Adolescents Turn To Abortion example essay topic

1,279 words
Throughout the semester, I have been researching information concerning abortion. Many people are totally against abortion, while others feel that there is nothing wrong with it. Some say that even if the fetus is one week or 45 weeks old it is still considered murder. Where do we draw a line? It is obvious that there will never be a right or wrong answer. Every women should have the right to do what she wants.

Whether it is abortion or not. Some say that even contraception is wrong. Martin Luther called contraception homicide. One man said that who ever uses contraceptives would lose their souls.

This does relate to abortion because if a couple only has sex just to initiate life, then there would be less diseases, very little abortions, and not many adoptions. Throughout the semester, I have been researching some of the many issues that relate to abortion. There are a few questions from type "A" category that I will try to answer based on what I have read throughout the semester. Many people often wonder what type of restrictions or shall I say rules are there for different states. In Pennsylvania, there is a requirement that teenagers show the consent of one parent or a judge, and another that puts a 24-hour waiting period for a woman after hearing a presentation from her doctor of alternatives to abortion. There has also been a provision that would have required women to inform their husbands if they wanted to have an abortion.

Since states cannot ban abortion completely, they are trying to push restrictions like those in Pennsylvania. In most states, there will be a decision on whether or not teens have the right to obtain an abortion without involving their parents in the decision. Some say that if this actually goes through, then teens might seek an illegal abortion in their own state or might even consider self-abortion. States are also considering consent from the father and they are considering prohibiting the use of federal funds for abortions which might limit the teens options. Many pregnant teens avoid having an abortion, but then turn to adoption. It is estimated that approximately 3% of pregnant adolescents will place their infant for adoption.

Some authors say that increasing the difficulty of having an abortion will have an effect on adoptions. They argue that pregnant adolescents will turn to adoptions instead, but then again the reason that there is such a low adoption rate is because of the legalization of abortions in the United States. According to a national survey data for 1986 and 1987, there are approximately 50,000 unrelated adoptions per year in the United States. Of that 50,000 adoptions, one half involved an infant.

If states choose to toughen the laws on abortion, then teens will most likely turn to illegal abortions. Teenagers are more prone to seek illegal abortions than are older women because they try to disguise or deny their pregnancy until they are in the second or third trimester, which means it is not legally available. Illegal abortions are almost always performed by someone who has been poorly trained. The result is not very well either.

Illegal abortions usually have many complications such as: excessive bleeding, infection, and damage to the reproductive organs. This also means a higher death rate as opposed to legal abortions. After going through with the abortion, some teens have a negative psychological outcome. The abortion experience may be stressful and the teen may feel guilt and depression. Some psychologist say that it may be more difficult for teenagers than for adult women to have an abortion.

Adolescents are more likely to use immature defenses such as's protection, denial, or "acting out" their conflicts. Research shows that teens may undergo behavioral difficulties both before and after the procedure. There has been a great debate concerning Norplant versus abortion. Norplant, which is known as the implantable contraceptive, has definitely stirred a debate.

Some say that it will reduce the number of abortions, while others say it will increase sexual activity among teenagers. Some oppose the idea arguing that "the only proper way to reduce teen pregnancy is to promote abstinence". Opposers of Norplant add that this would lead some already sexually active teens to have more sex. They conclude by saying that the when the "pill" was introduced, it put a rise to sexual activity and now they are introducing Norplant. Norplant would not only increase sexual activity, but it would put a rise to sexually transmitted diseases. There is definitely a tradeoff that Norplant offers.

Of course, abstinence is the best policy, but there is no way to stop teenagers from having sex. Norplant is only suitable for females who have sex regularly. A teenage girl cannot just stop at the drugstore and pick up Norplant. The teen must have a physician implant the device. Having the device implanted is not just a couple of bucks.

It normally costs anywhere from 500 to 700 dollars. The device is visible so it would be in her best interest to have it implanted when her sexual activity is already known. Many adolescents turn to abortion because of the simple fact that they would not be able to cover the expenses. Statistics show that prenatal care is approximately $400, which only covers routine care.

Maternity homes, which is where a girl would stay during pregnancy, cost nearly $100 per person per day for room, board, and professional counseling. The question is who pays? The girl and her family might pick up some of the tab, but some services will have to be provided by social service agencies and also by schools. The costs never stop. Once the teen becomes a parent, things just become worse. There is no reason that schools should pick up the tab.

New York City alone spends at lease $5 million a year on teenage pregnancy programs. Maryland spends approximately $180 million a year on programs alone. I guess all these programs are only to benefit the teen. They say that the best way to get their message to teens is through the schools. In conclusion, I feel that a womens right to an abortion depends on her situation. I feel that if a woman should be able to have an abortion if her health is seriously endangered.

I feel that a woman should not have an abortion just because she can not afford the baby. There are other alternatives, such as adoption. Throughout the semester, I have learned a lot of information concerning abortion. For instance, I really did not know much about Norplant. Now, I have researched and read many articles dealing with Norplant. Of course, abortion is still on the rise, which shows that many teenagers are practicing unsafe sex.

School programs teaching adolescents about safe sex is not enough. Parents must be able to speak freely with their teen about sex at any given time. Abortion does not only effect the teen, but it also effects the schools and social service programs too. Everyone has a right to believe in what they feel is right.

We must respect a womans decision whether you consider it to be wrong or right.