1
Reducing the Need for Abortion
Yacine Fall
Department of English, Lone Star College
ENGL-1302: 1 Composition & Rhetoric II
Professor Bindu Nayar
11/29/2024
2
Reducing The Need For Abortion
Just imagine a young woman, frightened and alone, discovering that unfortunately she is
pregnant in a place where abortion is illegal and inaccessible. With no access to healthcare, no
financial support, and nowhere to turn. She doesn’t have any choice. She feels forced to risk her
life by seeking an unsafe, illegal procedure. This is not a fictional scenario, but a harsh reality
faced by millions around the world due to restrictive abortion laws. Abortion remains one of the
most controversial and personal issues that affect millions of people worldwide. It’s not only
about the medical procedure itself but also about human rights, access to safe healthcare
conditions, and the social, financial and emotional impact that comes with it. These restrictions
do not stop the phenomenon. Instead, they create dangerous conditions for those who have no
other options. To address this problem, society must focus on reducing the need through
prevention, expanding access to reproductive healthcare, and creating support systems that
empower individuals.
As reported in the article “Abortion”, published by Gale Opposing Viewpoints Online
Collection, “opponents of abortion, who generally refer to themselves as pro-life, typically object
to the practice for religious or ethical reasons, contending that the procedure amounts to the
killing of what they consider to be a human life. Supporters of abortion rights, who typically
identify as pro-choice, consider it an issue of human rights, asserting that individuals should be
able to make medical decisions about their own bodies and lives (p.1)”.
Abortion laws in the United States are very different depending on the state. Since the
Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, each state can now decide its own rules about
abortion. This has created a mix of places where abortion is legal and accessible and others
3
where it is heavily restricted or even banned. According to “a Pew Research Center poll found in
July 2022 that a majority of Americans—57 percent—believed the Supreme Court had erred in
its decision, and 62 percent believed abortion should be legal in all or most cases (source in
“Abortion” in Issues & Controversies, 2024, p.2)”.
In states like California, New York, and Illinois, abortion is still legal, and people can
access services with few restrictions. These states have laws to protect abortion rights and even
provide care to people traveling from states with stricter rules.
However, as the Pew Research present, in states like “ Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho,
Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and
West Virginia, are enforcing near-total bans on abortion, some of which allow exceptions for
rape and incest and some of which allow exceptions only if the mother's life is in danger (cited in
“Abortion” in Issues & Controversies, 2024, p.2)”.
Because of these differences, many people in states with strict laws must travel long
distances to get an abortion. For those who don’t have the money or resources to travel, this can
mean they have no safe options. Meanwhile, clinics in states where abortion is legal are
struggling to handle the increased number of people traveling for care. The differences in
abortion laws across the U.S. show how divided the country is on this issue. These laws create
unequal access to healthcare, making it harder for many people to get the help they need.
After the presidential election of Donald Trump, called by himself “the most pro-life
president in history (Iati, 2024, p.1)”, many women fear the potential for increased restrictions on
abortion access due to his administration’s strong anti-abortion stance. This fear drives some
individuals to take matters into their own hands by stockpiling abortion pills as a preventative
4
measure. As mentioned in the article “Abortion”, published by Gale Opposing Viewpoints
Online Collection, “the most commonly used drugs for medication abortions in the United States
are mifepristone and misoprostol, taken in sequence as prescribed by a health care provider.
Patients first take mifepristone (previously called RU-486), which blocks the body's natural
production of progesterone, an essential pregnancy hormone. The patient takes the second pill,
misoprostol, two days later. This drug causes the uterus to contract and expel the embryo (p.2)”.
According to Just The Pill, a nonprofit organization that provides abortion medication
and other healthcare services through telemedicine, said “22 of its 125 orders from Wednesday
through Friday were from people who are not pregnant (Iati, 2024, p.1)”. The stockpiling of
abortion pills is a clear example of how restrictive laws and political uncertainty can push
individuals to take drastic measures to protect their autonomy. It also highlights the need for
better access to reproductive healthcare
Another major issue is the lack of prevention measures to reduce unplanned pregnancies.
Comprehensive sexual education is often missing from schools, especially in states that focus on
abstinence-only programs. A report from the National Abstinence Education Association
(NAEA), in 2013, said that “supporters of abstinence-only education programs argue that
abstinence is the only surefire way to prevent teen pregnancy and the spread of sexually
transmitted diseases. "Most would agree that abstinence is the only real solution to the problem
of STDs, teen pregnancy, and emotional harm often caused by teen sexual activity," (cited in
“Abstinence Only: Are Abstinence Only Sex education courses Effective?”, 2014, p.8)”. In the
same source critics argue that sex education in school “sends a confusing message to teenagers”
because they teach them how to use condoms, birth controls and how to have sex, telling them
5
that is acceptable. But without proper education about contraception and reproductive health,
many people do not know how to prevent pregnancies effectively.
Research shows that abstinence-only education, often championed by those with moral
objections to abortion, is ineffective at preventing pregnancies. David Nocenti, executive
director of the Union Settlement Association, a community group in Harlem, New York, wrote
in the New York Daily News in 2012 that “Teen pregnancy rates are higher among those who
receive abstinence-only education than those who get comprehensive sex education (cited in
“Abstinence-Only: Are Abstinence-Only Sex Education Courses Effective?”, 2014, p. 9)”.
Preventing these pregnancies is one of the most effective ways to reduce the demand for
abortion, but these measures are often overlooked in states with strict abortion laws.
Misinformation is another significant problem, especially on platforms like YouTube.
People nowadays tend to make a diagnosis of their own pain. By writing their symptoms on the
research bar they have a ton of information and possible diagnosis. Many videos or pages spread
false or misleading information about abortion, making it difficult for people to understand their
options. Some videos exaggerate the risks of abortion or promote unproven methods to end a
pregnancy, which can be dangerous. In Fact, according to some experts in the medical journal
Accuracy, Quality, and Misinformation of YouTube Abortion Procedural Videos: Cross-
Sectional Study, “People seeking information about the safety and potential risks of abortion are
likely to encounter a substantial volume of misinformed and biased information. This is troubling
as information found on the internet can significantly alter perceptions and understanding of
procedures (Acero, Herrero, Foncham, McIlvaine, Kayaalp, Figueora, & Oladipo, 2024, p. 2)”.
6
Another big issue is the inadequate support system for individuals facing unplanned
pregnancies. It makes the situation even worse. Many people lack financial, emotional, and
social support during this critical time. Programs that offer assistance, such as counseling,
childcare, and financial aid, are either unavailable or underfunded in many areas. This leaves
individuals feeling alone and without the resources they need to make the best decisions for their
circumstances. These circumstances can lead to mental health problems, depression, anxiety or
even suicide.
Abortion has very contrasting opinions, with both sides proposing different ways to
address the issue. While advocates for abortion access emphasize prevention, education, and
support systems to reduce the need for abortions, opponents often suggest mandatory
ultrasounds, abstinence-only education, or adoption as alternatives.
To reduce unplanned pregnancies and the demand for abortion, prevention must be the
priority. When people have the knowledge and resources to prevent unplanned pregnancies, the
demand for abortion decreases. Schools should provide accurate and age-appropriate education
about contraception, consent, and reproductive health, equipping individuals to make informed
decisions. Affordable and widely available birth control methods are also crucial to preventing
unwanted pregnancies, particularly in underserved communities.
Another solution is to expand access to reproductive healthcare, including safe and legal
abortion services, in areas where it is currently restricted. Governments should invest in clinics
and healthcare providers to ensure that individuals can access professional and regulated care.
Removing unnecessary barriers, such as waiting periods or excessive documentation
7
requirements, can also make abortion services more accessible while maintaining safety and
legal standards.
Opponents of abortion often advocate for mandatory ultrasounds before the procedure “as
being part of "informed consent" (cited in “Mandatory Ultrasound: Should Women Be Required
to Undergo an Ultrasound Examination Before Having an Abortion?”, 2012, p. 7)”, arguing that
it gives individuals more information. While the intention may seem reasonable, such laws are
often used as a tactic to delay or discourage abortions rather than genuinely inform patients. In
fact, according to the article “Mandatory Ultrasound: Should Women Be Required to Undergo an
Ultrasound Examination Before Having an Abortion?”, “some opponents claim that women take
the decision to have an abortion very seriously and think their decisions through before going to
the doctor's office, so the image of an embryo on an ultrasound will not dramatically affect them
(p. 10)”. Instead of mandating ultrasounds, healthcare providers could offer unbiased counseling
to ensure that individuals understand their options without feeling coerced. This respects patient
autonomy while still providing support and information.
Providing robust support for people facing unplanned pregnancies is another important
step. Financial assistance, counseling, and social support can help individuals navigate their
options and reduce the pressure to seek unsafe abortions. Programs that address the social and
economic challenges of unplanned pregnancies can empower people to make decisions that are
best for their circumstances. Additionally, public awareness campaigns on social media can fight
stigma and misinformation, making it easier for individuals to seek the care they need without
fear of judgment or discrimination.
8
Another common alternative can be adoption, which is often presented as a solution to
unplanned pregnancies. While adoption is a valid choice for some, it does not address the
physical, emotional, and financial challenges of carrying a pregnancy to term. Pregnancy itself
can be risky, particularly for those without adequate healthcare or support. To truly support those
considering adoption, it’s essential to improve prenatal care, provide financial assistance, and
offer counseling services throughout and after the pregnancy. These measures address the root
challenges rather than simply suggesting adoption as the only solution.
Expanding access to safe abortion services and addressing its root causes would have
significant positive impacts. Public health would improve as fewer people resort to unsafe
procedures, reducing maternal deaths and health complications. Prevention measures, such as
education and contraception, would lower the number of unplanned pregnancies, lessening the
overall demand for abortion. Comprehensive support systems would help individuals feel
empowered and informed, fostering a more compassionate and supportive society.
The debate over abortion reflects deep divisions in society, yet it also offers an
opportunity to find common ground. At its core, the issue is about more than just laws, it is about
health, equity, and the right to make personal decisions. Restricting access to abortion does not
eliminate the need for it; it only pushes individuals toward unsafe alternatives. The goal should
not be to divide society further but to ensure a future where no one is forced into a choice they
don’t want. This means creating an environment where individuals are supported, educated, and
free to make decisions about their own bodies. In doing so, we move beyond the debate to a
solution that respects both the complexities of the issue and the humanity of those it affects.
9
References
Abortion. (2024). In Gale Opposing Viewpoints Online Collection. Gale. https://link-gale-
com.lscsproxy.lonestar.edu/apps/doc/PC3010999336/OVIC?
u=nhmccd_main&sid=bookmark-OVIC&xid=4d53e638
Abortion. (2024). Issues & Controversies.
https://icof.infobase.com/articles/QXJ0aWNsZVRleHQ6MTY1NDM=?aid=99152
Abstinence-Only education. (2014). Issues & Controversies.
https://icof.infobase.com/articles/QXJ0aWNsZVRleHQ6MTY0MDU=?aid=99152
Acero, N., Herrero, E., Foncham, J., McIlvaine, J., Kayaalp, E., Figueora, M., & Oladipo, A. F.
(2024). Accuracy, Quality, and Misinformation of YouTubse Abortion Procedural
Videos: Cross-Sectional Study. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 26(10), NA.
http://dx.doi.org.lscsproxy2.lonestar.edu/10.2196/50099
Iati, M. (2024, Nov 12). Women stockpile abortion pills before Trump term. The Washington
Post https://login.lscsproxy.lonestar.edu/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/
newspapers/women-stockpile-abortion-pills-before-trump-term/docview/
3126808346/se-2
Mandatory ultrasounds. (2012). Issues & Controversies.
https://icof.infobase.com/articles/QXJ0aWNsZVRleHQ6MTYyNDM=?aid=99152
