Introduction
Briefly introduce the topic of abortion and note it is a complex issue with arguments on both sides
Thesis statement: This paper will examine both sides of the abortion debate and present an outline covering the main points that would be discussed in a research paper on abortion.
Background Information
Define abortion as terminating a pregnancy which results in the death of the embryo or fetus
Note that abortion ends a potential life
Provide statistics on abortion rates in the United States or worldwide to show the scope and prevalence of abortion
Mention the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision in 1973 that legalized abortion nationwide in the U.S. prior to viability (around 24 weeks) of the fetus.
Pro-Choice Arguments and Research
Autonomy and privacy – A woman has a right to control her own body and make medical decisions without government interference. Outline key court cases that established this right like Roe v. Wade.
Financial and emotional burden of unwanted pregnancy – Having a baby could negatively impact one’s life plans, career, education, or current financial situation in an unwanted way. Forced motherhood represents an undue burden.
Health risks of pregnancy and childbirth – Giving birth can pose health risks, especially for teenage girls or women with medical conditions. Allowing abortion protects women’s health and even saves lives in high-risk pregnancies or non-viable fetuses.
Not ready for parenthood – Some women may feel they are emotionally, mentally or maturity-wise not ready or prepared to take on the full-time responsibilities of parenting a child. Forcing motherhood on those not prepared can negatively impact the child and society.
Rape, incest, fetal abnormality exceptions – Most supporters agree abortion should be legal in cases where pregnancy resulted from rape or incest or the fetus has been diagnosed with a severe defect incompatible with life after birth. Forcing a woman to carry such a pregnancy against her will is considered inhumane.
Pro-Life Arguments and Research
Potential for human life – From conception, a unique human life with its own DNA begins developing. Abortion ends that potential human life and personality. There are varying views on when life/personhood begins but most agree it exists sometime prior to birth.
Discrimination based on attributes – The pro-life position asserts that abortion discriminates based on age, size, location (womb), disability and dependency. If these attributes were applied to born humans, it would be considered a violation of human rights. All humans deserve equal protection under law regardless of said attributes.
Women’s mental health risks – While choice advocates often cite risks to women’s physical health from birth, research also shows increased risks to mental health like depression, anxiety from abortion. Pro-life asserts alternatives like adoption allow women to avoid such risks.
Coercion and societal pressures – Some women feel pressured by partners, families or circumstances into abortions they may not freely choose. Others are susceptible to implicit societal prejudices that view motherhood and parenting as burdens rather than gifts.
Slippery slope concern – Allowing abortion based ondegrees of development could gradually undermine the fundamental right to life of all humans and precedence for euthanizing vulnerable groups. Some see it as a slope towards destruction of human life for convenience.
Additional Areas of Research
Feminist perspectives on both sides of the issue
Impact of abortion on relationships and society
Medical advantages and risks of abortion compared to birth
Sociological and demographic influences on abortion rates
Historical context and evolution of abortion laws worldwide
Ethics and philosophy surrounding concepts of personhood and rights
Impact of sex education and birth control access on abortion rates
Adoption as an alternative and challenges/successes with current system
Late-term abortions and procedures like partial-birth abortion
Role and influences of religion on views regarding abortion
Conclusion
Restate the complexity of the issue and that reasonable people of good faith can disagree
Reiterate the major factors that would be discussed in a comprehensive research paper on abortion by outlining the key pro-life and pro-choice arguments
Leave readers with a reminder that this debate involves weighing complex moral, medical and legal considerations, and reasonable people may reach differing conclusions