PERSUAVISIVE ESSAY

Persuavisive Essay : Abortion

Persuavisive Essay : Abortion

        Abortion has been a very controversial subject over these past few decades. Every time you pick up a paper or magazine it seems there is always some protest regarding abortion, whether it be for fetal rights or women's rights. An abortion may occur unexpectedly, in which case it is called a miscarriage, or it may be brought on purposefully, in which case it is often called an induced abortion. I am neither for nor against abortion, and my support does not sway towards either region. I am here to convince you to think before acting.

        Many physical and mental aspects are associated with an abortion. Women can develop breast, cervical, ovarian, and liver cancer from having abortion. In later pregnancies, there is a chance of having handicapped newborns and other complications. Studies have found that women who have undergone an abortion experience psychiatric problems following the procedure. These are a few of the most important issues inherent to abortions. (Lewis 2003 pp.442-444)

        In the past thirty years, the issue of abortion has prevailed as perhaps the most controversial health issue facing our nation. Within the issue, clear sides can be drawn. Activists on either side are highly organized, pummeling the public with proof that abortion is either wrong or right. Stripped down, the abortion argument becomes a dispute between those who perceive the unborn fetus to be viable human life and likewise abortion as murder, and those who prioritize the rights of the living mother over those of an unborn fetus. The anti-abortion campaign is one based almost exclusively on religious notions and ideals. In contrast, those who support a woman's right to an abortion draw support from a combination of scientific evidence as well as moral and political issues. As a nation of reason and one that prioritizes the rights of its citizens above all other things, the right to an abortion must be protected. (Luker 1984)

        Women can develop breast, cervical, ovarian, and liver cancer from having an abortion. The risk of breast cancer "almost doubles after one abortion and rises even further with two or more" (Luker 1985 pp. 25-45). Women with one abortion face a 2.3% risk of cervical cancer compared to non-aborted women, and women with two or more abortions face a 4.92% relative risk. Comparable elevated risks of liver and ovarian cancer have also been linked to single and multiple abortions. Other sides to these statements exist as well.

        A great opposition exists when evaluating the health risks associated with abortions. No historical cohort study has shown a significant increase in risk of breast cancer among women who have chosen to have an abortion. Most complications and diseases associated with women are primarily based upon the female's age. Few links exist and are documented supporting the theory of elevated health risks after having an abortion. Only a minimum of the opposing arguments can be presented due to the restraints of this essay.

        In reality, a link between abortion and elevated health risks ...