Position Paper

The Ethical and Social

Imperatives of Legal
Abortion

Peconcillo, Jeraldene J. Peconcillo.

Ma’am Nene Ellama Bastareche
10 - Magsaysay

February 13, 2025

Abortion is one of the most controversial and debated topics worldwide, with strong arguments

on both sides. While some see abortion as the taking of an innocent life, others view it as a

fundamental right that allows women to make decisions about their own bodies and futures. The

debate often centers on moral, religious, and legal perspectives, making it a deeply personal

and political issue. However, the reality is that restricting abortion does not stop it from

happening—it only makes it unsafe. Abortion should be legal and accessible to all women, as it

upholds bodily autonomy, protects women’s health and safety, and helps address social and

economic challenges. Legalizing abortion does not mean promoting it; rather, it ensures that

women have the right to make informed decisions about their own reproductive health.

Governments should not interfere with personal medical choices, and women should not be

forced to carry unwanted or unsafe pregnancies.

Legalizing abortion is that women have the right to make decisions about their own bodies.

Bodily autonomy is a fundamental human right, and forcing a woman to continue a pregnancy

against her will violates that right. Just as no one can be legally forced to donate an organ to

save another person’s life, no one should be forced to carry a pregnancy they do not want or

cannot handle.

Pregnancy is a life-altering experience that affects a woman’s physical and mental health. Many

women face complications, severe illnesses, or even life-threatening conditions during

pregnancy. If a woman believes that continuing the pregnancy would harm her well-being, she

should have the right to terminate it. Denying her that choice forces her into an unwanted

situation that may cause long-term physical and emotional distress.

Personally, I find it deeply concerning that some people believe they have the right to dictate

what a woman does with her own body. Pregnancy affects a woman's physical and mental

health in ways that others may not understand. Some women experience severe medical

complications, while others may not be emotionally or financially prepared to raise a child.

Denying them access to abortion forces them into an unwanted situation that can have lasting

negative effects on their lives.

Moreover, pregnancy and childbirth come with significant medical risks. Conditions such as

preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and complications during labor can endanger a woman’s

life. In cases where pregnancy threatens a woman’s health, legal abortion provides a necessary

option to protect her. Without access to safe abortion services, women are left to suffer or risk

their lives.

One of the most dangerous consequences of banning abortion is the rise of unsafe, illegal

procedures. History has shown that making abortion illegal does not prevent women from

seeking it—it only forces them to turn to unsafe methods. According to the World Health

Organization (WHO), approximately 45% of abortions worldwide are performed in unsafe

conditions, leading to severe health complications, infections, and even death.

When abortion is legal, it is performed in a safe medical environment by trained professionals.

Modern medical advancements have made abortion one of the safest medical procedures when

done correctly. Countries that have legalized abortion, such as Canada and Sweden, have

significantly lower rates of abortion-related deaths and complications. In contrast, nations with

strict abortion laws, like El Salvador and the Philippines, have high maternal mortality rates due

to unsafe procedures.
Legal abortion provides women with safe medical care under the supervision of qualified

doctors. Medical advancements have made abortion a highly safe procedure when performed

legally in proper healthcare facilities. By legalizing abortion, governments can regulate and

monitor the process, ensuring that it is done safely and reducing the risks associated with

unsafe methods. Protecting women’s health should be a priority, and legal abortion is a critical

step in ensuring their safety.

Access to safe abortion also allows women to seek medical care without fear of punishment. In

countries where abortion is illegal, women who experience complications from unsafe

procedures often avoid hospitals out of fear of legal consequences. This lack of medical care

can lead to further suffering and unnecessary deaths.

Unwanted pregnancies can have significant social and economic consequences for women,

particularly those in vulnerable situations. Many women who seek abortions do so because they

are not financially, emotionally, or physically prepared to raise a child. For young women, an

unplanned pregnancy can disrupt their education, limit career opportunities, and push them into

poverty.

Women who are forced to carry unwanted pregnancies often struggle with financial instability,

especially if they lack support from a partner or family. The cost of raising a child is high, and not

all women have the resources to provide a stable home. Denying access to abortion forces

many women into difficult circumstances, increasing the risk of poverty, homelessness, and poor

mental health.

Restricting abortion also disproportionately affects low-income women. Wealthy individuals often

have the means to travel to places where abortion is legal, while poor women are left with
limited or unsafe options. This creates an unfair system where only privileged women can

exercise reproductive choice, while marginalized groups suffer the consequences. Legal

abortion ensures that all women, regardless of their financial status, have the same rights and

opportunities to make the best choices for their future.

Moreover, restricting abortion disproportionately affects low-income women. Wealthier

individuals can often travel to places where abortion is legal, while poorer women are left with

limited or unsafe options. Legalizing abortion ensures that all women, regardless of their

financial situation, have equal access to reproductive healthcare. It allows women to make

responsible decisions that align with their personal and economic circumstances, ultimately

benefiting society as a whole. Many opponents of abortion argue that life begins at conception

and that abortion is equivalent to murder. While these beliefs are valid for those who hold them,

personal religious or moral views should not dictate laws that apply to everyone. In many

countries, laws are based on individual rights and freedoms, not religious doctrines.

It is important to recognize that people have different beliefs about when life begins. Some

believe that life starts at conception, while others believe it begins when the fetus can survive

outside the womb. Since there is no universal agreement on this issue, abortion laws should be

based on medical science and human rights, not religious ideology.

Additionally, legal abortion does not mean that it is encouraged or forced upon anyone. It simply

provides a choice for those who need it. Many women who choose abortion do so after

thoughtful consideration of their circumstances. The government should focus on providing

comprehensive sex education and access to contraception to reduce unintended pregnancies

rather than restricting women’s choices.

Legalizing abortion does not force anyone to have one. It simply provides the option for those

who need it. Women who oppose abortion based on their personal beliefs are free to choose not

to have one, but they should not have the power to impose those beliefs on others.

Governments should protect the rights of all citizens, ensuring that personal beliefs do not

infringe on individual freedoms. Instead of banning abortion, efforts should focus on preventing

unwanted pregnancies through comprehensive sex education and access to contraception.

Studies show that when people have access to birth control and reproductive health services,

abortion rates decrease. Legal abortion should be one part of a broader strategy to support

women’s health and reproductive rights.

Many countries have recognized the importance of legal abortion and have implemented laws to

protect women’s reproductive rights. Nations such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and most of

Europe allow abortion with various regulations in place. These countries have seen

improvements in maternal health, gender equality, and reproductive freedom.

Conversely, countries with strict abortion bans often face public health crises. In El Salvador, for

example, women have been imprisoned for having miscarriages because abortion laws are so

strict that any pregnancy loss is treated with suspicion. This criminalization of women’s

reproductive health is a violation of human rights and leads to unjust punishments.

In the United States, the recent overturning of *Roe v. Wade* has led to abortion bans in many

states, forcing women to travel long distances for care or seek unsafe alternatives. This has

disproportionately affected low-income women and those living in conservative states,

highlighting the importance of protecting abortion rights at the national level.

It's no about promoting abortion—it is about providing safe, legal options for those who need

them. Countries that have legalized abortion have seen positive outcomes in women’s health,

reduced maternal mortality rates, and greater gender equality.

Rather than restricting abortion, efforts should focus on preventing unwanted pregnancies

through better sex education and access to contraception. Every woman’s situation is different,

and no one should be forced to continue a pregnancy they are not prepared for. Abortion is not

just a medical issue—it is a human rights issue. Legalizing it ensures that women have the

freedom to make choices that protect their health, future, and dignity.

Legalizing abortion is a crucial step in ensuring reproductive rights, public health, and gender

equality. Access to safe and legal abortion services reduces maternal mortality and prevents

complications from unsafe procedures, which are common in countries where abortion is heavily

restricted. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes that criminalizing abortion does
not reduce its occurrence but instead pushes women toward unsafe alternatives that endanger

their health and lives. Legal abortion also supports mental and emotional well-being, especially

in cases of rape, incest, or severe fetal abnormalities, where carrying a pregnancy to term may

cause significant distress.

Furthermore, denying abortion access disproportionately affects marginalized communities,

including low-income individuals, young women, and those in rural areas who may lack the

resources to travel to places where the procedure is legal. Restrictive laws do not stop abortions

but rather create barriers that force women to risk their lives or face economic hardship.

Countries that have legalized abortion, such as Canada and several European nations, have

seen improvements in women’s healthcare and overall reproductive rights.

In addition, legal abortion upholds the principle of bodily autonomy—the fundamental right of

individuals to make decisions about their own bodies. Governments and lawmakers should

prioritize medical and scientific evidence over ideological beliefs, ensuring that policies reflect

public health needs and human rights. By legalizing abortion, societies promote gender equality,

reduce economic and healthcare burdens, and empower individuals to make informed choices

about their futures.

Reference:
https://www.who.int/health-topics/abortion
https://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/abortion/respect-for-unborn-hu
man-life
https://medlineplus.gov/abortion.html
https://www.bpas.org/abortion-care/considering-abortion/what-is-abortion/
https://www.britannica.com/science/abortion-pregnancy