Abortion Debate the Topic of Term Paper

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Not so, states Sykes, a pro-choice supporter. How can one force, for example, a girl in early teens who has been raped to deliver and have to consider the major decisions of motherhood? Similarly, adds Deam (1997) who had to make a personal decision about her own on this issue, abortion should be an option when it is known that a child has a fatal or chronically debilitating birth defect. "I am forever thankful for the legal choice to end the life of a baby that had no chance. I believe completely that the right should always be there."

Lastly, is the debate concerning restrictions on abortion, as far as the number of months of pregnancy. In 1973, in Roe vs. Wade, the Supreme Court declared most existing state abortion laws unconstitutional. The latest major conflict has been over abortions of late-term pregnancies or sometimes called "partial-birth abortion." Those against late-term abortion include individuals against all abortions, who claim the fetus has rights from conception. Others against late-term abortion say that it is too late because the fetus is viable. Also, there are those who are concerned for the woman's health. In 2003, President Bush signed legislation banning this partial-birth abortion.

The Act was contested on the grounds that the United States Constitution requires an exemption to permit the procedure when necessary to preserve the health of the mother; the Act further imposed an unnecessary onus on a woman's right to elect an abortion; the Act was unconstitutionally vague; the Act did not serve any state interest; the life exception was constitutionally insufficient; and the Act violated women's right to equal protection of the law. A number of trials took place in the states and each turned down the partial-birth abortion act. Most people do not believe, however, that President Bush or Congress will try to reverse Roe vs. Wade. Nonetheless, many pro-life groups continue to look for other ways to restrict abortions, if not completely make them illegal.

Although this issue is debated heatedly by both sides, there are those who are willing to sit down and look at the problem objectively. The Common Ground Network for Life and Choice grew out of a series of workshops for pro-life and pro-choice people by Search for Common Ground, first in Buffalo and later in various other cities. The Common Ground Network for Life and Choice believes that the abortion conflict offers opportunity for communication and problem-solving through facilitation and shared interests. The major premise is that no one is asked to change his/her belief about abortion. The network "works" because those involved recognize that regardless of how emotional an issue is, there are lessons of citizenship that should be followed. Personal attacks, cliches, name-calling, and violence destroy societal stability. This is a practical and much needed exercise in civic responsibility.

References

Deam, J. (1998) "Losing Daniel." Ladies Home Journal. November.

Forsythe, C.D. (1999) "Abortion is not a necessary evil."

Christianity Today, May 24.

Gargaro, C.C. (2000) "My views as a pro-life woman." Retrieved 21, March 2005. http://www.gargaro.com/abortion.html

Grigg, W.N. (2000) "The unwanted child." The New American., Jan. 17.

Pope John Paul II (1995). Homily in Giants Stadium. Origins, p. 318.

Sykes, M. (1999). "Just tell us what you want." Retrieved 21, March 2005. http://experts.about.com/q/338/

Swomley, J.M. (1999). "Living the Gospel of life: a challenge…