Political Issues: Abortion

Summary

Abortion is the termination of a pregnancy by the removal or expulsion from the uterus of a fetus or embryo, resulting in or caused by its death. An abortion can occur spontaneously due to complications during pregnancy or can be induced, in humans and other species. In the context of human pregnancies, an abortion induced to preserve the health of the gravida (pregnant female) is termed a therapeutic abortion, while an abortion induced for any other reason is termed an elective abortion. The term abortion most commonly refers to the induced abortion of a human pregnancy, while spontaneous abortions are usually termed miscarriages.
Abortion has a long history and has been induced by various methods including herbal abortifacients, the use of sharpened tools, physical trauma and other traditional methods. Contemporary medicine utilizes medications and surgical procedures to induce abortion. The legality, prevalence, and cultural views on abortion vary substantially around the world. In many parts of the world there is prominent and divisive public controversy over the ethical and legal issues of abortion. Abortion and abortion-related issues feature prominently in the national politics in many nations, often involving the opposing "pro-life" and "pro-choice" worldwide social movements. Incidence of abortion has declined worldwide, as access to family planning education and contraceptive services has increased. Abortion incidence in the United States declined 8% from 1996 to 2003.

Student Contributed Research Projects and Learning Agreements

This topic is open for Learning Service Agreements. If you are a student and you would like publish an article about the political issue Abortion, click here for details.

Pro Choice - Students

This topic is open for Learning Service Agreements. If you are a student and you would like publish an article about the political issue Abortion, click here for details.

• Approved student research papers will be published here

Pro Life - Students

This topic is open for Learning Service Agreements. If you are a student and you would like publish an article about the political issue Abortion, click here for details.

• Approved student research papers will be published here.

External Links to Pro Life and Pro Choice

Non Partisan Information

Roe v. Wade (1973) - In Roe v. Wade, 410 U. S. 113 (1973), the U. S. Supreme Court determined that the Constitution protects a woman's decision whether or not to terminate her pregnancy.
Almanac of Policy Issues: Abortion - In Roe v. Wade, 410 U. S. 113 (1973), the U. S. Supreme Court determined that the Constitution protects a woman's decision whether or not to terminate her pregnancy
Frontline: Abortion Clinic - This FRONTLINE documentary was first broadcast on PBS on April 18, 1983. It was filmed at a clinic in Chester, Pa., a small city which at that time had a 30% unemployment rate. The clinic was chosen because it was representative of abortion clinics in the United States.(Warning - Graphic Video)
Abortion: All Sides of the Issue - This web site is maintained by an inter-faith group, and is staffed by individuals who have diverse beliefs about these topics. They try to present all sides to each topic clearly, completely, objectively and accurately.
Partial Birth Abortion - Extensive directory where you can find all that you should know about partial birth abortion; just click on the source that looks interesting. Please note that some links may be disturbing. (Warning - Graphic Video)
Resource from Planned Parenthood About six million women in the U.S. become pregnant every year. Half of those pregnancies are unintended. Nearly 1.3 million women choose abortion to end their pregnancy each year.

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Pro Chioce

Pro-Choice Public Education Project Research and media campaigns to educate young women about reproductive freedom and choice
Pro-Choice On-Line This Site is dedicated to all the women that were told they had a choice, but never had it explained to them that there is more than one.
Pro-Choice America NARAL Formerly The National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League. Features information on abortion and reproductive health issues, Take Action opportunities, and more.

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Pro Life

Pro-Life Action League - Protests abortion, promotes sidewalk counseling and spreads the pro-life message, emphasizing action and education. Headed by Joe Scheidler.
http://www.nrlc.org/ - Features fact sheets on abortion, euthanasia, and human cloning as well as news, legislative action reports, and pro-life resources.
Pro-life, Pro-woman - Stop Abortion Choose Life Find out my views as a pro-life feminist, as well as other facts. True Stories. Abortion Regrets, Choosing Life.