2. The Ethical Controversy of the Twenty First Century ABORTION

3. Abortion Abortion is the termination of a pregnancy It is a very safe procedure when performed by a professional The earlier an abortion is performed, the fewer the risks In 2005, 96 815 induced abortions were recorded in Canada Generally, there has been a decrease in induced abortions over the past five years

4. Types of Abortion Spontaneous Abortion Also known as a miscarriage 25% of pregnancies end in a miscarriage Medical Abortion Uses two type of medication to end pregnancy One pill stops progesterone while the other empties uterus Surgical Abortion Removal of the contents in the uterus Late Term Abortion Medication causes uterus to contract and expel fetus Partial Birth: Fetus is pulled out by the feet and abortionist collapses the skull to remove from uterus http://www.prolifelouisiana.org/uploads/images/ru486.jpg

5. Technological Advancement Technology allows fetuses and embryos to be screened for genetic abnormalities Amniocentesis and Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) Using fluid that surrounds the uterus or a sample of the placenta Can check for genetic abnormalities in the fetus and in some countries, offered the choice of an abortion for severe abnormalities Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) Screens embryos for abnormalities before being re-implanted into the uterus Allows parents to choose or ‘design’ their future children

6. Pro-Life vs. Pro-Choice Pro-LifePro-Choice Against abortion Aims to stop abortion altogether Unwanted pregnancies should go to adoption Unborn child should have equal rights For abortion Aims to reduce number of abortions needed through more contraception use Cannot take away woman’s right to choose

7. Human Rights Pro-LifePro-Choice Human life begins at conception and should have human rights Unborn child should have full legal rights to protect it Human life begins when the child is born Government laws interfering with women’s rights to their own body violates privacy rights http://nmhm.washingtondc.museum/exhibits/imgs/conception3.jpg

8. Genetic Screening Pro-LifePro-Choice A ‘defective’ fetus deserves just as much right to live Discriminates against those who are disabled Allows for healthier children Less complications with a healthier child http://www.obgyn.net/Frontiers_In_Reproductive_Medicine/images/PGD.gif

9. Partial Birth Abortion Pro-LifePro-Choice Like any other type of abortion, it is immoral Risks increase with a late term pregnancy Fetus is conscious during this stage and can feel pain Stage of fetus should not matter Woman’s health could be endangered if partial birth abortion does not take place http://www.babble.com/CS/blogs/strollerderby/fetus2.jpg

10. Future of Abortions As technology increases, the easier and safer abortions will be This will lead to more arguments over the topic of abortion The controversy of abortions will continue and a common ground will not be reached between those who are Pro-Life and those who are Pro-Choice

11. Bibliography Arthur, J. (2000, August 24). The Pro-Choice Action Network. Retrieved November 14, 2008, from http://www.prochoiceactionnetwork-canada.org/articles/realchoice.shtml Cavanagh, D. (2001). Abortion. In Encyclopedia Americana (Vol. 1, pp. 43-45). Connecticut: Grolier Incorporated. Ending Your Pregnancy. (2006, July). Retrieved November 9, 2008, from http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/articles/846.printerview.html Induced Abortion. (n.d.). Retrieved November 11, 2008, from http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp043.cfm Induced Abortion Statistics. (2008, May 21). Retrieved November 23, 2008, from http://www.statcan.gc.ca/bsolc/olc-cel/olc- cel?lang=eng&catno=82-223-X Lassieur, A. (2001). Abortion. San Diego: Lucent Books, Inc. Mifeprex (mifepristone) Information. (2007, August 29). Retrieved November 9, 2008, from http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/mifepristone/ Pro-Life Answers to Pro-Choice Questions. (n.d.). Retrieved November 16, 2008, from http://righttolifetoronto.org/index.php?id=113 Torr, J. D. (2006). Abortion. New York: Greenhaven Press. Watkins, C. (2005). The Ethics of Abortion. New York: Greenhaven Press.