Zambelli 1 Dominic Zambelli Ms.

Olding Eng 200 November 26, 2013 Selfish Acts and Cruelty Life is a beautiful gift formed by a male and female given to so many people each and every day. The majority of the time, this gift is often overlooked and taken for granted by many individuals. Unfortunately, it can be taken away in a blink of an eye through the cruel act of abortion. This is the act of taking away an innocent, unborn life through a selfish action thought through by two people. When one impregnates a female unknowingly and doesnt want to go forth with the idea of having a child, they decide to terminate the fetus or embryo prior to birth. This is seen as a cruel act by so many; a heated topic often debated, and goes against many types of religions as well. Abortion is an immoral act that mainly happens with young adults, and should be frowned upon by our society. Abortion is a very touchy subject to talk about because there are many reasons why it could go either way. However, after gathering information, the reasons on why it should be wrong outweigh the reasons why it should be right. This topic is highly debated and argued within our society because many believe abortion is the right solution to an unplanned pregnancy. Many argue what if a woman gets raped and it isnt her fault? Dont you think having a child at an early age is too much of a responsibility put on one or two individuals? What about the cost of the child? Many argue and stay truthful to their point that there is no way a person can accept the job of being a parent at such young age without doing harm to the newborns life. Frankly, this is incorrect. Life is incredible and a wonderful gift

Zambelli 2 that should not be allowed to be taken away so cruelly. If whomever it concerns cant cope with the idea of being a parent at a young age, then they should have thought the idea out ahead of time before they performed sexual intercourse with another partner. With knowing how sexual intercourse can lead to unplanned pregnancies that lead to abortions more times than none, it is very important to show more awareness about safe sex. In regards to this topic, preventative methods should be introduced in schools to better educate individuals about the responsibilities that come with the discoveries of unplanned pregnancies. A few examples of preventative methods relating to sexual intercourse include birth control, condoms, absence, preventative programs, and counselors for support. Out of all these methods, absence is the only one that deals with not having sex until marriage. This method touches base in relation to what most religions stand for, which is extremely important. If more people were aware of preventative programs, it is believed that less abortions and unplanned teen pregnancies would arise. When unplanned pregnancies occur, it is important to have counselors who support these individuals. With the ongoing support, it can lead to have big impacts on women who are pregnant, leaving them more likely to go without having an abortion. These examples of preventative methods try to inform the youth of the consequences of sexual activity, attempting to change youths values, encouraging safe sex, and reducing the number of sexually active partners. Although there are many programs in schools and communities that strive to prevent teen pregnancy, parents also have huge influences on their childs actions as well.

Zambelli 3 The United States Government Policy regarding this topic does not indicate a clear standing on whether or not abortion is right or wrong, but it provides many interpretations on their behalf that symbolize better solutions. Even though there is no clear consensus regarding this issue among the American people, there is still a sizable group of people that forcefully oppose it (Contis, Hern). These groups express their views and opinions to an extent, which is reflected throughout the federal policy (Contis, Hern). Abortion at times can be very costly depending on local fee levels, techniques, and gestational age. What the United States Government Policy has stated is the firm opposition to the utilization of public funds for the provision of abortion services (Contis, Hern). An amendment to the Family Planning Services and Population Research Act of 1970 goes farther than that. This amendment states none of the funds appropriated under this title shall be used in programs where abortion is a method of family planning. (qtd. Contis, Hern). If many argue having a child is too expensive, then where are they getting the money to afford this method, which happens to be costly majority of the time? The demand for public accountability is also felt directly from the electorate itself (Contis, Hern). Not only are Catholics ones who are strongly against abortion, but militant minority male groups are as well who link this action with the accusation of genocide (Contis, Hern). Abortion is an exclusive method of birth limitation and can cost up to $2,000 per year or more (Contis, Hern). Therefore, dealing with cost alone, it is not an attractive method to proceed with. Regarding the topic of rape that unfortunately happens to be a part of this argument, the government provides many orphanages throughout the world that

Zambelli 4 can help with this issue. Orphanages are children homes that are devoted to those whose parents are either deceased or unable or reluctant to take care of them. If a woman happens to get raped, it is one hundred percent her decision, but she can go forth with the idea of having the child and after giving him/her up for adoption, which takes the responsibility off of her shoulders. This may sound cruel, but in fact the newborn is granted the gift of life, and is put under a shelter where he or she is taken care of, and hopefully adopted by two people who accept the responsibility of being a parent. In regards to religion, it is known that religion affiliation is among the strongest correlates of abortion attitudes in the general United States populations (Echevarra, Ellison, Smith). After all studies have been processed, the evidence clearly indicates that Catholics and conservative Protestants are more likely than any other persons to oppose the idea of abortion (Echevarra, Ellison, Smith). Some may think it is a biased remark saying Catholics are part of the strongest that oppose abortion. For a matter of fact, it is important to acknowledge that within the Catholic religion, even though they tend to be less supportive of abortion rights, there is a greater amount of diversity of opinion on this issue among this group than any other religious community (Echevarra, Ellison, Smith). The Catholic Church has long opposed both legalized abortion and contraception and has voiced their stance on this topic very clearly (Echevarra, Ellison, Smith). Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of contraception. From the first moment of existence, a human being must be recognized as having the rights of a person-among which is the inviolable right of every innocent being to life (qtd.

Zambelli 5 Echevarra, Ellison, Smith). It has been known that abortion goes against many different religions and is a topic that churches strongly negate. While looking at a different religion other than Catholics and conservative Protestants, its been noted that the majority of the Hispanic religion leans more toward Catholicism (Echevarra, Ellison, Smith). Several studies of pooled data from the NORC General Social Surveys show that the numbers of Hispanics belonging to Protestant churches, and those with no religious affiliations have increased dramatically with pro-life thoughts and attitudes dealing against abortion methods (Echevarra, Ellison, Smith). Given that most of the U.S Hispanics identify with Catholic views or evangelical Protestantism, traditions that tend to embrace conservatism theological and social values, it is important to explore the implications of religious affiliation, practice, and commitment for Hispanic views on contentious social issues, such as abortion (Echevarra, Ellison, Smith). According to some studies, it has been suggested that Hispanic Protestants may be more likely to oppose abortion than Hispanic Catholics (Echevarra, Ellison, Smith). In a similar study that occurred in the year 2000, Brown, Jewell, and Rous have gained evidence that among the Latinas residing in border counties of Texas, the likelihood of terminating a pregnancy through the act of abortion is lower in areas with high Catholic rates, and higher in places with Baptist concentrations. It is very clear that religions stand strongly against this topic and voice their opinions loud. Legalized abortion is a major concern for many of these religions, and it is important that many people throughout our society become educated on this topic and take part in pro-life appreciation.

Zambelli 6 What many dont take into consideration is the aftermath it can have on women who decide abortion is the best route to go forth with. Abortion clearly is a touchy topic for many to talk about. It is the termination of a fetus or embryo, or in other words being straightforward, the killing of an unborn. This decision process is not easy and for that reason carries potential negative effects. After many case studies have been done, it has been noted that various aspects of the abortion experience can lead to high levels of distress along with how the ambivalence of the wantedness pregnancy may engender a sense of loss (Adler, David, Major et al.). Relating to a moral aspect, it may also create a lot of conflict between deeply held values and beliefs, social stigma, and a lack of support all leading up to negative reactions (Adler, David, Major et al.). The decision process is extremely difficult. The more difficult it is to decide whether or not to terminate the pregnancy, the higher the chances are for a person to have negative responses to occur (Adler, David, Major et al.). Studies have also shown that women who terminate their pregnancy later on during the process compared to those who terminate early on during the process have more emotional issues, more distress, and mental issues that carry on throughout life (Adler, David, Major et al.). If the pregnancy is viewed meaningful to the woman, chances are abortion will be a hard choice to make. After recent studies have been drawn, it has also been stated that the women who dont have a tough time doing an abortion are those who traditionally arent emotionally engaged, and those who have a big support system siding with the idea of abortion (Adler, David, Major et al.). The likelihood of having many by your side saying abortion is the right thing to do is not likely, which therefore means majority of the

Zambelli 7 time consequences will arise sometime down the road if this is the route one takes. It isnt worth it. Taking away an innocent life and having emotional problems for the rest of your life? Why would one think thats the right thing to do? In another study done on women who decided to have an abortion, there were a total of 1,043 women who were examined before, during and after the procedure. Results have shown that it is definitely acceptable to conclude negative impacts it has on most women. Out of the 1,043 women who were examined for this procedure, results showed 882 women had follow up symptoms of pre abortion and post abortion depression and self- esteem, post abortion emotions, corrupt decision making, limited satisfaction, perceived harm, and also posttraumatic stress disorder (Major, Cooper, Cozzarelli et al.). An interesting fact about this study also noted that demographic variables and prior mental health were examined as predictors of post abortion psychological responses (Major, Cooper, Cozzarelli et al.). It is safe to say that unwanted pregnancy and abortion are important public health concerns that still to this day revolve throughout our society (Major, Cooper, Cozzarelli et al.). Reasons that conclude this claim back up all of the controversy that goes on concerning this topic. It has been stated that abortions create a vast amount of mental heal risks associated with severe psychological distress following abortion procedures. A few that have been named already include postabortion syndrome, posttraumatic stress disoirder (PTSD) similar to what has been experienced in some combat veterans, rape and child abuse (Major, Cooper, Cozzarelli et al.). With what is evident, we all know that abortion is a highly debated topic that creates a lot of controversy amongst individuals. What needs to be comprehended

Zambelli 8 before disputing between one another is that the gift of life is so treasurable and something people shouldnt take for granted no matter what the instance may be. We tend not to think about the times it can be taken away so quickly. When something so disastrous happens that results in a termination of somebodys life, thats when we sit back and sulk about the what ifs or things we could have done to prevent it. Once life is taken away, its gone for good. Abortion is very similar and should be looked at the same way. Even though it is a controversial topic, it is important to keep in mind what it really is that youre doing to the unborn life. People dont process that part of it the majority of the time and make a selfish decision based on themselves. It is a cruel act that should be taken away from our society. If unplanned pregnancies do arise, it is important to keep in mind that many options are available for a person to cope with this issue. Abortion is not the answer, and the negative effects it can have on someones life isnt as well.

Zambelli 9 Works Cited

Adler, N. E. (., et al. "Psychological Responses After Abortion (English)." Science (Wash.D.C.) 248.4951 (1990): 41-4. Print.

Contis, G., and W. M. Hern. "United States Government Policy on Abortion." American Journal of Public Health 61.5 (1971): 1038-41. Print. Ellison, Christopher G., Samuel Echevarria, and Brad Smith. "Religion and Abortion Attitudes among US Hispanics: Findings from the 1990 Latino National Political Survey." Social Science Quarterly 86.1 (2005): 192-208. Print.

Major, B. ( 1,2 ), et al. "Psychological Responses of Women After First-Trimester Abortion." Archives of General Psychiatry 57.8 (2000): 777-84. Print.