Here’s my opinion!
Dear Alice,
I have just found out that I am one week pregnant. My boyfriend and I both agree that it is not the time for this. We do not have the money for an abortion. Is there any way to safely force a miscarriage?
Dear Reader,
Trained, qualified health care providers safely terminate pregnancies since there is no safe way to induce (or force) a miscarriage on your own. Before abortion was legalized in the United States as a choice for women in 1973, millions of women tried "do-it- yourself" methods or visited "back-alley doctors" to end unwanted pregnancies. Thousands died, and many more were permanently injured.
It's important not to let money stand in the way of your health care. Abortion costs vary depending on the setting — clinics, such as Planned Parenthood, tend to be less expensive (some even have sliding scale fees); private hospitals and doctor's offices usually are more expensive. If you are at a university, funds for this type of procedure may also be available. Many private health insurance plans pay for some or all of the expenses. Medicaid covers the cost of abortion in some, but not all, states. The National Network of Abortion Funds provides a listing of community abortion funds throughout the U.S. These funds provide financial aid to help low income women obtain an abortion. Their toll-free hotline is 1.800.772.9100.
First trimester abortions (abortions up to the thirteenth week of pregnancy) typically cost between $300 - 400. Since you are about one week along in your pregnancy, you may also have a choice between a medical/chemical abortion using Mifepristone (formerly known as RU-486) and a surgical abortion. A health care provider will be able to give you additional info (or you can check on your own). As the pregnancy progresses, pregnancy terminations become more expensive and providers more difficult to find, as risks and complications from the procedure also increase.
Pregnant and Undecided in Alice's Sexual Health archive explains how abortions are performed and also gives other related info and options. You can get information on crisis pregnancy counseling in your area through Planned Parenthood at 1.800.230.PLAN (-7526).
Fortunately, women in the U.S. today, even those with low income, have various options and resources available to them.
http://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/1984.html
Dear Alice,
I am nineteen-years-old. I just found out that I'm pregnant. I have been with the guy for two years and in college for one year. We are not financially stable. We have given it a lot of thought, but still do not know what to do. I have looked at the pros and cons and still I'm not sure. I have three little sisters and know that raising children is a hard job. Throughout this time I have leaned more toward the abortion, but don't feel like I know enough about it. Can you please HELP?
Thanks,
Undecided
Dear Undecided,
Alice is pleased that you're looking for the information you need to make your decision because this decision has a time limit. If you do not reach one within a certain amount of time, it will be made for you.
Clinically, abortion is a safe and simple procedure when carried out legally by licensed and specially trained doctors and some nurse practitioners with sterile and proper instruments. If you decide to have an abortion, it is best to do so within the first trimester (first three months) — this is when an abortion is safer, easier, and less expensive. You may have a hard time finding someone to perform a second trimester abortion; and, third trimester abortions are only performed when your life is seriously threatened by the pregnancy, or if you need to be treated for a life-threatening disease with a medication that would be toxic to the pregnancy.
Most surgical abortions take anywhere from five to fifteen minutes. The most common technique, aspiration, involves inserting a small tube, that is attached to a source of gentle suction, which draws the pregnancy tissue out from the uterus through the cervix. You can choose local (you're awake) or general anesthesia. This type of abortion is done during the first three months. Second trimester abortions usually involve an injection of medication to help trigger the abortion.
As far as how you will handle an abortion emotionally, some women feel relief, sadness, anger, upset, guilt, nothing at all, or all of the above. You may or may not experience unexpected emotions afterwards. If you choose to have an abortion, let a close friend or two, besides your boyfriend, know about it. Having people around who care and who can support you in your decision will help.
Ultimately, the decision is yours to make. You've got several choices to consider: you can terminate the pregnancy either surgically or medically (whichever is recommended as appropriate for you); or, you can carry the pregnancy to full-term, either keeping the baby or perhaps arranging for the baby to be adopted. Carefully think about which option will be best for you and your boyfriend. It may be a complicated decision to make, as family, religious, cultural, and future life concerns are so often influential. Speak with a health care provider or ask your student health service if you need more help making your decision. Another resource that can help you make a decision is Planned Parenthood because they offer a wide-range of women's health care and information:
Planned Parenthood
1.800.230.PLAN (-7526)
You can also read RU-486 (Mifepristone) in Alice's Sexual Health archive for more information about this medical form of abortion.
Alice believes that whatever you decide, know and remember that you will be making the best choice for yourself at this point in your life.
http://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/1405.html
Answered By: Ziggy - 4/5/2007 |
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Answered By: Dr Universe - 4/2/2007 |
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Answered By: princess - 4/2/2007 |
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It NOT good in any reason....
Its a completely thought out SELFISH act of murder....
So what if you were raped.... ITS NOT THE BABIES FAULT..
sorry you were raped but why commit another act of crime just because one was brought upon yourself??
And if you are old enough to get pregnant your old enough to pass a baby
no way possible that a woman "is not mature enough to carry"if you are "old enough to bleed you are old enough to breed"
sorry poor terminology.. but its true
If you spread your legs .. you should have to pay consequence
just because a oops happened doesn't mean you should just say bye bye fetus .......
And even if you are a high risk pregnacy... and you may die....
keep in mind the best gift a person can give is life...
so why not die trying??
Abortions are so insainly selfish!
Answered By: Tr!sh - 4/2/2007 |
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You're asking the wrong question. I don't know anybody who thinks "abortion is good."
I think what you mean to ask is, why should abortion be legal? That answer is simple. The government has no right to legislate a woman's body.
Answered By: Tell Me Another One Mr. Bush - 4/2/2007 |
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I don't think abortion is necessarily bad. What if you had been raped?
Also, if your body is not mature enough to carry a baby, then abortion could be a good choice
Answered By: Yuchen L - 4/2/2007 |
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You have to have an abortion for a debate?
Answered By: Mark H - 4/2/2007 |
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Abortions are not good...Because they leave footprints behind...
Answered By: China19 - 4/2/2007 |
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There is absolutely NO good in killing innocent babies no matter the circumstances. Because either way, it wasn't the baby's fault and he/she deserves a chance at life. Who are we to determine whether or not a child lives?
"Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter." (Isaiah 5:20)
ABORTION = MURDER
Answered By: libsR4kids - 4/2/2007 |
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Because a woman (and also the man in case he doesn't want it too) has the right to not want to have a baby.
Answered By: kate - 4/2/2007 |
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There is no "good" in abortion, it is murder. Debate that...
Answered By: Bubber - 4/2/2007 |
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I dont kno...i am COMPLETLY against abortion
Answered By: GuitarGal - 4/2/2007 |
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I see no good in it either. It is taking a life, aka murder. But the arguments I have heard is that it can "prevent" a child from growing up in a depleted, poverty, deprived home life where it will be unwanted.
Answered By: Kerry - 4/2/2007 |
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If a girl is raped, and cannot support herself and the baby.
if the girl is pregnant and her body cannot survive having the baby
Answered By: Cait - 4/2/2007 |
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There is nothing good about abortion.
Answered By: anthonyinkc - 4/2/2007 |
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Nobody ever said it was good. pro-choice people, like myself, feel that a woman should have the right to do it. pregnancy is not always planned. in a cruel world like ours where r**e exists, i believe it should be ok for a woman to get an abortion.
Answered By: steve k - 4/2/2007 |
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Well, I'm personally against abortion, but people might want to have one if their child is going to have a disease of somesort that would make them suffer for their shortened life. Plus, many people would not have the resources necessary to support a disablied child, or need some resources to support other or future children.
Answered By: Tammy T - 4/2/2007 |
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I'm not sure anyone could say abortion is good, even pro-choice people like myself.
But if you mean why is abortion legal, then I might be able to help you.
Answered By: Josh - 4/2/2007 |
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It's not, and almost everyone who is pro-choice would agree with that.. it is just not someone else's place to say if others should have one or not... but I suppose if you had to debate that it was good you could argue.
population control
preventing bringing a child into a life of suffering and pain
.... not that I agree with that reasoning.. but you could build a case behind it.
Answered By: pip - 4/2/2007 |
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Easy, It is not. I do not think you will find an answer that shows it to be good. There is no excuse.
Answered By: bildymooner - 4/2/2007 |
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I don't think anybody thinks abortion is 'good', as you put it. Pro-choice people think the right to choose whether to give birth to a baby or have a pregnancy terminated is very important. It is the right to choose that they think is positive; they are not of the opinion that abortion, per se, is 'good'. Pro-choice people believe that no one should have the right to make a woman carry and give birth to a baby she does not want.
A debate over whether abortion is 'good' or 'bad' would be a pointless and uneven debate - even people who agree it should be legal do not think it is 'good'. The two most prominent points of view on the matter are no-choice and pro-choice. If you want to conduct a worthwhile debate, reflecting the laws that should or should not exist in your country, then debate a woman's right to choose or not choose.
Answered By: nicepuddin - 4/2/2007 |
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It's not!!
Sex education is the only answer!
The government has no business being involved in the reproduction choices of women in the United States of America!
Answered By: Kelly B - 4/2/2007 |
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Abortion itself isn't good.
The issue regarding abortion is keeping it legal and performed in a hospital vs a back alley.
There will always be girls who for whatever reason decide that it's their only choice. For them, keep it safe.
Don't legislate morality.
Answered By: DoH - 4/2/2007 |
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I don't like abortion but i can see where sometImes it would b a good thing. if the mother was having complications with pregnancy and she had to give up the child to save her own life or if there was a r**e case of a 13 y/o i could see that. But as for the " I just don't want a baby" im against that. Give it up for adoption. There are too many forms of birth control for an oops. Also if u want one because u cheated on ur husband and he cant have kids. Oh well thats ur fault.
and that is my view on abortion!
Answered By: babycow - 4/2/2007 |
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It is very difficult for a woman physically, emotionally, and spiritually .... however, there are cases when it is necessary:
**if the pregnancy endangers a woman's life
**if she has been raped or if she has conceived a child in the course of prostitution
I am sure there are other valid reasons; however I am not aware of them at this time.
Peace & Love
Answered By: Scots Pines - 4/2/2007 |
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It's good because it doesn't force responsible taxpayers to finance the raising and educating of other irresponsible peoples unwanted mistakes....
Answered By: Carpe diem - 4/2/2007 |
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You will not find many, if any, good things about abortion. Even pro-choice people will be hard pressed to give you a reason that abortion is good. It is not something to take lightly. There are emotional and physical consequence to address when you have an abortion.
With that said, I am pro-choice. I do not think it is up to the government or anyone to tell a woman what she can or can not do to her body. There are situations where emotionally or physically, the consequences of having an abortion are preferred to the consequenses (both physical or emotional) of carrying a baby to term.
It is a tough topic. You can not simplify it to good and bad. Perhaps this over simplification of the topic is what is causing your problems in formulating your debate.
Good Luck
Answered By: Mr. G - 4/2/2007 |
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Because it prevents children from being born into the world so they can be abused and/or neglected, or to parents who cannot afford thm, or are too young to raise children. There are sometimes circumstances when it may endanger a womans life if she gives birth (like me, for medical reasons) or the baby may have something terribly wrong with it and would suffer if it were born.
Growing up in an orphanage is not the ideal life for anyone. Not everyone in the worls wants to run out and adopt a kid who was born with birth defects or mental retardation. Every woman has her own reasons for wanting an abortion. I think we as a nation should respect that and stop all the stupid controversy over it. I dont think it should be used as a regular form of birth control, but sometimes abortion needs to be available.
Answered By: I know, I know!!!! - 4/2/2007 |
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Nobody is really arguing that abortion is good. The abortion debate in this country is about who gets to control what a woman does with her body and whether (and when) a fetus becomes a baby. If you are being asked to argue a pro-choice position, take the approach that present life (the woman) is more important that prospective life (the fetus) until that fetus is viable. Although it is not exactly the most well-written opinion the United States Supreme Court ever handed down, check out Roe v. Wade for an explanation of how viability plays into the debate.
Good luck. It can be tough to argue a position you obviously don't believe in.
Answered By: Andrew - 4/2/2007 |
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What is the debate? IS it over why abortion should be legal? That is very different from just giving an opinion based on emotion. And If you can't find any reason it is a good idea to keep it leagl, then maybe you haven't done any research on the matter. Try looking at the reasons it became an undeniable right for women...women dying, abortion rates were higher, no control, etc...then, what happened when it was protected is less women died, restrictions were put on it, birth control more readily available, and less abortions occurred. You will have to do your own work to find those sources, but they are there. I had to debate one time on how AIDS victims didn't deserve the same rights as others. it is difficult to challenge yourself to argue another side, but if you can't handle the challenge, maybe you should tell the teacher that you cannot open your mind enough to argue something you don't believe.
Source(s):
You could also use the logic that the government would try and legislate more than just abortion...like birth control (don't think it happens? Go to a catholic hospital, or look at the pharmacists who won't fill prescriptions. This is more than just abortion, it is the government staying out of the doctor's office all together
Answered By: hichefheidi - 4/2/2007 |
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Abortion is not good,,,, in any way, shape, form or fashion. End of discussion. No point can be made that would indicate that it is good.
Source(s):
P.S. also,, all the folks on here claiming the pro-choice standpoint on here,, should stop and think for a min,,, what if their parents had decided, "hey , u know , im just not ready to have a baby yet".
Answered By: planetary - 4/2/2007 |
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Mostly from a social security and welfare stand point the nation is already overwhelmed with children in the care system. this included children of low income families who are unable to support them as well as children who are in the care system because of neglect and abuse.
By outlawing abortion you are adding more children born into situations where the parents are not only ill prepared financially, but emotionally and physically to take care the children. It would result in further strain on social security, welfare and medicare.
It is naive to think that all of these children will be adopted out.
Answered By: smedrik - 4/2/2007 |
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You HAVE to have an abortion for a debate?!
Tough school.
Answered By: Aggiegirl - 4/2/2007 |
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Abortion in itself is not good, but the government's interference with a private citizen's decision for a medical procedure it intolerable.
We must remember that legislating morality is akin to legislating religion which is too gray a line to draw in "the separation of church and state".
Abortion is good in that it creates an issue that the public can come together to debate we can agree to disagree but the forum is there and kept alive by the passionate people from each side of the issue.
Answered By: mymadsky - 4/2/2007 |
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It should not be a topic of debates or left for politicians to decide, neither religious zealots. It is bad from any prospective, but what is the lesser Evil?
We should stop spending time figuring out how to make an abortion illegal. We need to investigate how to prevent accidental pregnancy.
Answered By: Oscar R - 4/2/2007 |
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Well Tim, just try to imagine, what if you found out that you were pregnant?
And you're 12, diabetic, sexually preyed upon by your uncle or brother, and you have some dreams for your life that don't include risking your health and growth.
We still don't have great contraception education in this country and now the prices of birth control pills have tripled at most clinics and colleges because of govt policies so expect more, not less, abortion questions. Abortion isn't "good," but it's a difficult CHOICE that we females should have because pregnancy is a serious event in a body, esp. when young, already ill, and not in a situation to be able to take care of oneself, much less a child. It's a life changing event, not just a debate topic.
So go ahead and destroy my argument but know that you will never have to seriously even think about this question even if you get a girl pregnant . . . it won't be your body doing the hard work. You can't die in childbirth, have rH factor difficulties, become bed-ridden, have your blood vessels rupture, or any number of things that still happen even here in the US with girls who don't get prenatal care because they're afraid to admit they're pregnant or afraid their family will do something drastic.
Yes, the 12 yr old is real but I don;t know her personally . . . I do however know the 14 yr old who gave birth years ago and still struggles. She's 4'11" because she was supposed to have a growth spurt when her body had to give that extra energy to the baby, chose to have it and keep it, and now they both struggle with money. SHe "homeschools" him in front of a TV because she works in a bar at night and can't afford daycare. He sleeps at the bar i think. A beautiful life for him may happen someday, I truly hope.
Source(s):
Experience with friends. Birth control counselor and dispeller of myths.
Answered By: SWMynx - 4/2/2007 |
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There is a mindset in the country that says the government knows best, and then the mother does. The funny thing is people says it's never good, but they would fight and fight for the right. The common reason is this "my right my body" argument. If that is the case, why aren't drugs legal of all sort. Your body, do what you want. It's good so that broads that get knocked up have a way out of caring for their screwup. That is it. It's a second chance, and those who bring up the r**e thing, no one would argue that. Bad talking point. This is about a second chance for a woman who screwed up. That is it. ARGH
Answered By: The Angry Elephant - 4/2/2007 |
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Its not good at all there are people that want baby's and cant have them how knows you might be killing a future president
Answered By: Dennis - 4/2/2007 |
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