The next US presidential election is going to be held next year, and the candidate selection process in both major parties (Democrats and Republicans) has already started. It is always interesting to listen to primary as well as presidential election debates. They cover a lot of political, social, economic, and health-related issues. Abortion is one of the favorite topics of all these debates, especially in republican debates where somehow this topic is not discussed in the health or medical section but discussed along with faith and religion. I don't understand why they or for that matter, anyone wants to link this medical or public health issue with religion or faith? What does one's religion have to do with the decision of abortion? Does anyone think about their religion before having sexual intercourse with anyone? Then how come a byproduct of unprotected sexual intercourse becomes an issue of faith? There are pro-life and pro-choice people, some groups oppose abortion altogether, some allow it if the mother's life is in danger, and some support it as a personal choice. There are various views on this particular topic, and most of them trivialize this very serious and difficult personal choice to achieve their political motives.
The issue of abortion and state or federal funding of clinics where this procedure is performed is so sensitive and touchy that there are very polarized opinions about this. Some conservative people are so sensitive that they go to the extent of calling each and every abortion a "murder"!! Actually, each and every sexual intercourse between a sexually mature male and female has a probability of conception. Therefore, it is comforting to see that these people at least don't call the use of contraceptives a murder because contraceptives also interfere with the natural fertilization process as they avoid unwanted pregnancies. Fertilization is a natural biological process, and as far as humans are concerned, it happens whenever sperm fertilizes the egg, it doesn't matter how, when, and where. Whether it is consensual sex or rape, incest, or marriage, any sperm can fertilize an egg. Sex between underage kids can also result in this, heinous crimes like rape can also result in the fertilization of eggs, or one can do this in a lab (in vitro fertilization). There is nothing divine or supernatural in this process, like all other animals we also mate and reproduce, it is as simple as that. But unwanted pregnancies can have a huge effect on the physical and mental health of that woman, she must at least get a choice to decide about her own body and health.
The issue of abortion and state or federal funding of clinics where this procedure is performed is so sensitive and touchy that there are very polarized opinions about this. Some conservative people are so sensitive that they go to the extent of calling each and every abortion a "murder"!! Actually, each and every sexual intercourse between a sexually mature male and female has a probability of conception. Therefore, it is comforting to see that these people at least don't call the use of contraceptives a murder because contraceptives also interfere with the natural fertilization process as they avoid unwanted pregnancies. Fertilization is a natural biological process, and as far as humans are concerned, it happens whenever sperm fertilizes the egg, it doesn't matter how, when, and where. Whether it is consensual sex or rape, incest, or marriage, any sperm can fertilize an egg. Sex between underage kids can also result in this, heinous crimes like rape can also result in the fertilization of eggs, or one can do this in a lab (in vitro fertilization). There is nothing divine or supernatural in this process, like all other animals we also mate and reproduce, it is as simple as that. But unwanted pregnancies can have a huge effect on the physical and mental health of that woman, she must at least get a choice to decide about her own body and health.
To have a child or not must be entirely that woman's choice, nature has given her that right, and this includes her choice to continue with pregnancy or not. After all, it is her body that has to carry that burden, it is her life that gets affected by this, and as it is about her body, it must be her choice. Who is the society or government to decide about it? What rights does society have on women's or men's bodies? Society can offer counseling, sex education, and run awareness programs to avoid unwanted and underage pregnancies but in the end, it should be that individual's choice. Just because there is a possibility of biological reproduction, society and government don't get the right to have control over women's bodies and health. The decision to abort a pregnancy is not an easy one, it is an extremely painful and difficult decision for all people involved in it, especially for that woman. This decision takes a toll on the physical and mental health of that couple, especially, the woman. Very few can imagine or understand the stress and trauma associated with making this decision. By making it a part of political debate we are not making things easy for them, but as a society, we are giving some people a chance to use this personal and emotional turmoil of some people as a political tool. Trivializing the issue of abortion on a political platform is one of the most disgusting things I ever experienced. People have the right to raise any issue they want there is no doubt about it, this is an integral part of any democratic society, but health issues should be discussed in health forums with all concerned parties involved, not in religious or political forums. I really find it amazing to see a bunch of men making decisions about women's health or talking about the moral aspects of abortion. Let women decide about the issues related to their bodies and health. Pregnancy is a biological phenomenon, it is a personal health issue, not a political problem. I hope people understand the difference between a political issue and a health issue and act accordingly. I am sure no one takes any pleasure in going for an abortion, as it is already a very tough and painful decision, so, if you can't provide any comfort or help, then at least please don't make it more painful and difficult, and please don't play with someone's health for your political gains.
Thanks for reading and please share your views on this topic.
[Copyright: Vinay Thakur. Please contact the author for re-posting or publishing]
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