Influential Factors in American Abortion Issue

裴培

【Abstract】The landmark case Roe v.Wade remains one of the most controversial and essential ones in American history.The divergent opinions on abortion also play a crucial part in American political arena.What factors are influencing the dispute about abortion？ This essay will thoroughly discuss the factors： the value of freedom and pro-choice and the consideration on womens self-development； Contrarily，the firm religious faith and the concerns for womens health.

【Key words】Roe v.Wade； abortion； pro-choice； pro-life； women； religious

Body

As part of the core spirit of Americanism，the value of freedom and pro-choice undoubtedly exercises a vital influence on those who assert that it is a womans right to make a choice on her own body.The Pro-choice groups in the abortion issue are affected by the constitutional weapon，which were repeatedly mentioned as “zone of privacy” justified in Constitutions First，Ninth and Fourteenth Amendments throughout the three-year trial，as well as the continuous succeeding conflicts and disputes.（Laws，2013）.Regarding the human rights and the free choice as the top priority，many people are imparted with the argument underlined by the Supreme Court that the “zone of privacy” was broad enough to include a womans right to terminate her pregnancy on account of her specific situation.（PBS The Supreme Course，2006）.

It is clear that throughout the battle of abortion controversy，especially after the decision ruled by the Supreme Court in 1973，the concept of liberty and pro-choice has consistently haven profound effect on abortion supporters ideas in terms of law，human nature and actually almost every single aspect of the essence in relation to this issue.

The rise of the feminist movement has brought public attention to womens self-development more than ever.In the 1960s，abortion right has not yet been clearly put in the federal law in any form.Feminists would be ecstatic to obtain a happy marriage and a sound family life which they have always dreamed of after the legal abortion.The consideration on womens self-development contributes an integral part to those who think that it is definitely reasonable for women to terminate the pregnancy in the first trimester on account of her own situation and interest.

The tidal wave of religious impact upon far-ranging disputes on abortion can never be underestimated.The belief that prenatal life is within the definition of ‘person deserving full right of survival according to ‘The Ten Commandments and other Christian doctrines，which protect the right of life，reinforces their tyrant denies to the abortion.Except for the religious factors，many American people regard the abortion as a savage slaughter which goes too far off the humanitarianism and their culture of equality.Many pro-abortion people，even those who were once engaged in abortion community change their mind guiltily after witnessing the death process of the fetus.

Another important factor is the increasing focus on the maternal health.Anti-party has data to show that 90 percent American women who have accepted abortion before are more likely to be subjected to various gynecological diseases （such as uterine cancer，bleeding，inflaming）and infertility.（Hownet，2006）Normally，the abortion surgery can widen the orifice and thin the uterine wall.The devastation on bodies can also leave hidden danger to mental health.Whats more，the socially common concern to discourage illicit sexual conduct provides another justification for banning abortions.Another point always mentioned by objectors is that the increasing abortions also lead to the mounting mental diseases of medical staff in abortion community，and more and more doctors push the envelope，languishing the collapse of their base lines of spirit.

Conclusion

To conclude，due to the existence of these four important factors in American society - the value of freedom and pro-choice，the concern with womens self-development and self-improvement； on the other hand the strong Christian belief and the consideration prioritizing maternal health in the long term.The four factors do their parts not only in a way of reinforcing each sides points of view，but in a way of changing or even undermining the counterparts attitudes as well.Further studies to identify the impact of the dispute，especially after the Roe v.Wade，as well as to make clear of dominant issues and the subsequent changes in America will be of great value.

References：

[1]Lawnix.（2008）.Roe v.Wade–Case Brief Summary.Retrieved fromhttp：//www.lawnix.com/cases/roe-wade.html.

[2]Laws.（2013）.Major Decision – Roe v.Wade.Retrieved from http：//constitution.laws.com/supreme-court-decisions/major-decisions-roe-v-wade.

[3]U.S.History.（2013）.57d.Roe v.Wade and its Impact.Retrieved from http：//www.ushistory.org/us/57d.asp.

[4]PBS.（2006）.Landmark Cases Roe v.Wade （1973）.Retrieved from http：//www.pbs.org/wnet/supremecourt/rights/landmark_roe.html.

[5]Dissent.（2013）.Roe v.Wade and Beyond： Forty Years of Legal Abortion in the United States.Retrieved from http：//www.dissentmagazine.org/article/roe-v-wade-and-beyond-forty-years-of-legal-abortion-in-the-united-states.