why should abortion be made legal essay

2 min read 15-04-2025

Why Abortion Access Should Be Legal: A Matter of Bodily Autonomy and Social Justice

The debate surrounding abortion is complex and deeply personal. However, the legal and ethical arguments strongly support the availability of safe and legal abortion. Restricting access to abortion infringes on fundamental human rights, disproportionately harms vulnerable populations, and ultimately undermines social justice. This essay will explore the key reasons why abortion should remain legal.

Bodily Autonomy: The Foundation of Reproductive Freedom

At the core of the argument for legal abortion is the principle of bodily autonomy. Every individual has the right to make decisions about their own body, free from coercion or interference from the state. Forcing someone to carry an unwanted pregnancy to term violates this fundamental right. This is not simply a matter of convenience; it's about control over one's own life, health, and future. The consequences of unwanted pregnancies can be devastating, impacting education, career prospects, and overall well-being.

Protecting Public Health and Safety

Restricting access to abortion doesn't eliminate abortions; it simply drives them underground. Unsafe, illegal abortions pose significant risks to women's health, leading to complications like infection, hemorrhage, and even death. Legal abortion provides access to safe medical procedures performed by trained professionals, minimizing these risks and ensuring better health outcomes. Making abortion legal reduces preventable maternal mortality and morbidity, a critical public health concern, particularly in underserved communities.

Socioeconomic Disparities and Reproductive Justice

Access to abortion is not equally distributed across all segments of society. Low-income individuals, people of color, and those in rural areas often face significant barriers to accessing reproductive healthcare, including abortion. Restricting abortion access further exacerbates these existing inequalities, creating a system where the wealthy have access to safe abortions, while the poor are left to risk their lives through unsafe procedures. This is a matter of reproductive justice, which centers on the right of all people to have children, not have children, and parent the children they have in safe and sustainable ways.

The Role of Comprehensive Sex Education and Contraception

While access to contraception is crucial, it is not foolproof. Unintended pregnancies can and do occur even with consistent contraceptive use. Restricting access to abortion does not reduce the rate of unintended pregnancies; it simply leaves individuals with fewer options to manage those pregnancies. A comprehensive approach to reproductive health includes access to both contraception and safe, legal abortion.

Addressing the Moral and Ethical Arguments

Opponents of abortion often raise moral or religious objections. However, the government should not impose a particular moral or religious viewpoint on its citizens. The decision of whether or not to have an abortion is a deeply personal one, and the state should respect individual conscience. In a pluralistic society, laws should reflect the rights of all citizens, not just those of a particular religious or moral perspective. Furthermore, forcing someone to carry an unwanted pregnancy to term can have profound negative impacts on their mental and emotional well-being. This can lead to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues, further emphasizing the need for access to reproductive healthcare decisions.

Conclusion: Upholding Rights and Promoting Equality

The arguments for maintaining legal access to abortion are compelling. Legal abortion protects bodily autonomy, public health, and social justice. Restricting access disproportionately impacts vulnerable populations, forcing them into dangerous and life-threatening situations. A just and equitable society must prioritize the health, well-being, and reproductive rights of all its citizens. Safe and legal abortion is an essential component of this goal.