I am writing to your organization in regards to the controversial issue of abortion. Even with teenage pregnancy figures declining, this is a prevalent dilemma in the United States. The majority of teen pregnancies, approximately 78 percent are unintentional. Studies from the mid-1990s indicate that 43 percent of pregnancies to teenage girls, ages 15-19 end in unintended births and yet another 35 percent end in abortions. These percentages are even higher for younger teenage girls. Girls under 15 are children themselves. How could they honestly support and raise a child? Not to the mention the physical risks they would be forced to take if abortion was illegal. There are many reasons why abortion must continue to be an option for young mothers; it is imperative that it stays legalized.
The media classifies the sides of this dilemma into two categories, pro life and pro choice. People who are "pro-life" believe that abortion is morally wrong under almost every circumstance, except rape. "Pro-choice" supporters believe that early abortions are morally acceptable and some believe abortion at any time during the pregnancy is acceptable. They look into circumstance and believe it is the sole choice of the mother whether or not she can support the child. There is a fiery debate between strong advocators of both sides. Both are fighting hard to have their beliefs come through on the issue of the legalization of abortion.
My beliefs lie more on the pro-choice side. Making abortion illegal would not only deny citizens the rights guaranteed to them by the Constitution, but would increase the amount of struggle and problems in this country. All human beings are guaranteed inalienable rights by the Constitution. One of these rights is the right to pursue happiness. A baby can sometimes perturb a young woman and interrupt her pursuit of happiness. The unwanted child would also suffer greatly, even if it was put up for adoption, it will have a rough life and would probably feel unwanted and depressed.
