The Legalization Of Abortion: An Advantage Taken For Granted

When you love someone so much, do you follow your feelings or do you let the rules get in your way? If you were given a choice between following what you believe in and just following the rules, what would you pick? The same concept applies with the issue of abortion. Abortion-- a procedure that deliberately removes a fetus in a woman's womb-- has been a major issue tackled by numerous countries and worldwide society. It is a process of taking away a child before it is able to live in the outside world. Through the years, it has been a debatable topic being talked about by various sectors and individuals, even here in the Philippines. It is very controversial because of the valid reasons on both sides; either you are pro-choice wherein you believe that women should have human rights to conduct an abortion or pro-life where you value the life of the child. However, the Filipino people do not realize the beneficial effect that it may bring. Legalizing abortion here in the Philippines would be more essential or advantageous in terms of women's rights, safety, and its contribution to our economic development.

The process of aborting a child into a mother's womb has been around for a long time already. One of the most controversial cases today related to abortion was the Roe v. Wade court hearing in the United States opened in 1971 and decided in 1973 . This case led to the legalization of abortion in their country because of the women conducting their abortions illegally. Today, fifty-four countries or 61% of the world's population have legalized abortion while ninety-seven countries or 39% of the world's population does not allow abortion . Because of the increasing deaths of women due to the unhygienic ways of conducting an illegal abortion, countries like the United States are convinced to finally make this procedure legal and make freedom of choice prevail over the bearing of an unwanted child. Today in our country, abortion is still not legal according to our Revised Penal Code of our Philippine Constitution (Articles 256- 259) which talks about the punishments of aborting a child . Still, the debate concerning this topic continues in the country whether to legalize this based on what is happening to the women, and even to the Philippines' present economic situation.

In my opinion, a woman's right is more important than not having a choice at all for her. The mother should have the right to decide whether she wants to drop the unwanted child or not, taking into consideration the suggestions or recommendations of people that she fully trusts at the same time. I think that saving a life is important but having the freedom of choice weighs more. For any woman to be disallowed an abortion is a violation of her rights as a human being. So if someone gets accidentally pregnant (like being raped or being unprepared for it), she gets to decide what to do with it, not just letting the baby live even if it is unwanted and to the point where the mother cannot do anything about it. However, the woman should realize her faults and decide on things wisely especially on having sex. Legalizing abortion, if ever it happens here in the Philippines, does not mean women would not watch out in regards with their sexual freedom. The use of contraceptives and awareness to the consequences should be instilled so that an unwanted pregnancy would not happen again. I still believe that our country should make abortion legal because we need to protect women's rights, not just the baby being favored over the mother's decision. Why are we called a democratic country if we do not apply the things that surround that powerful word? Thus, we should give the women a choice in regards to conducting abortion or not because they need to be heard and I think they know what is best for them.

Another reason that convinces me to legalize abortion relates to the safety of the mother. We all know that some women resort to illegal abortion because they know that they cannot approach doctors and even hospitals. This is one more reason why we should make abortion legal. If it was permitted here in the Philippines, a woman who carries a pregnancy would be guaranteed proper protection and security. By giving them a choice on whether to abort their child or not, they are also entitled with safety in regards to aborting their child. Through this, the woman would have the chance or the opportunity to just approach a licensed doctor authorized by the government and other health organizations, who is capable of conducting a more successful operation. In addition to that, women would also be assured to have a safe abortion, and they do not have to go to unauthorized "doctors" who does not perform a hygienic and correct process. This would decrease the deaths of women who secretly conduct abortion, and it would be more regulated in a way where it is clearer and properly done. This legalization is actually a better solution for women or couples who want to abort because they know that they are in good hands and they feel that they are not doing anything illegal. The safety of the mother is more significant because her life is at stake, not like the fetus who is not assured to be alive, and also if it is wanted or not.

In addition to the rights and safety of women, legalizing abortion also helps our economy in some way. Passing a law that will allow abortion would also contribute on the control of our growing population. Especially our country getting overpopulated because of our small land area and unequal distribution of people, there should be at least something

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