Pro-life vs.

Pro-choice: A Position Paper on the Abortion in the Philippines

Abortion is the act of bringing pregnancy to an end, by either extracting an embryo or the fetus
before maturity. It can occur naturally, known as a miscarriage, or it can be induced through medical
procedures. In our country, Philippines, this is criminal killing which is illegal. In several countries, the
act is allowed in certain situations like rape, biological problems, in case the woman's life is in danger or
incest. Pro-life or pro-choice, the chance to live of a unborn more important or the freedom of a woman
to choose. However, abortion has remained a debatable issue morally, ethically, and legally.
At the core of the pro-life position is the belief that human life is very valuable and deserving of
protection from the moment of conception. Every individual, including the unborn, possesses an inherent
right to life that should be safeguarded. By terminating a pregnancy through abortion, a human life is
extinguished, denying the unborn the opportunity to experience the wonders and challenges of existence.
This act, proponents argue, goes against the fundamental principle of respecting and preserving life in all
its forms.

In this perspective, legalizing abortion could have far-reaching consequences for women's
physical and mental health. Complications from abortion procedures can lead to the potential long-term
consequences on women's physical and emotional well-being. Studies suggest that abortion can have
lasting psychological effects on women, including feelings of guilt, regret, and emotional distress. The
physical risks associated with abortion, such as complications during the procedure or future reproductive
health issues, further underscore the need to consider the holistic impact of this decision on women's
health.

In addition to individual considerations, the societal implications of widespread abortion raise

In contrast, we are into pro-choice, meaning we support abortion as a right because on the normal
reality of getting pregnant, women should have their own freedom to choose or decide whether to bear a
child without thinking about the stereotypes such as "becoming a woman is not fulfilled if you are not yet
a mother" and so on. Every woman should have their own choice, own choice that is not being dictated by
their husbands, family member, and the norms of the society. Also, pregnancy has its own effects or
changes that happen on a body of a woman that a man cannot have any say about that. They don't bear the
pain despite being there, they may console but they won't really feel what it's like to be in that situation
and being pregnant is not just bearing a child on your belly for 9 months but a long-term responsibility
until you get old and gaunt.

Moreover, there are lots of teenagers who got pregnant especially here in our country because of
lack of parental care and control, lack of some material needs and pressure on girls. What about the rights
of those who are raped victims. In the Philippines, there were 1,897 cases of rape reported in 2016 and
that one woman or child is raped every hour (Morales, 2017). In our country since abortion is not legally
allowed, many raped victims are reminded of that bad scenario etched in their minds forever as they look
the product of that "act". If you would be on their place, how would you feel looking to your baby that is
the effect or product from rape, wouldn't you feel angry, devastated and depressed that you don't get to
live the life you wanted to have, and you wouldn't even provide the life you wanted for that baby when
you are haunted by those memories. As we have said, since abortion is illegal in the country, you have no
choice but to accept it. but do we also realize that child deserves to be born as a child from rape? I don't
think they deserve that and more so, we don't think women should be deprived from these rights.

Additionally, this act also helpful in related health problems that if the mother is ill , for instance
the baby inside in her womb and there are certain circumstances that you need to either choose the life of
the baby nor the mother because of the presence of a disease that could endanger both of them, and we
think these could also be a suitable ground for abortion. However, abortion should not be abused and
should only be approved on medical and legal bounds.

In conclusion, considering all of these, abortion has been a controversial topic or issue. People
have different perspectives on this matter and we cannot dictate to people what they should choose
because we have our own opinions and beliefs. In addition to this, we also should regard the woman as a
person and not just as a container for the fetus. We should therefore give great consideration to her rights
and needs as well as those of the unborn.