Abortion has seemingly become one of the most controversial topics, given that it receives criticism and support in equal measure. 2022 saw abortion rights become hotly contested following the Supreme Court ruling that essentially overturned the Roe v. Wade case, which had for a long time constitutionally guaranteed women the right to abortion. The judgment was greatly disapproved, with many arguing that it was a direct infringement of women’s human rights, which would result in reckless endangerment of life as unsafe abortions would be on the rise. In light of these, this paper seeks to discuss the effects of overregulating abortion in consideration of possible infringement of human rights, an increase in late-term abortions, and the foreseeable impact on Science and Healthcare.
Annotated Bibliography
Sargeant, P. (2022, June 29). Abortion: What does overturn of Roe v Wade mean? BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-61804777
Paul examines the 2022 ruling on Roe v. Wade in an impartial way by analyzing the statistical figures of those likely to be greatly affected by the judgment passed. He considers several variables, including levels of education, age gap, and financial disparity, through the effective use of interactive tables. He further traces states that plan to introduce abortion restrictions while also providing key information such as the number of abortion clinics present per state and the number of abortions reported by the Guttmacher Institute. The author, Paul Sargeant, is a well-established and renowned journalist whose work has severally recognition owing to his in-depth exposure to pertinent matters affecting human life. The information relayed greatly contributed to the overall argument that no law should dictate the right of access to abortion as the vulnerable in society end up suffering the most from such retrogressive thinking.
Blazina, C. (2022, July 15). Key facts about the abortion debate in America. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2022/07/15/key-facts-about-the-abortion-debate-in-america/
The article debunks the major facts associated with the present debate on abortion. It focuses on the views of Americans in relation to Roe v. Wade. The writer analyses the level of disapproval regarding gender through a party lens where Democrats greatly disagree with the judgment. Blazina considers that part affiliation bears considerable weight when it comes to human rights pronouncements such as abortion. She further contends that Americans’ views have remained unchanged for quite a while, with the majority believing it is cruel to ban abortion. Notably, the article explores the aspect of absolutists, where different scenarios elicit deferring opinions from the general public concerning abortion. The author, Carrie Blazina, is a reputable digital producer who works at Pew Research Center. She has contributed numerously to the abortion topic, with her main concern always being the general public’s views. The article’s relevance lies in that all the relevant statistical data was obtained through extensive interaction with Americans.
Grossman, D. (2018, February 28). Overregulation is forcing women to have late-term abortions. Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-grossman-remove-restrictions-on-medication-abortion-20180228-story.html
The article contends that adding hurdles to the issue of abortion would somewhat force women to obtain abortions during the later stages of the pregnancy. It asserts that the idea of overregulating abortion does not in any way deter those who prefer it. However, it argues that overregulation would only pressure women to seek out alternatives, such as the use of online medication whose quality is unknown. Grossman insists that enacting regulations on abortion only delays the inevitable as women who are determined tend to seek out options on their own, which often turns tragic. He explains that abortions at an early stage are safer than those during the late stage. Furthermore, Daniel maintains that it is already difficult for women to obtain the procedure; thus, adding more restrictions amounts to cruelty. Daniel Drossman is an accomplished professor at the department of obstetrics at the University of California. Also, he doubles as the director of ANSIRH, which is domiciled at Bixby Center. The article’s appropriateness has to do with its analysis of how restrictions on abortion only prevent women from getting medical abortions from licensed clinics, thus endangering their lives. Also, the paper reflects on the cruelty aspect by detailing that medical abortions are less intrusive than surgical abortions, which often happen after botched attempts at unlicensed individuals.
Human Rights Watch. (2022, June 24) US: Abortion Access is a Human Right. https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/06/24/us-abortion-access-human-right
The website declares that access to abortion is a human right, given that women’s reproductive rights are entrenched in the constitution. It asserts that such access is imperative since it is guided by international law; thus, abortion is a fundamental human right that should always be accorded to women of all ages. Furthermore, the website alleges that in circumstances where abortion is restricted, other rights, such as the right to nondiscrimination, privacy, liberty, health, and life, often tend to be at risk. It also maintains that banning or restricting abortion does not in any way reduce the number of abortions but instead only facilitates an increase in the number of unsafe procedures. The website is registered under a nonprofit organization based in New York. The human rights watch website is known for spotlighting abuses in over 100 countries worldwide with the view of defending and protecting human life. The website is seemingly relevant as it addresses human rights concerns. Furthermore, it draws out a logical connection between the right to abortion and the violation of the constitution.
Guttmacher Institute. (2022, August 30). “Parental Involvement” Mandates for Abortion Harm Young People, But Policymakers Can Fight Back. https://www.guttmacher.org/article/2020/02/parental-involvement-mandates-abortion-harm-young-people-policymakers-can-fight-back
This article effectively demonstrates the extent to which young girls are affected by restrictive abortion laws. It goes beyond revealing the variation of experiences regarding minors in view of parental approval. It considers judicial processes such as the judicial bypass, which can sometimes take up to several weeks, further allowing the development of the fetus. It maintains that such delays would worsen when certain states entirely ban abortion. The website suggests that the maternal mortality rate is likely to increase following the decision by the Supreme Court. It contends that the quality of life of women is expected to reduce. The Guttmacher Institute is a reputable center for family planning development programs. It boasts over five decades of experience, with about 100 staff members who include social scientists, demographers, and social policy analysts. The website’s relevance rests on its advocation for fewer restrictions when dealing with abortion. It confirms that some abortion laws are archaic and deserve to be scrapped as they are intentionally detrimental to women’s mental and physical health.
Cha, A. E. (2019, February 7). ‘Late-term’ abortions challenge both sides. Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/us-policy/2019/02/07/late-term-abortions-challenge-both-pro-choice-pro-life-sides/
Cha argues that some states, such as Texas, Louisiana, and New Mexico, often terminate pregnancies in the third trimester, thereby causing the fetus unnecessary harm. Ariana maintains that these unfortunate incidents happen because of overregulation, leaving women searching for alternatives until late-term pregnancy. The articles suggest a common ground between reproductive rights and abortion. She insists that many against abortion usually have a problem with late-stage abortions; however, this can be cured by the deregulation of abortion laws. Furthermore, the article alludes that medical advances can reduce the conflict between those against abortion and human rights activists. Ariana Eungung Cha is a national reporter of good standing. She attended Columbia University and previously worked as the bureau chief in San Fransico, Shanghai, and Beijing. She also worked as a correspondent in Iraq. Before becoming a journalist, she worked as a program analyst on Wall Street. The article’s relevance lies in the fact that it addresses the limitations of overregulating abortion laws. Also, it reveals that restrictions on abortion may be the cause of late-term abortions, which are undoubtedly dangerous to women.
The Editors. (2022, May 5). Abortion Rights Are Good Health Care and Good Science. Scientific American. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/abortion-rights-are-good-health-and-good-science/
The Scientific American article asserts that restricting abortion goes against safety, science, and basic human dignity. It also suggests that such actions are dangerous as they portend a threatening future. It argues that further restricting access to abortion could potentially trigger certain states, such as Pennsylvania, to re-enact discriminatory laws such as the one which forced women to notify their husbands before obtaining abortions. Moreover, it maintains that some states may prefer to draw criminal charges against doctors and medical practitioners who facilitate abortions, thereby creating a conducive environment for quacks to take advantage of the situation. The website is famed for addressing scientific advances in the field of medicine. It is credited for advocating for medical breakthroughs that have the potential to influence human life positively. The article demonstrates that restricting access to abortion is not influenced by science. Rather, it is merely the preference of retrogressive individuals who are not keen on preserving human rights.
Amnesty International. (2022, October 31). Key Facts on Abortion. https://www.amnesty.org/en/what-we-do/sexual-and-reproductive-rights/abortion-facts/
The Amnesty International website delves into the key facts surrounding the issue of abortion. It asserts people will have abortions irrespective of what the law says; thus, it is increasingly important to educate the masses on pertinent issues concerning abortion. It argues that women often lose their lives because they are unaware of certain critical information. According to the article, many deaths and injuries in relation to abortion can be prevented so long as there is civic education. It argues that criminalizing abortion only makes it less safe as people ultimately do what suits them. The website posits that the Roe v. Wade ruling sets the wrong precedent for young democracies, where an estimated 25 billion abortions happen annually, most of them being classified as unsafe. Amnesty International is a renowned and passionate organization focused on human rights. It focuses on highly the plight of humans whenever there is injustice. It aims to educate the public to empower people with skills promoting dignity, respect, and equality. The website is unequivocally significant as it contends that access to abortion should be a matter of human rights.
Reference list
Amnesty International. (2022, October 31). Key Facts on Abortion. https://www.amnesty.org/en/what-we-do/sexual-and-reproductive-rights/abortion-facts/
Blazina, C. (2022, July 15). Key facts about the abortion debate in America. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2022/07/15/key-facts-about-the-abortion-debate-in-america/
Cha, A. E. (2019, February 7). ‘Late-term’ abortions challenge both sides. Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/us-policy/2019/02/07/late-term-abortions-challenge-both-pro-choice-pro-life-sides/
Grossman, D. (2018, February 28). Overregulation is forcing women to have late-term abortions. Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-grossman-remove-restrictions-on-medication-abortion-20180228-story.html
“Parental Involvement” Mandates for Abortion Harm Young People, But Policymakers Can Fight Back. (2022, August 30). Guttmacher Institute. https://www.guttmacher.org/article/2020/02/parental-involvement-mandates-abortion-harm-young-people-policymakers-can-fight-back
Sargeant, P. (2022, June 29). Abortion: What does overturn of Roe v Wade mean? BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-61804777
The Editors. (2022, May 5). Abortion Rights Are Good Health Care and Good Science. Scientific American. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/abortion-rights-are-good-health-and-good-science/
US: Abortion Access is a Human Right. (2022, June 24). Human Rights Watch. https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/06/24/us-abortion-access-human-right
write