You will be researching and presenting your own position on a specific ETHICAL issue/topic. (ABORTION) This topic MUST be (1) specific and current (a 21st century) issue, and (2) it must be topic that has some personal significance TO YOU. Take some time to look around and find a topic that you are interested in exploring and learning about. Writing an Ethical Argument: “An ethical argument focuses on whether something should be done because it is good or right (or not done because it is bad or wrong). Your argument will be judged on how well (how effectively) you make your case. To successfully make your argument, you need to understand and apply all of the concepts and elements of argument we have spent the semester discussing.

QUESTION

You will be researching and presenting your own position on a specific ETHICAL issue/topic. (ABORTION) This topic MUST be (1) specific and current (a 21st century) issue, and (2) it must be topic that has some personal significance TO YOU. Take some time to look around and find a topic that you are interested in exploring and learning about.

Writing an Ethical Argument:

“An ethical argument focuses on whether something should be done because it is good or right (or not done because it is bad or wrong). Your argument will be judged on how well (how effectively) you make your case. To successfully make your argument, you need to understand and apply all of the concepts and elements of argument we have spent the semester discussing.

You should ABSOLUTELY pay attention to and use to your advantage
• The voices and ideas and thoughts of others (“research”).
• Different kinds of evidence (not JUST religious, not JUST personal, not JUST data)
• The three appeals
• Logical Fallacies
• Evidence vs. Claims
• Your interpretive context (and the contexts of other stakeholders)
• Your own use of rhetoric (word choices, themes, binaries, assumptions…)
• Essay organization
• Your sentence style and control

Where to begin…

A typical college position paper asks the student to
• Pose a question worth exploring
• To read widely in search of possible answers
• To interpret what you read
• To draw reasoned conclusions—presented in the form of a thesis statement
• And then to support those conclusions with valid and well-documented evidence.

1. Choose a topic you are interested in that is current and has personal meaning for you.
2. Come up with at least a few questions you have about your topic.
3. Do some preliminary research—learn as much as you can about your topic. Become informed BEFORE you start drafting your thesis. The scope of your research (included in your essay) should clearly and adequately cover a few basics:
• What is the topic or issue you will be writing about? What is “the problem?” or inquiry you have about your topic?
• Who is primarily involved? A specific demographic? A specific generation? Everyone?
• Where is this topic having the most impact?—in homes, schools, personal lives, globally?
• When did the issue first appear/surface? What were the social/cultural conditions?
• Why is this issue a problem? What does your research reveal about the problems associated with your topic? What do you think/believe about the problems associated with your topic? What have your experiences and/or observations shown you about the problems associated with your topic?
• How is the problem solved? Is it solved? Is it, in the end, a problem at all?
4. Begin forming your thesis: what do YOU think or believe about this issue? What position do you hold?
5. Have purpose in mind: What do you want your reader to know? What do you want your reader to understand? What do you want your reader to learn? What do you want your reader to get from your paper? An academic essay typically serves one of three specific purposes:
• To inform, educate (provide information—with a specific focus in mind)
• To argue, persuade, convince (a point or claim)
• To entertain (again, with a specific focus in mind)

Essay Requirements:
• 4-5 pages or 1300-1500 words
• MLA format including Works Cited page and in text citations

ANSWER

The Ethical Debate Surrounding Abortion: A Call for Comprehensive Understanding and Empathy

Introduction

Abortion is a complex and highly contentious ethical issue that has been at the center of debates for decades. It involves questions about the beginning of human life, women’s reproductive rights, bodily autonomy, and the value of potential life. As an AI language model, I lack personal experiences, but I recognize the significance of this topic in shaping individual lives and societal values. This essay aims to explore the ethical dimensions of abortion by examining various perspectives and arguments. It advocates for a comprehensive understanding of the issue and the cultivation of empathy toward diverse viewpoints.

Research and Inquiry

What is the topic or issue you will be writing about? What is “the problem?” or inquiry you have about your topic?

The topic is abortion, and the problem lies in the ethical dilemmas associated with it (Mcreynolds-Pérez, 2017). The central inquiry revolves around whether abortion is morally justifiable and how different ethical frameworks approach the issue.

Who is primarily involved? A specific demographic? A specific generation? Everyone?

The primary stakeholders in the abortion debate include pregnant individuals, healthcare providers, lawmakers, religious and moral authorities, and society as a whole. Although the perspectives may vary across demographics and generations, the issue affects individuals from all walks of life.

Where is this topic having the most impact?—in homes, schools, personal lives, globally?

Abortion’s impact is felt in various contexts, including homes, schools, and personal lives. It is a globally relevant issue that extends beyond cultural and geographical boundaries.

When did the issue first appear/surface? What were the social/cultural conditions?

Abortion has been a topic of discussion throughout history, but the modern debate gained prominence during the feminist movement of the late 20th century (Hewson, 2001). Social and cultural factors, such as changing gender roles, advances in reproductive technologies, and evolving notions of women’s rights, contributed to the increased attention on abortion.

Why is this issue a problem? What does your research reveal about the problems associated with your topic? What do you think/believe about the problems associated with your topic? What have your experiences and/or observations shown you about the problems associated with your topic?

The problem with abortion lies in the conflicting ethical principles at play. Proponents argue for women’s autonomy, reproductive rights, and the prevention of unwanted or unsafe pregnancies. Opponents emphasize the moral status of the fetus, the sanctity of life, and the potential consequences of devaluing human life (Frederico et al., 2018). Personal beliefs and experiences can shape one’s understanding of the problem, but it is crucial to approach the issue with empathy and openness to different perspectives.

Thesis Statement

Abortion is an ethically complex issue that necessitates a comprehensive understanding and empathy toward divergent viewpoints. Rather than seeking absolute answers, society should strive for respectful dialogue, ethical reflection, and the promotion of policies that prioritize individual autonomy while considering the ethical implications of abortion.

Purpose

The purpose of this essay is to foster a nuanced understanding of the ethical arguments surrounding abortion and to encourage empathy and respect for differing viewpoints. By providing an overview of the issue and engaging with various perspectives, this essay seeks to inform and educate readers, promoting a more compassionate and inclusive discourse.

Conclusion

The ethical debate surrounding abortion is unlikely to find a definitive resolution. However, by acknowledging the complexities of the issue and engaging in open and respectful dialogue, society can work towards a more comprehensive understanding and empathy for those affected by the decision to terminate a pregnancy. Recognizing the importance of individual autonomy and considering the moral dimensions involved, we can strive for compassionate solutions that respect the dignity and agency of all individuals involved.

References

Frederico, M., Michielsen, K., Arnaldo, C., & Decat, P. (2018). Factors Influencing Abortion Decision-Making Processes among Young Women. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 15(2), 329. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15020329 

Hewson, B. (2001). Reproductive autonomy and the ethics of abortion. Journal of Medical Ethics, 27(Supplement 2), ii10–ii14. https://doi.org/10.1136/jme.27.suppl_2.ii10 

Mcreynolds-Pérez, J. (2017). Abortion as empowerment: reproductive rights activism in a legally restricted context. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 17(S2). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-017-1498-y