someone’s life. This is intended for people who are “pro-choice”. What makes you fit that term and why? Hopefully by further reading this can change someone’s view. 

Another argument over this term is the question whether or not the embryo has a right to life, is the sort of being it would be seriously wrong to kill, in other words is a “person” in the moral sense. The debate is the ongoing controversy surrounding the moral, legal, and religious status of the term. As mentioned earlier, the sides involved in the debate are “pro-choice” and “pro-life” movements. People that are “pro-choice” believe, “that women have the basic human right to decide when and whether to have children, based on their own moral and religious beliefs, even though themselves may not choose abortion as an option for an unplanned pregnancy” (Amy, par. 1). On the other hand, “pro-life” are people who oppose it. “Many of them do not believe that a woman should be able to choose abortion under any circumstances, even if she has been raped or if carrying the pregnancy to term may put her life in danger” (Amy, par. 2). Both terms are considered loaded in mainstream media, where terms such as “abortion rights” or “anti-abortion” are generally preferred. There are several many different argument issues involved in both of these views. 

In terms for someone to be “pro-choice” they have their reasoning in doing so, not just because they are a Christian. For instance, according to an article written by a “pro-choice” person, she stated her reasoning as to why she is. She believes that “A women should have the right to make decisions about her body” (Santacruz par. 2). She is basically stating that it’s that woman’s body and her choice whether she wants to keep the baby or not. Another reason she is for it is because “Pregnancy is a huge responsibility” (Santacruz par. 4). Her last reason is about adoption. She mentions how it is a good idea; however, “We already have a problem with the adoption process in this country” (Santacruz par. 6). She is explaining how there are already issues with adoption, due to so many kids still in foster homes waiting to be adopted. This is a viewpoint for someone who is “pro-choice.”

On the other hand, lets see the standpoint from someone who is “pro-life.” An article written by Nancy Flanders tells us of why she is against abortion. She stated, “ Fetuses are people, too, and that since they are human beings, they deserve to be treated as such. To be “pro-life” means to fight for the rights of all of our children like the women of yesterday fought for equal rights for us” (Flanders par. 11). She also mentions, “Abortion isn’t a right we should be fighting for, it’s a tool to control women and our fertility that we should be fighting against” (Flanders par. 23). For someone who is “pro-life”, they are trying to persuade how abortion is not right and it should be illegal. 

Overall, everyone has his or her own viewpoint on this term. The definition itself should make someone cringe. This is a very arguable subject on whether if someone is for or against it. It can be prevented and not be done. Although the definition of abortion is very straightforward, this is the argument if it should stay like this or not. It explains what exactly it is and what all is done in order to do so. It should not have to be done in the first place, nor should it ever be legal. This topic if very brief and can have many different views on it. Everyone will always have his or her own belief on this difficult subject to talk about. Something to think about, there are many ways to prevent pregnancy in the first place if someone decided that they do not want a child. Instead of looking towards an abortion, look into other options. Even afterwards, you could give the child up for adoption. From some of these viewpoints, are you “pro-life” or “pro-choice”?