Abortion & Contraception Rights: Privacy, Ethics, Religion, Politics
Abortion is a contentious issue in American society. Some regard it as an immoral abomination while others regard it as fundamental to reproductive liberty and privacy. Contraception is starting to be treated in a similar manner. Is there a fundamental right to abortion? Is there a right to privacy that protects contraception and use of contraceptives?
Reproductive Rights Resources: Abortion, Contraception, and Sex Education
Abortion gets the most attention, but all areas of reproductive rights are a major battleground in the Christian Right's 'culture war' on modernity, Enlightenment, and liberty. Christian Right activists, politicians, and religious leaders seek to limit or criminalize abortion, contraception, emergency contraception, sex education, and other means by which people exercise control over their sexuality. It's not just a matter of privacy, but of personal autonomy and liberty in a secular society.
Abortion gets the most attention, but all areas of reproductive rights are a major battleground in the Christian Right's 'culture war' on modernity, Enlightenment, and liberty. Christian Right activists, politicians, and religious leaders seek to limit or criminalize abortion, contraception, emergency contraception, sex education, and other means by which people exercise control over their sexuality. It's not just a matter of privacy, but of personal autonomy and liberty in a secular society.
Abortion & Contraception: What if They Really Were Private? What Would Happen?
Both abortion and contraception take place in a semi-public manner because they must be procured in public. Even contraception, which is used in the privacy of one's own home, must be purchased in public and is advertised in public. The public aspects cause the involvement of others in a public manner, making control and even restrictions easier. What if this could all change? Abortion and contraception are defended on the basis of privacy, so what if they really were completely private?
Both abortion and contraception take place in a semi-public manner because they must be procured in public. Even contraception, which is used in the privacy of one's own home, must be purchased in public and is advertised in public. The public aspects cause the involvement of others in a public manner, making control and even restrictions easier. What if this could all change? Abortion and contraception are defended on the basis of privacy, so what if they really were completely private?
Top 10 Abortion Myths
When conservatives make arguments against legalized abortion, it's far too common for them to base those arguments on misconceptions, misunderstandings, and myths about abortion - about what it is, how it's done, and what pro-choice activists believe. This is why so many of their arguments fail almost before they can get started.
When conservatives make arguments against legalized abortion, it's far too common for them to base those arguments on misconceptions, misunderstandings, and myths about abortion - about what it is, how it's done, and what pro-choice activists believe. This is why so many of their arguments fail almost before they can get started.
Anti-Choice & Self-Righteous: Motives, Psychology
The people who are most active in trying to criminalize abortions say that they are trying to help both women and their fetuses ("unborn children," an oxymoron). Their words, attitudes, and actions suggest that they are much more interested in making themselves feel better by demonizing others. So which is true? In fact, even some other anti-choice believers have noticed this problem.
The people who are most active in trying to criminalize abortions say that they are trying to help both women and their fetuses ("unborn children," an oxymoron). Their words, attitudes, and actions suggest that they are much more interested in making themselves feel better by demonizing others. So which is true? In fact, even some other anti-choice believers have noticed this problem.
Abortion & Contraception: What if they Really Were Private?
Both abortion and contraception take place in a semi-public manner because they must be procured in public. Even contraception, which naturally is used in the privacy of one's own home, must be purchased in public and is advertised in public. The public aspects cause the involvement of others in a public manner, making control and even restrictions easier. What if this could all change?
Both abortion and contraception take place in a semi-public manner because they must be procured in public. Even contraception, which naturally is used in the privacy of one's own home, must be purchased in public and is advertised in public. The public aspects cause the involvement of others in a public manner, making control and even restrictions easier. What if this could all change?
Abortion to Save the Life of the Mother: Not a Valid Exception
Most anti-choice activists support exemptions to bans on abortions that cover the life or health of the mother, rape, and incest. It's rare for laws criminalizing abortion not to provide exemptions for rape and incest; it's unheard of for them not to provide exemptions for the life of the mother. Such exemptions are arguably inconsistent with anti-choice rhetoric and principles.
Most anti-choice activists support exemptions to bans on abortions that cover the life or health of the mother, rape, and incest. It's rare for laws criminalizing abortion not to provide exemptions for rape and incest; it's unheard of for them not to provide exemptions for the life of the mother. Such exemptions are arguably inconsistent with anti-choice rhetoric and principles.
Abortion: Bad Because It Means Sex Without Consequences
The rhetoric of anti-choice activists usually focuses on the fetus and the premise that a fetus has the same moral status as a child or adult - therefore, abortion is murder. Are the policies advocated by these activists consistent with this premise, though? If this is what they really believe, shouldn't we expect their actions and agenda to be consistent with their beliefs?
The rhetoric of anti-choice activists usually focuses on the fetus and the premise that a fetus has the same moral status as a child or adult - therefore, abortion is murder. Are the policies advocated by these activists consistent with this premise, though? If this is what they really believe, shouldn't we expect their actions and agenda to be consistent with their beliefs?
Abortion & Christianity: Can Christians be Pro-Choice?
Abortion is a contentious political issue, but it also divides people within religious traditions. Most religions are generally pro-natalist, which means they oppose abortion and even contraception. At the same time, though, most religions also have traditions which support the use of abortion and contraception. Must religious believers like Christians always be pro-life?
Abortion is a contentious political issue, but it also divides people within religious traditions. Most religions are generally pro-natalist, which means they oppose abortion and even contraception. At the same time, though, most religions also have traditions which support the use of abortion and contraception. Must religious believers like Christians always be pro-life?
Contraception, Birth Control, and World Religions: What Do Religions Say About Birth Control?
When religious positions on birth control are discussed, we usually hear how contraceptives are forbidden. Religious traditions are more pluralistic and varied than that, however, and even within the religions most publicly opposed to birth control we find that there are traditions which would permit the use of contraceptives, even if only in limited circumstances. It’s important to understand these traditions because not every religion regards birth control as a simplistic issue.
When religious positions on birth control are discussed, we usually hear how contraceptives are forbidden. Religious traditions are more pluralistic and varied than that, however, and even within the religions most publicly opposed to birth control we find that there are traditions which would permit the use of contraceptives, even if only in limited circumstances. It’s important to understand these traditions because not every religion regards birth control as a simplistic issue.
Contraception & Birth Control: How the Christian Right Undermines the Right to Contraception
Opposition to birth control is increasing in evangelical circles which are, curiously, relying heavily on Catholic teachings. While Catholic teaching officially rejects the use of contraceptives, you don't see Catholics trying to undermine access to them - but that's what some evangelicals seem to have in mind. This is strange given the traditional Protestant support for family planning, but it makes sense in the context of the Culture Wars and some Christian traditions.
Opposition to birth control is increasing in evangelical circles which are, curiously, relying heavily on Catholic teachings. While Catholic teaching officially rejects the use of contraceptives, you don't see Catholics trying to undermine access to them - but that's what some evangelicals seem to have in mind. This is strange given the traditional Protestant support for family planning, but it makes sense in the context of the Culture Wars and some Christian traditions.
Christianity and Contraception: History and Development of Christian Perspectives on Birth Control
Christianity has a complicated relationship with contraception. Like most religions with roots in the ancient world, Christianity has a generally pro-natalist position, which means that fertility and having children is valued highly. This makes sense given how precarious life could be in the ancient world. Over time, though, support for birth control and family planning has increased and come to play a larger role in the lives of Christians.
Christianity has a complicated relationship with contraception. Like most religions with roots in the ancient world, Christianity has a generally pro-natalist position, which means that fertility and having children is valued highly. This makes sense given how precarious life could be in the ancient world. Over time, though, support for birth control and family planning has increased and come to play a larger role in the lives of Christians.
Atheists and Abortion: Godless Views on the Legality and Morality of Abortion
Abortion debates in America tend to focus on religious perspectives and what religious believers think. Godless views on whether abortion is moral and whether a woman's right to choose abortion should remain legally protected are almost never consulted. This is somewhat understandable, given the fact that there is no single atheist position on abortion and no authority to determine what atheists are supposed to think. This doesn't mean, however, that atheists have nothing to offer.
Abortion debates in America tend to focus on religious perspectives and what religious believers think. Godless views on whether abortion is moral and whether a woman's right to choose abortion should remain legally protected are almost never consulted. This is somewhat understandable, given the fact that there is no single atheist position on abortion and no authority to determine what atheists are supposed to think. This doesn't mean, however, that atheists have nothing to offer.
Pro-Life, Anti-Choice Inconsistencies: Do Abortion Opponents Believe What They Say?
The rhetoric coming from anti-choice activists can be very heated and aggressive. They insist that abortion is murder - that aborting a pregnancy is morally equivalent to infanticide or killing an adult human being. Do they really believe this? This is implausible at best. As heated as their rhetoric is, there is little evidence that anti-choice activists, leaders, or organizations believe what they say because they simply don't act like they believe it. This is good for the rest of society.
The rhetoric coming from anti-choice activists can be very heated and aggressive. They insist that abortion is murder - that aborting a pregnancy is morally equivalent to infanticide or killing an adult human being. Do they really believe this? This is implausible at best. As heated as their rhetoric is, there is little evidence that anti-choice activists, leaders, or organizations believe what they say because they simply don't act like they believe it. This is good for the rest of society.
Abortion, the Bible, and Personhood: What Does the Bible Say About Abortion?
Christian Right opposition to abortion frequently includes numerous references to the Bible; according to them, the only valid Christian position on abortion must be based upon what the Bible says. The Bible, in turn, unequivocally condemns abortion and endorses the idea that a fetus is a person endowed with rights. Why, then, are so many Christians conflicted about abortion and/or support abortion rights? Why doesn’t Judaism condemn abortion unequivocally? Because the Bible is ambiguous.
Christian Right opposition to abortion frequently includes numerous references to the Bible; according to them, the only valid Christian position on abortion must be based upon what the Bible says. The Bible, in turn, unequivocally condemns abortion and endorses the idea that a fetus is a person endowed with rights. Why, then, are so many Christians conflicted about abortion and/or support abortion rights? Why doesn’t Judaism condemn abortion unequivocally? Because the Bible is ambiguous.
Abortion & Religion: Diverse Religious Traditions on the Morality of Abortion
When religious positions on abortion are discussed, we usually hear how abortion is condemned and regarded as murder. Religious traditions are more pluralistic and varied than that, however, and even within those religions most publicly opposed to abortion, we find that there are traditions which would permit abortion, even if only in limited circumstances. It's important to understand these traditions because not every religion regards abortion as a simplistic, black & white decision.
When religious positions on abortion are discussed, we usually hear how abortion is condemned and regarded as murder. Religious traditions are more pluralistic and varied than that, however, and even within those religions most publicly opposed to abortion, we find that there are traditions which would permit abortion, even if only in limited circumstances. It's important to understand these traditions because not every religion regards abortion as a simplistic, black & white decision.
Abortion Rights & Privacy Rights in America: Political, Religious, and Ethical Debates Over Abortion
Abortion is a contentious issue in American society. Some regard it as an immoral abomination while others regard it as fundamental to reproductive liberty and privacy. Contraception is starting to be treated in a similar manner. Is there a fundamental right to abortion? Is there a right to privacy that protects contraception and use of contraceptives?
Abortion is a contentious issue in American society. Some regard it as an immoral abomination while others regard it as fundamental to reproductive liberty and privacy. Contraception is starting to be treated in a similar manner. Is there a fundamental right to abortion? Is there a right to privacy that protects contraception and use of contraceptives?
Was Roe v Wade Correctly Decided? Reconsidering Roe v Wade & Abortion Rights
It has become increasingly popular among liberal supporters of abortion rights to argue that while women should be able to obtain abortions, it is a mistake to rely on Roe v Wade as a guarantor of abortion rights. Some say that it was decided incorrectly and that abortion rights would be better based on some other argument - or more controversially, that the abortion debate should be turned over to state legislatures and courts, eliminating it from federal politics.
It has become increasingly popular among liberal supporters of abortion rights to argue that while women should be able to obtain abortions, it is a mistake to rely on Roe v Wade as a guarantor of abortion rights. Some say that it was decided incorrectly and that abortion rights would be better based on some other argument - or more controversially, that the abortion debate should be turned over to state legislatures and courts, eliminating it from federal politics.
Undermining Abortion: How the Christian Right Undermines the Right to Abortion
The most important issue for the Christian Right is criminalizing abortion. There is disagreement on the penalties for abortion (few want to treat it as murder, despite the rhetoric) and whether there should be exemptions (like for rape, incest, or the health of the mother), but there is agreement that abortion must end. There is no prospect of a total ban any time soon, so in the mean time they work on undermining it and hindering women's ability to actually obtain an abortion.
The most important issue for the Christian Right is criminalizing abortion. There is disagreement on the penalties for abortion (few want to treat it as murder, despite the rhetoric) and whether there should be exemptions (like for rape, incest, or the health of the mother), but there is agreement that abortion must end. There is no prospect of a total ban any time soon, so in the mean time they work on undermining it and hindering women's ability to actually obtain an abortion.
Supreme Court Decision on Privacy & Abortion: Roe v. Wade
Do women have a right to make their own decisions about pregnancy and birth, even including having an abortion if they want one, or does the government have the power to interfere with such decisions and tell women that they are required to carry a pregnancy to term? Where does the government's power over us end and our own power over our selves begin?
Do women have a right to make their own decisions about pregnancy and birth, even including having an abortion if they want one, or does the government have the power to interfere with such decisions and tell women that they are required to carry a pregnancy to term? Where does the government's power over us end and our own power over our selves begin?
Emergency Contraception & Conscience Without Consequence: Christian Attacks on Preventing Pregnancies
There is a growing movement of pharmacists who want the right to refuse to fill prescriptions for birth control pills, especially for the purpose of emergency contraception (also known as Plan B or morning after pills) arguing that the pills may 'terminate pregnancies' and they don't want to be complicit in abortions. The problem is, though, that this requires a rhetorically useful but nevertheless dishonest change to the definition of 'pregnancy.'
There is a growing movement of pharmacists who want the right to refuse to fill prescriptions for birth control pills, especially for the purpose of emergency contraception (also known as Plan B or morning after pills) arguing that the pills may 'terminate pregnancies' and they don't want to be complicit in abortions. The problem is, though, that this requires a rhetorically useful but nevertheless dishonest change to the definition of 'pregnancy.'
Ethics of Abortion: Is it Moral or Immoral to Have an Abortion?
Usually debates about abortion focus on politics and the law: should abortion be outlawed and treated like the murder of a human person, or remain a legal choice available to all women? Behind the debates are more fundamental ethical questions which aren't always given the specific attention they deserve. Some believe that the law shouldn't legislate morality, but all good law is based upon moral values. A failure to openly discuss those values can obscure important discussions.
Usually debates about abortion focus on politics and the law: should abortion be outlawed and treated like the murder of a human person, or remain a legal choice available to all women? Behind the debates are more fundamental ethical questions which aren't always given the specific attention they deserve. Some believe that the law shouldn't legislate morality, but all good law is based upon moral values. A failure to openly discuss those values can obscure important discussions.
Fetus, Humanity, Personhood: When Does a Fetus Become a Human Person with Rights?
Abortion is the focus of some of the most intense social, cultural, political, religious, and ethical debates in modern American society. Some regard abortion as something people should be able to choose while others say abortion is a great evil which is destroying the moral fabric of society. Many of the debates turn on the status of the fetus: Is a fetus a person? Does a fetus have moral or legal rights? How we define a person and the fetus may decide the abortion debates.
Abortion is the focus of some of the most intense social, cultural, political, religious, and ethical debates in modern American society. Some regard abortion as something people should be able to choose while others say abortion is a great evil which is destroying the moral fabric of society. Many of the debates turn on the status of the fetus: Is a fetus a person? Does a fetus have moral or legal rights? How we define a person and the fetus may decide the abortion debates.
Abortion Rights, Privacy & Sexual Autonomy: The Christian Right is Wrong About Abortion
Americans' right to abortion is founded upon a more fundamental right to privacy -- particularly when it comes to matters involving marriage, children, and sexuality. The Christian Right never fully accepted privacy rights, especially where sex was concerned, and abortion gives them a stronger reason to fight it. They are on the wrong side of this argument, though, because eliminating privacy rights - including those dealing with sex - would undermine much of what America takes for granted.
Americans' right to abortion is founded upon a more fundamental right to privacy -- particularly when it comes to matters involving marriage, children, and sexuality. The Christian Right never fully accepted privacy rights, especially where sex was concerned, and abortion gives them a stronger reason to fight it. They are on the wrong side of this argument, though, because eliminating privacy rights - including those dealing with sex - would undermine much of what America takes for granted.
Issue Summary: Abortion
From U.S. Politics Guide Kathy Gill: "This issue summary provivdes background about abortion in America and presents various points of view on the political aspects of the issue."
From U.S. Politics Guide Kathy Gill: "This issue summary provivdes background about abortion in America and presents various points of view on the political aspects of the issue."
Abortion in the United States
A Guide to the Abortion Issue, from U.S. Politics Guide Kathy Gill.
A Guide to the Abortion Issue, from U.S. Politics Guide Kathy Gill.
Abortion in American History
The year after abortion was legalized in New York State, the maternal-mortality rate there dropped by 45 percent -- one reason why Katha Pollitt argues that legalization can be seen as "a public-health triumph."
The year after abortion was legalized in New York State, the maternal-mortality rate there dropped by 45 percent -- one reason why Katha Pollitt argues that legalization can be seen as "a public-health triumph."
Can a Fetus Feel Pain?
A very crucial issue is whether or not the fetus is capable of experiencing pain.Can it? And if so, what should that mean to our policies/laws?
A very crucial issue is whether or not the fetus is capable of experiencing pain.Can it? And if so, what should that mean to our policies/laws?
Constitutional Law and Abortion
Supreme Court decisions about abortion and why they were made.
Supreme Court decisions about abortion and why they were made.
CNN - Roe v. Wade 25 Years Later
Includes a profile of Norma McCorvey, aka Jane Roe, plus stories with political and legal angles. With US statistics and info on world policies.inions presented by six Justices on the Roe v. Wade decision.
Includes a profile of Norma McCorvey, aka Jane Roe, plus stories with political and legal angles. With US statistics and info on world policies.inions presented by six Justices on the Roe v. Wade decision.
Abortion Law
Comprehensive source for the law regarding abortion. Includes links to primary sources and uncommon or hard to find abortion-related legal materials.
Comprehensive source for the law regarding abortion. Includes links to primary sources and uncommon or hard to find abortion-related legal materials.
Death, Legal and Illegal
Shifts are occurring, writes Catholic theologian Daniel C Maguire, that "reflect a recognition that we have overestimated our right to kill in a military setting, and underestimated it in some medical and private settings."
Shifts are occurring, writes Catholic theologian Daniel C Maguire, that "reflect a recognition that we have overestimated our right to kill in a military setting, and underestimated it in some medical and private settings."
Fetal vs. Mother's Rights
Clearly, the mother has some rights in this matter. Maybe the fetus does, too. How are those rights to be balanced in our society?
Clearly, the mother has some rights in this matter. Maybe the fetus does, too. How are those rights to be balanced in our society?
Fetus = Person?
When does a fetus become a person? That is the crucial question in the debate over abortion.What are the arguments and evidence?
When does a fetus become a person? That is the crucial question in the debate over abortion.What are the arguments and evidence?
Laws & Abortion
What are the current laws like? What are the relevant legal and constitutional principles involved?
What are the current laws like? What are the relevant legal and constitutional principles involved?
On Abortion: A Lincolnian Position
According to George McKenna, Lincoln's stand on slavery offers a basis for a new politics of civility that is at once anti-abortion and pro-choice.
According to George McKenna, Lincoln's stand on slavery offers a basis for a new politics of civility that is at once anti-abortion and pro-choice.
Partial Birth Abortions
Facts and misinformation about this emotional and controversial topic.
Facts and misinformation about this emotional and controversial topic.
Polls on Abortion
How does public opinion line up in various Western nations when it comes to abortion?
How does public opinion line up in various Western nations when it comes to abortion?
The Religious Coalition
The Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice is an organization representing a range of religious denominations supporting a woman's right to choose.
The Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice is an organization representing a range of religious denominations supporting a woman's right to choose.
Roe v. Wade in a Nutshell
Both edited and complete text of the landmark Supreme Court case on abortion.
Both edited and complete text of the landmark Supreme Court case on abortion.
RU-486 Abortion Pill
What is this pill, how does it work, and how have anti-abortion groups reacted to it?
What is this pill, how does it work, and how have anti-abortion groups reacted to it?
When is an Abortion Not an Abortion?
According to Seth Mydans, "There is likely to be an increasing number of these hard decisions as artificial placentas, or test tube babies, are developed, and as doctors learn to keep alive the old and sick."
According to Seth Mydans, "There is likely to be an increasing number of these hard decisions as artificial placentas, or test tube babies, are developed, and as doctors learn to keep alive the old and sick."
Why Abortion is Biblical
Brian Elroy McKinley provides this fascinating insight into the oft-quoted Biblical evidence supporting the case of pro-lifers.
Brian Elroy McKinley provides this fascinating insight into the oft-quoted Biblical evidence supporting the case of pro-lifers.
Women Becoming More Conservative?
According to a new poll, U.S. women are becoming more religious and more conservative on social issues.
According to a new poll, U.S. women are becoming more religious and more conservative on social issues.
Abortions & Militias?
Is there a link between violent anti-abortion extremists and American militia groups? If so, what and why?
Is there a link between violent anti-abortion extremists and American militia groups? If so, what and why?
Nuremberg Files Mirror
Where the infamous "Chrsitian Gallery" and "Nuremberg Files" were once mirrored, but not any longer.
Where the infamous "Chrsitian Gallery" and "Nuremberg Files" were once mirrored, but not any longer.
Violence at Abortion Clinics
Factsheets and statistics, provided by the California Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League.
Factsheets and statistics, provided by the California Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League.