Abortion

I was pregnant at the age of 15, and gave birth to a daughter at 16. I also became pregnant at 18 and had an abortion. I believe that the abortion that I had was a terrible, terrible mistake and I would do anything to undo it. However, I do not believe that making abortion illegal will solve the problem. Here are some of my ideas regarding how to handle abortions in the United States.

First, I believe that the biggest problem is between both the pro life and pro-choice camps. We need to realize that abortion is legal, however there is no doubt that when a woman or young girl goes for an abortion; she is not presented with full facts regarding what's going to happen. I think that when a girl walks into an abortion clinic, she should be presented with all options readily available.

This means, that I feel when a person steps into an abortion clinic, not only should they discuss abortion and abortion methods but she should have the opportunity to meet with pro life representatives who work with organizations such as crisis pregnancy centers.

After she meets with those representatives, I believe she should have the opportunity to meet with Catholic Charity representatives and those who represent adoption agencies.

I also believe that women who are considering abortion should see ultrasound pictures, hear baby heartbeats, and see images of each step involved in the abortion process.

If a woman is going to have a "choice" in abortion- then I believe she should truly have a choice and be presented with all of the options available.

This is not China, and women are not being forced to have abortions against their will. Therefore, I do not feel that there is truly a basis to "condemn" the U.S. government for allowing abortions. If every woman in the country decided not to have an abortion, it wouldn't happen.

However, what I do believe needs to be addressed is the manner in which women who have abortions receive information regarding the process, the effect that abortion will have on the baby, and the consequences that the woman will suffer afterwards, such as trauma, guilt and depression. Women often need counseling after an abortion and this must be addressed.

I believe that if a woman/girl walked into an abortion clinic and received all of this information, we would see the amount of legal abortions vastly decrease.

I do not believe that we would see the same result if abortions were illegal, as women would just continue to have back room alley abortions.

But yes, if a woman walked into an abortion clinic and saw an array of images pasted on the walls of what abortion looks like, the actual process-, which they have a LEGAL RIGHT to see-saw ultrasounds and heard heartbeats, I believe many women would choose life.