EXPOSER ANGLAIS AVORTEMENT
EXPOSER ANGLAIS AVORTEMENT
Abortion is a complex and controversial issue that raises medical, social, legal
and ethical issues. It is the voluntary termination of pregnancy (VTP), a legal
practice in many countries, but which continues to generate debates and
differences of opinion. This presentation will explore the historical, legal,
medical, ethical, causes, impact and social aspects of abortion.
I. Definition and historical framework
Abortion has been practiced since Antiquity, but attitudes towards it have varied
according to eras and cultures:
• Antiquity and the Middle Ages: Variable tolerance, often influenced by
religious or moral considerations.
• 19th-20th centuries: Many societies banned abortion under the influence of
religious and patriarchal norms.
• Modern evolution: From the 1960s-1970s, feminist movements campaigned
for the legalization of abortion, emphasizing its importance for women's health
and autonomy.
1. Legality of abortion
Abortion laws vary widely depending on the country:
• Countries where abortion is legal: In France, the Veil law of 1975 legalized
abortion. It is regulated by time limits (up to 14 weeks in 2023).
• Countries where abortion is prohibited or restricted: In some countries, such as
Latin America or Africa, abortion remains illegal or very restricted, even in
cases of rape or danger to the mother.
• Recent developments: Some countries, such as Ireland (2018), have recently
legalized abortion after referendums or reforms.
2. Medical issues
• Abortion procedures:
o Medical method: Use of medication up to a certain stage of pregnancy.
o Surgical method: Vacuum aspiration or curettage, often performed in
specialized centers.
• Medical safety: In countries where abortion is legal and accessible, it is
performed in safe conditions. In countries where it is illegal, clandestine
abortions expose women to serious, even fatal, risks.
3. Ethical and moral debates
• Arguments in favor of abortion:
o Women's right to control their bodies.
o Protection against unwanted pregnancies.
o Prevention of future suffering for the child and parents.
• Arguments against abortion:
o Defense of life from conception.
o Religious or philosophical opposition.
o Fear of trivializing abortion.
II- The causes of abortion
1- Medical causes
Health problems in the mother: Some pregnancies endanger the life or health of
the pregnant woman (e.g. severe preeclampsia, serious heart disease, or cancer
requiring treatment incompatible with pregnancy).
Serious fetal malformations: When a prenatal diagnosis reveals severe or lethal
abnormalities in the fetus, some women choose to terminate the pregnancy.
Ectopic pregnancy: This medical condition often requires termination of
pregnancy to avoid potentially fatal complications.
2-Economic causes
Lack of financial means: A woman or a couple may choose abortion due to a
financial inability to support a child (or an additional child).
Professional instability: A precarious professional situation, such as
unemployment or the absence of parental leave, can influence the decision.
3-Social causes
Unwanted pregnancy: Unplanned pregnancies, often linked to contraceptive
failure or the absence of contraception, are one of the main causes.
Social or family pressure: Some women abort because of the social stigma
associated with a pregnancy outside of marriage or the refusal of support from
those around them.
Rape or incest: These traumatic situations often lead victims to not want to
continue the pregnancy.
4-Personal causes
Incompatibility with life plans: A woman may choose abortion if pregnancy
conflicts with studies, a career or other personal priorities.
Immaturity or young age: Adolescent girls, in particular, may not feel ready to
become mothers.
Conflict with partner: A separation, a disagreement with the child's father or the
lack of support from the partner may play a role.
5-Legal and cultural causes
Restrictive legislation: In some countries where abortion is illegal, women may
find themselves forced into clandestine abortions for reasons that would be
accepted in other contexts.
Gender preference: In some cultures, a pregnancy may be terminated if the sex
of the child does not correspond to family expectations.