Why Abortion Should Be Legal Essay: Structure and Writing tips

Abortion has been a contentious and widely debated topic in the United States and globally for several decades. The legality of abortion remains a contentious issue, with conflicting views on its morality and compatibility with the value of life. While some contend that abortion is a fundamental right of women, others argue that it violates the sanctity of life. This guide discusses why abortion should be legal essay topic, the pros and cons of abortion, and provide the structure, examples, and tips for writing a perfect essay on the topic.

What makes why should abortion be legal a controversial topic

Abortion has been a sensitive and controversial topic in the United States for many years. It began after the landmark Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade in 1973. Although the court affirmed that women have the freedom to choose to undergo an abortion or not, several state laws and federal policies have recently emerged to question and restrict this right.

For instance, in 2021, the United States Supreme Court allowed a Texas law banning most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy to go into effect. The goal was to restrict access to abortion services or impose conditions on women seeking abortions. This has sparked protests and debates nationwide, with many arguing that it infringes on a woman’s right or freedom of choice. The Texas ban has also resulted in lawsuits from both pro-choice and pro-life groups, who have different views on the morality and legality of abortion.

The controversy over abortion stems from several factors, such as personal, moral, and religious beliefs, ethical values, and political ideologies. In an essay, Donald Marquis state that life begins at conception and that abortion is murder, which goes against their religious faith. He argues that abortion violates the unborn child’s right to life and harms women physically and psychologically. An AJPH report states that abortion encourages stigma, promiscuity, irresponsibility, and gender discrimination.

In 2022, Attorney General Merrick. B. Garland issued a statement on the US Supreme Court ruling in the case of Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. He stated that women have the right to control their own bodies and reproductive choices. Merrick argues that abortion is a personal and private decision that the government or society should not interfere with.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) states that abortion is a safe and necessary medical procedure that benefits women’s health, well-being, and equality. A CNN post also states that making abortion illegal does not stop it from happening but instead drives it underground. This makes it more dangerous and deadly for women.

Abortion is a complex and sensitive topic that involves many aspects and perspectives. It is a good essay topic as it allows you to explore different arguments and evidence and develop your position and opinion on the issue. Here are some of the pros and cons of legalizing abortion:

Pros of abortion essay points

There are arguments supporting abortion in America, as it has various advantages. Here are some of the arguments favoring why abortion should be legal essay topic:

• Abortion is a human right that protects women’s autonomy and dignity. Women should be free to decide whether to continue or end a pregnancy based on their circumstances and preferences.
• Legalizing abortion allows women to have control over their lives, their families, and their futures.
• Abortion is a healthcare service that saves lives and prevents complications, and women have the right to access safe and legal healthcare.
• Legalizing abortion helps reduce the risk of maternal mortality and morbidity caused by unsafe or unwanted pregnancies.
• Abortion also prevents the transmission of genetic or infectious diseases or defects to the fetus or the newborn.
• Legalizing abortion benefits the community as it helps reduce poverty and inequality. It enables women to pursue their education, career, and personal goals without being hindered by an unplanned or unwanted child. This reduces society’s burden of supporting children born into poverty, neglect, or abuse.
• Abortion is a moral choice that respects women’s conscience and values. Women should be free to choose what is best for themselves and their families according to their moral beliefs and principles.
• Legalizing abortion reduces the number of unsafe and illegal abortions, which can lead to complications and even death.
• Abortion is necessary when a pregnancy threatens the mother’s life or health.
• Legalizing abortion can prevent the birth of a child with a severe genetic disorder or deformity.

These are a few reasons why abortion should be legal in any country. They help answer the question, “Should abortion be legal?” Use them to support your thesis statement in your essay.

Cons of abortion essay points

While Why abortion should be legal essay is a compelling topic, it has several disadvantages. Here are some of the main arguments against abortion:

• Abortion is a crime that kills innocent human beings. It violates the right to life of the unborn child with a unique genetic identity and potential from conception.
• Legalizing abortion can harm women physically and psychologically by causing guilt, regret, or infertility. It can cause long-term emotional effects or complications like stress disorders and anxiety for women.
• Abortion is a sin that offends God and nature. It goes against God’s natural law and divine plan, who creates every human being in His image and likeness.
• Legalizing abortion defies the moral law and natural order of society that values human life and dignity.
• Abortion can decrease the value of human life and lead to a less caring and compassionate society.

Why abortion should be legal is a controversial topic requiring much research, analysis, and argumentation. Ensure you do intensive research and gather adequate evidence to support your arguments in the paper.

Why abortion should be legal essay structure

A good essay structure lets you organize your ideas and arguments logically and coherently. It makes your essay more appealing to your readers and prompts them to keep reading for more valuable information. A typical essay structure includes an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. Here is how to structure your Why abortion should be legal essay and win over your instructor:

Introduction

The introduction is the first paragraph of your essay, and it should capture your reader’s attention and persuade them to read on. It can be challenging to craft, but with the proper steps, it becomes easier. Here’s how to write a strong introduction:

Start with a Hook

A hook is a sentence or a question that grabs the reader’s interest and makes them curious about your topic. You could start with a shocking statistic, a personal anecdote, a rhetorical question, or a quote from an expert or a famous person. For example:

Shocking statistic: “In 2019, there were more than 1,000 reported cases of self-induced abortion in Texas alone, after the state passed restrictive abortion laws.” [Source: CDC]

Personal anecdote: “When I was in college, my friend was denied an abortion in her home state because she was past the legal limit. She had to travel out of state and pay thousands of dollars for her needed care. No woman should have to go through that” (personal experience).

Provide Background Information

After the hook, provide some context and background information about your topic. This could include the definition of abortion, the legal status of abortion in different countries or regions, and the main reasons why people support or oppose abortion. For example:

“Abortion is the termination of a pregnancy before the fetus can survive outside the uterus. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are an estimated 56 million induced abortions every year worldwide, and about 25% of them are unsafe, resulting in 7 million complications and 22,000 deaths. The legal status of abortion varies widely across the world, ranging from complete prohibition to unrestricted access.

The main arguments in favor of abortion are that it is a human right for women to control their bodies and reproductive choices. It helps protect women’s health and well-being in rape, incest, fetal abnormalities, or life-threatening conditions. Abortion also reduces unwanted pregnancies and social problems such as poverty, child abuse, and overpopulation.

The main arguments against abortion are that it is morally wrong to end a human life at any stage of development. It violates the rights of the unborn child, harms women physically and psychologically, and encourages irresponsible sexual behavior and promiscuity.”

State Your Thesis Statement

A thesis statement summarizes your main point and position on your topic. It should be clear, concise, and debatable. For example:

“Abortion should be legal because it is a human right, a medical necessity, or a social benefit.”

Preview Your Main Points

The last part of your introduction should briefly outline the main points or arguments you will discuss in your essay. This will help your readers follow your logic and structure. For example:

“In this essay, I will argue that abortion should be legal based on three main points. First, abortion is a matter of women’s rights and autonomy. Second, it is necessary to protect women’s health and safety. Finally, it has positive social and economic outcomes. I will explore these points in detail and provide evidence and examples to support my argument.”

Body

The body is the core part of your essay, where you present your arguments, evidence, and analysis to support your thesis statement. Break your piece into several paragraphs, each focusing on one major point or sub-argument.

Begin each paragraph of your essay with a topic sentence introducing your main point and linking it to the thesis statement. Then provide supporting evidence, such as facts, statistics, examples, expert opinions, and quotations, to illustrate and explain your point.

Analyze and evaluate the evidence, showing how it proves your argument and refutes counterarguments. Each section should have at least three supporting arguments and evidence to make it more convincing. You can also use counterarguments and rebuttals to show the limitations and weaknesses of opposing views.

Remember to use transition words or phrases to connect your paragraphs and make your ideas flow smoothly. Here’s an example of a body for a Why abortion should be legal essay:

“Abortion should be legal because it is a matter of women’s reproductive rights and autonomy. A woman should be free to decide what happens to her body and pregnancy without being coerced or restricted by the law, religion, or society. Denying women access to safe and legal abortion is a form of discrimination and oppression that violates their dignity and autonomy.

In 2018, the United Nations Human Rights Committee stated that limiting a woman’s ability to terminate a pregnancy shouldn’t compromise their life or cause them mental or physical pain or suffering. Women should be free to choose whether to continue or end a pregnancy based on their circumstances, values, and beliefs.

Abortion should be legal because it is necessary to protect women’s health and safety. Many women resort to unsafe abortions when they cannot access legal services, risking their lives and health. According to WHO, unsafe abortions are among the primary causes of maternal mortality and morbidity in countries where abortion is illegal or inaccessible. They account for 13% of maternal deaths globally and can lead to severe complications such as bleeding, infection, sepsis, perforation, infertility, and disability.

Legalizing abortion would reduce these risks by ensuring women have access to safe and quality care from trained professionals in hygienic settings. It would also protect women’s health in cases where continuing a pregnancy would seriously threaten their physical or mental well-being. For example, in cases of rape or incest, forcing a woman to have an unwanted pregnancy could cause her severe trauma and psychological distress.

In case of fetal abnormalities or life-threatening conditions, forcing a woman to carry a non-viable or suffering fetus could cause her unbearable pain and suffering. In these situations, abortion should be an option for women to preserve their health and dignity.

Another reason abortion should be legal is that it prevents unwanted pregnancies and reduces social problems. Many women who seek abortions do so because they are not ready or able to raise a child due to various reasons such as poverty, lack of education, income, resources, support, or contraception. Others do so due to domestic violence, rape, incest, or contraceptive failure.

Forcing such women to continue their pregnancies would violate their rights and harm their physical and mental health and social and economic prospects. Legalizing abortion could prevent unplanned or unwanted children, resulting in positive consequences for the mother and the child. For instance, it could help:

• Reduce the risk of maternal mortality and morbidity, especially in countries where maternal health care is inadequate or inaccessible.
• Minimize the risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth, such as anemia, infection, hemorrhage, eclampsia, or obstructed labor.
• Reduce the risk of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, or suicide among women who have unwanted pregnancies or undergo unsafe abortions.
• Lower the risk of child abuse, neglect, abandonment, or infanticide among women who cannot cope with the demands of parenthood.
• Decrease the risk of poverty, malnutrition, illiteracy, unemployment, or crime among children born into unfavorable circumstances or lacking adequate care and education.
• Minimize the burden on society and the environment due to overpopulation, resource depletion, pollution, or conflict.

Therefore, legalizing abortion would protect women’s rights and health and benefit society and the planet by reducing unwanted pregnancies and their associated problems. It would enable women to plan their families and futures according to their needs and aspirations.

Abortion should be legal as it respects the diversity of beliefs and values in a pluralistic society. It’s a complex and controversial issue that involves moral, religious, ethical, and legal dimensions.

People may have different opinions and convictions about when life begins, what constitutes a person, and what rights a fetus has. However, no one has the authority to impose their views on others or interfere with their personal choices.

Legalizing abortion would not mean everyone has to agree with or have one. It would mean everyone can make decisions based on their conscience and circumstances.

Abortion should be legal as it promotes the health and well-being of women and their families. It’s a safe and effective medical procedure that can prevent unwanted pregnancies, reduce maternal mortality and morbidity, and enable women to plan their reproductive lives. Denying women access to legal and safe abortion would force them to resort to unsafe and illegal methods that could endanger their lives and health.

Legalizing abortion would also empower women to exercise their reproductive autonomy and rights and to pursue their educational, professional, and personal goals without being constrained by unwanted or unplanned pregnancies. Legalizing abortion would also benefit society by reducing poverty, improving social mobility, and enhancing gender equality.”

Conclusion

The conclusion of your essay is where you summarize your main arguments or points and restate your thesis statement clearly and memorably. Provide implications or recommendations for further research or action related to your topic. Refrain from introducing new information or arguments in your conclusion, which may need to be clarified or undermined by your readers. For example:

“In conclusion, abortion should be legal because it is a fundamental human right, a matter of personal choice and autonomy, and a necessary option for women who face various challenges and risks in their pregnancies. Abortion benefits women’s health, well-being, and society, reducing maternal mortality, unwanted births, child abuse, and poverty.

Legalizing abortion also respects the diversity of beliefs and values that people may have regarding this issue and does not impose a single moral or religious view on everyone. Therefore, abortion should be recognized and protected as vital to reproductive justice and gender equality. To achieve this goal, we need to continue to advocate for the availability, accessibility, affordability, and safety of abortion services and challenge the stigma and discrimination that women who seek or have abortions may face.

We also need to support comprehensive sex education and family planning programs that empower women to make informed decisions about their reproductive lives. This can help ensure every woman has the right and the opportunity to decide whether, when, and how to have children.”

Resources for your Why abortion should be legal essay research

When writing an essay on why abortion should be legal, it is important to have reliable sources to support your argument. Here are six resources to help you conduct thorough research on the topic:

• Guttmacher Institute: A research organization that focuses on reproductive health and rights. It provides data and analysis on abortion policies in the United States.
• Planned Parenthood: It’s a nonprofit organization that provides reproductive health care, including abortions. The organization also advocates for reproductive rights.
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: A professional organization providing women’s health care guidance. It also offers access to safe and legal abortion resources and materials.
• National Abortion Federation (Pro-choice): An organization that provides information on abortion care. This includes access to safe and legal providers on abortion matters.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: A federal agency that collects data on abortion in the United States. It offers valuable trends and statistics you can use in your essay.
• org: A website that overviews arguments and debates for and against abortion. It offers supporting statistics, background information, and resources on the topic.

Get Professional Essay Writing Help 

The topic of why abortion should be legal essay has been a hot debate in America and many countries worldwide. Each individual or group has different standpoints, with most arguing for abortion and others against it. Abortion should be legal for various reasons. It’s a fundamental human right to have control over one’s own body and reproductive choices. Abortion is necessary for women who face health risks, rape, incest, or fetal abnormalities.

When writing your essay on legalizing abortion, gathering more evidence to support your claims is advisable. Organize your essay well by breaking it into the introduction, the body, and the conclusion. Use the introduction to provide background information and details to make your paper appealing. Then explain your points in paragraphs, providing relevant facts, statistics, and evidence to back your claim. Finalize your essay with a conclusion to summarize your arguments.

While writing an essay on a controversial topic like abortion is fun, it can be time and energy-consuming. The good news is that you can seek our essay writing service to help you. We have a team of skilled essay writers experienced in handling any topic across different disciplines or fields. Our writers will craft your essay from scratch and deliver quality, original paper that guarantees good grades. Contact us to hire a professional essay writer today to increase your chances of academic success.