Coffee hangover

This weekend I had lots of coffee and lots of americanos (americani?). I'm paying for it now with one of those caffeine craving headaches.

Check out this blog, there is some interesting stuff regarding gay marriage, with some thoughts added by yours truly.

I've been wanting to post essays that I've written for school on here for a while, and my good buddy David has inspired to do so. Here is an analysis on abortion I wrote for a class called Problems in a Modern Society. Thoughts/criticism/questions appreciated.

The topic of abortion has been a common ground for argument for a long time. Virtually every American is either pro-abortion or anti-abortion, and most feel very strongly in their respective views. In 1973, the government took its first stance on the subject in the trial of Roe v. Wade. The outcome was basically an elimination of all of the previous state and federal laws preventing abortion. Later, in 1989, the result of a court case called Webster v. Reproductive Health Services stated that states no longer have to fund abortions, and must protect viable life (20 weeks). As a result of another famous case in 1992 named Casey v. Planned Parenthood, Parental consent is required for a minor desiring an abortion. Strong feelings are evident outside of the courtroom as well. Picketers are frequent near abortion clinics and other related services, such as birthright. More radical groups have been known to take it so far as to bomb abortion related infrastructure. In addition, 1.2 million abortions have been reported since 1973.

Essentially the fundamental argument exists because of the different definitions of human life, and the notion that life is worth protecting. Scientists have defined it as when the fetus is capable of living outside of a mother’s womb, around 24-28 weeks. A Christian doctrine is that life begins at conception. Some believe that life begins at birth. However, the government has not specified a clear definition of life, but is required to protect it under the constitution.

I believe the government should legalize abortion and fund it like any other medical service offered currently. Being pro abortion does not advocate abortion; it advocates the option of abortion. Women should have this choice because a fetus is inside them, with them not only physically but also biologically. Physical and biological presence leads to a mental and psychological presence also. There are women who find this burdensome, not just the few extra pounds, but also the physiological and emotional effects. Given the option of abortion the mother can keep her privacy in all these aspects.

Legalizing abortion promotes safe methods of the process. Similar to the effects of prohibition of alcohol in the 1920’s in the United States, outlawing abortion would promote illegal methods. In fact, outlawing alcohol had opposite effects than the government intended. Rather than simply quitting, drinkers sought “shady” back alley places to drink. The use of alcohol reportedly increased during this time period due to the “rebel” image of breaking the law. Like prohibition, outlawing abortion encourages “back alley,” unregulated methods of carrying out the abortion. This increases the risk of mistakes and grimy conditions putting the mother’s life in danger. Outlawing abortion could even result in more deaths because of this effect. A very large percentage of women want abortion services and will utilize them legal or not. Illegal “abortion clinics” would become common due to the sheer demand. Outlawing abortion could even result in more deaths because of this effect.

Technically, abortion is no different than abstinence. At this moment, the world population is capable of producing billions of babies, if all of the approximately three-billion sperm connected with the approximately three-billion eggs. The connection between the two is just another process in the cycle of human life. Am I a murderer for not having sex right now? Logically, moral significance withstanding, the answer to that question would be yes. Acting purely on moral basis alone the government’s decision to outlaw abortion would be absurd and flawed.

The United States government does not allow bills to evolve into laws based on morals. It acts for the interests of the people. 29% of pregnancies result in an abortion. 71% of pregnancies result in a birth. Legalizing abortion on the federal level gives both of these populations adequate compensation for their personal desires and beliefs.