The issue of abortion is a very complex one. There are many things to consider when it comes to deciding whether or not it is an option for someone. There are all kinds of information available should one find oneself in a position to decide to have one. It is a very difficult decision to have to make; one that should not be taken lightly. Not only are there health implications at risk but emotional one's as well. That is why I find that I struggle with what's best for everyone. I will speak for myself and say that I personally would not want to ever get one, but I would like to have the option available to me and not have it be up to someone else. I don't believe that anyone really has the right to tell a woman what to do with her body. But on the other hand, the decision, I believe, is not completely hers. Being that there are two people involved in creating a life, it should be a joint decision of both involved.
I personally believe that the option to get an abortion should not come easy. The same way that they make it difficult to get a divorce, it should be the same with an abortion. All other options should be explained to the couple involved so that they have all the necessary information to make a well informed decision. Also, I believe in some kind of time frame to make a decision. It is legal for a woman to get an abortion at any time up until the day of birth. The cost depends on what point the mother would get one. There are so many options these days for an abortion. There are pills that can be taken either the morning after unprotected sex, or even as late as the second month of pregnancy. Some other methods include suction-aspiration, dilation and curettage, dilation and evacuation, prostaglandin, dilation and extraction. All of these methods have complications and involve loss of blood, pain, both emotional and physical, and possible damage to the woman receiving the abortion. The pill RU-486 is perhaps the most drawn out form of abortion because it takes up to a full week before it causes the woman to expel a dead fetus. Not only does the woman experience symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and bleeding, it can also be very traumatizing for the mere fact that it takes up to an entire week before the pill causes her to expel a dead fetus. I can't image going through that.
The whole desire to have abortion as an option is important because some woman know that they are not ready for one and were actually using some form of birth control. I know that I go to great lengths to make sure that I am adequately protected against any pregnancy right now because I do not feel that I am at a point to provide for a child the way that I would like. If that should happen, I would consider other options first such as adoption. The main thing to be considered is making the right choice for each individual. I do not believe that it should be up to the government to decide whether or not a woman is entitled to get an abortion. On the other hand being that it involves the health of the woman and child, there is a responsibility to inform women of everything that comes along with choosing to get an abortion. It should be treated like any medical procedure; all necessary information should be provided to those pursuing abortion as an option.
Another thing that I believe should be considered when the decision to get an abortion is that the man involved in creating the new life should have some say in the matter. I do believe that he is as much responsible as the woman, for he is the other half of this new life. I believe that if he is not ready to care for a child, whether he is not financially able, or emotionally able, he has the right to be a part of this life-altering decision. Both soon-to-be parents should sit down with an expert, whether it's there doctor or a counselor, or clergyman, and discuss their options. It is the best way for there to be the best possible decision for both parties involved. That way, maybe if people see how difficult it is to even get one, they may take better precautions to prevent unwanted pregnancies. This is a very bold statement for me to make, but I find that it is primarily my responsibility to make sure that I do not get pregnant before I am ready. Men should do there part too, to make sure that the woman is using some sort of birth control, unless the couple is trying to conceive. I wish more people took this type of responsibility. That is a huge reason why I believe in sex education, especially for today's youth, but for adults as well. The better informed people are, the more likely they will make a good choice. Also, if it is somewhat difficult to obtain an abortion, maybe that would encourage men and women to take better precautions to prevent unwanted pregnancy.
Basically what it comes down to is this; I believe in the availability of abortions to those who want them. We just need to make sure that men and women are aware of the consequences that come along with choosing to get an abortion and providing other options so that it may be a last resort.