Abortion

Arguments in the Abortion

Debate
Prochoice Arguments
-It is a womans right to choose what to do with her body-the ability of a
woman to have control over her body is a critical civil right-she is entitled to
her own reproductive choices
-It is a form of population control
-The foetus is not a person, not a separate entity from the mother so abortion
is not murder
-It is a safe medical procedure if not properly done
-Forcing a woman to keep a baby which is a product of the violent act of rape
or incest causes psychological harm to her
-Teenagers who become mothers have grim future prospects
-fertilized eggs used for invitro fertilization are thrown away if not implantedif this is not murder abortion is not murder
-Adoption is not an alternative to abortion, rather it is just another choice
that a woman can make
-Abortion is necessary in some circumstances to preserve the life and health
of the woman

Prolife Arguments
-Life begins at conception- child has human rights from conception
-Abortion is akin to murder- direct defiance of the commonly accepted idea of
the sanctity of life

-Adoption is a viable alternative

-Abortion ca result in medical complications later in life- risk of ectopic
pregnancy doubles, chance of miscarriage and pelvic inflammatory disease
increases
-Abortion punishes the unborn child who committed no crime
-Abortion should not be used as another form of contraception
-In cases of rape and incest proper medical care will eliminate the risk of
pregnancy
-For women who demand complete control of their body, control should
include preventing unwanted pregnancy through the responsible use of
contraception or abstinence if possible
-Abortion frequently causes intense psychological pain, stress, and a lifetime
of regret
-Rights of the father must be respected
-Abortion goes against biblical and moral principles

Recommendations of the Abortion

Policy Advisory Group in Jamaica
This group was set up to canvass the views of the public on the question of
abortion. The group presented the following recommendations:
-Repeal abortion laws and create a new Termination of Pregnancy Act setting
out conditions under which termination of pregnancy is lawful
-Create specified, staffed centres for provision of therapeutic abortion
-Termination of pregnancy over 22 weeks is not recommended except under
exceptional circumstances
-Termination under 12 weeks can be done in approved doctors offices; over
12 weeks must be in a formal hospital setting

-Persons involved in the provision of these services should be specially

trained by a recognized institution
-Special provisions should be put in place for minors and the mentally
disabled.
-Pre and post termination counselling must be provided
-Confidentiality is paramount