Editor's note: It's come to my attention that many of you are hurt and angry about the following article. Let me be clear: I agree with you. The opinions presented in it are beyond abhorrent. I understand your sense of betrayal, too, to read such an article on what's otherwise such a supportive place for women. This article was submitted by a freelancer in 2010, and had I been editor at that time, it would never have been published. To be honest, my gut reaction was to delete it as soon as you all brought it to my attention. But then I realized something. That if this terrible article sparked a debate, made us angry, and got us talking, especially in this time when, increasingly, our reproductive rights are threatened, maybe it has value. Maybe it could act as an ugly catalyst, one that's started a conversation most of us are too polite to start. I loathe this article. It's inflammatory, judgmental and hurtful at best, ignorant and divisive at worst. But we're talking about it, and even though it keeps me up at night, sick and angry, I think it can stay. For now. - J

There has been and probably always will be many discussions about abortion. People will always have different opinions of what is right and what is wrong. Abortion is an issue that raises a lot of flags for many people. Here are 7 reasons why abortion should be illegal. Feel free to share your opinions in the comment section, but remember that everyone is entitled to an opinion and it doesn’t make their answer right or wrong. It is merely a personal opinion.

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7. It is Ending a Life

It is Ending a Life Photo Credit: Vincent J. Brown

Some consider abortion to be murder since the being inside the mother is living. The definition of something living includes the ability to grow, which is exactly what is going on inside a woman who is pregnant. An abortion ceases the growing process, therefore ending the future life of a human being. This little being may not start off with a heartbeat or brain activity, but cells are still dividing and allowing it to grow.

6. The Child Doesn’t Have a Choice

The Child Doesn’t Have a Choice Photo Credit: abchbum.

Children can’t and don’t ask to be born, this is purely an option only adults have. Whether the woman chose to get pregnant or not, pro-life individuals feel that abortion is taking the right to live from a human being. This is a right that an embryo cannot defend. Some people say that humans only get to exercise the right of choice once they are old enough to reason, but others feel that a competent adult can also speak for those who are unable to do so on their own.

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Abortion is a highly divisive issue, with many people believing it should be illegal. One of the main arguments against abortion is that the fetus does not have a choice in the matter. While the woman may have chosen to become pregnant, the unborn child cannot defend their right to life. Furthermore, some believe that even those who are not yet able to reason should have their right to life respected. The decision to have an abortion should not be taken lightly, as it has the potential to affect not only the mother, but the unborn child as well.

5. Adoption is Another Option

Adoption is Another Option Photo Credit: Croson Farms

Adoption is always brought up when people talk about aborting an unwanted child. The idea of aborting a child who would make a welcome addition to another family’s household is expressed by many pro-life individuals. There are tons of people who get rejected when they apply to adopt a child, which makes the idea of adoption seem far-fetched to these individuals. However, most people feel putting a child up for adoption is much better than going through an abortion.

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Adoption is a great option for those who are unable to conceive or don't want to have a child of their own, and there are many benefits to considering adoption. Adopting a child can provide a loving home to a child who may otherwise not have one. Additionally, it can provide financial stability and emotional support to the adopted child. It is important to note that adoption is not always an easy process, and it can take a long time to find the right family for the child. However, it is a great option for those who are considering it and can be a rewarding experience for both the child and the adoptive family.

4. Many Women Are Endangered by Abortions

Many Women Are Endangered by Abortions Photo Credit: FOMI Dolls

Not all abortions are handled in a manner that is both sanitary and done by a professional. Abortions can be very expensive, which causes some women to seek services wherever possible. There have been quite a few cases of women dying, becoming sterile from a botched abortion, or ending up in the hospital with further complications. I don’t know if making abortions illegal would help this though. I do think that it would lessen the numbers of women who endanger their lives by looking for abortion services that aren’t up to par.

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3. Doctors Are Supposed to save Lives

Doctors Are Supposed to save Lives Photo Credit: Eric M Martin

The modern version of the Hippocratic Oath doctors take doesn’t specify that doctor are only to save people and make them better, but it is expected of them. The classic version of this oath actually has the phrase, ‘…I will not give to a woman an abortive remedy.’ and the original Hippocratic Oath states, ‘…I will not give a woman a pessary to cause an abortion.’ Any mention of not performing an abortion has been taken out of the Hippocratic Oath, but not from the minds of people who expect doctorsto save lives.

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2. Times Have Changed

Times Have Changed Photo Credit: topfloor

Everything else has evolved over the year, so why not the idea of abortion? Sure, abortion, child abandonment, and even infanticide were all once permitted under Roman law, but that doesn’t make them humane. Leaving your child on someone’s doorstep or committing murder are both considered a major penalty, so why not abortion?

1. There Would Be Less Mental Anguish Caused

There Would Be Less Mental Anguish Caused Photo Credit: ArtMind etcetera

Women who go through an abortion have to always carry that thought with them. They often wonder what their child would have looked like, acted like, and what type of person he/she would have been. No matter how strong a woman is, an abortion causes mental anguish that never truly goes away. At least with adoptiona mother or father has the chance to see what their child has become.

Whether you are for or against abortion, these 7 reasons why abortion should be illegal tend to cause the thought process to churn. 30 of the 50 states in the US had laws making abortion illegal, until the decision of Roe v. Wade nullified these restrictions. After 1973, abortions were made legal all through the US, yet many would be more than happy to see them made illegal once more. Do you feel abortion is a woman’s right or something that a third party should decide?

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Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

its against god. if it was meant to happen god wouldn't of got you putting something down that could be great, but abortion is good to have be what if a girl gets raped? that wasn't planned. and its against god. so I don't think god would let a girl go threw that trama

Embryos don't have consciencness or ability to feel pain untill they are 4 months old and 90% of women with an abortion doit in the first 9 weeks or so. Also what if a baby was going to die at birth, would you let it suffer? I respect your beliefs, but i'm stating some of my own.

When did abortion become such a big issue? I think it should be frowned upon in most cases, but not illegal. Let women make thier choice. If it becomes illegal, then the adoption process needs to become a little easier. Adopting a child in not easy- or cheap. Also, if we're so concerned about saving lives in this country, there are A LOT of other issues to tackle to save lives: lets start with fast food and the obesity rate. Kills people e v e r y d a y. Abortions shouldnt be illegal. It's an issue our government needs to stop paying so much attention to. There are a ton of other, more important issues to focus on.

I disagree with a few of these points. First, I agree that as a result of abortions being too expensive for some women who then get cheaper/ more dangerous ones that that is a danger to women; but if abortions were illegal, think of how many women would go to unsafe measures to get one. It would be a bigger risk to more women. Also, what about abortions for medical reasons, such as an ectopic pregancy? Would those be made illegal too? And what if a woman became pregnant as a result of being raped? The child would be a constant reminder of the rape, and even though its not the child's fault, the mother should still have a choice.