"Abortion: A Young Person’s View"
by Elisha Lakin, age 17
Fredericton NB

Consider for a moment the most common controversial topics in society today. It won’t take long for the subject of abortion to come to mind.

With fuming opinions on both sides of the board, and a lack of accurate, unbridled information, more so than most people realize, it’s difficult to decipher the truth.

Some statements are as bold as "Abortion is murder," or "Pro-Life is misogyny (hatred or contempt towards women)."

First off, I will examine both of these statements, because I feel they portray the Pro-Life side of the argument, and the Pro-Choice side respectively.

"Pro-Life is misogyny."

Many Pro-Choice advocates champion "a women’s rights," basing the care of their argument on the idea that it is a woman’s right to do what she will with her own body, including whether of not she chooses to abort her unborn son or daughter.

The fact is, a human’s life begins at the moment of conception. The instant the father’s sperm makes contact with the mother’s ovum, something incredible happens.

The unique genetic codes and DNA; everything that made you, "you," and him, "him," and her, "her," are all present and busily moving, generating cells rapidly to produce something humanity seems to take for granted;

LIFE!

This new, never-been-before human’s eye colour, hair colour, facial features, it’s all there! It only requires time and care to grow.

We recognize a newborn as a human. An infant, a child, a toddler, adolescent, senior, adult, these terms all refer to "people."

In truth, the fetus is merely the first step in the chain of human development.

Furthermore, the growing human is not the mother’s alone. It also took a father to spark that creation.. Many times the father will push for abortion. However, it is little-known that just as many times, the father would want the baby to get the opportunity to live and growl However, legally, they have minute to zero say in the matter, for it is a "woman’s choice," which in truth, is a pure idiocy. The child is 50% mother, 50% father, and 100% human, with a right to live. Section 7 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms states: Everyone has the right to life, liberty, and security, of the person, and the right not to be deprived thereof except in accordance with the principles of fundamental justice.

These babies, if only born, are under the protection of this right. Unfortunately, we have been deceived into assuming that because the infant has not yet exited the birth-canal, "it" is not human.

"Fetus" is the Latin term for "little one." If a fetus was recognized over 2000 years ago as a tiny human, why do we feel we can change the meaning today?

One of the many justifications of abortion, besides "women’s right to choose," is considering rape victims. This is an angle with much vocal support, because it is very emotional. Many people, even those who aren’t expressly Pro-Choice, will agree that a woman whose child was conceived in such a heinous way should not have to suffer through pregnancy and child birth. But ask yourself, should an innocent person be punished for the trespasses of another?

Section 12 of the Canadian Charter has something to say about this as well: "Everyone has the right not to be subjected to any cruel and unusual treatment or punishment."

Is there any treatment more unusual or cruel than a foreign metal being inserted into a sacred place, for the purpose of attacking and destroying, limb for limb, piece by piece, a small human body, only to be disposed of as common trash?

In truth, it is very rare for conception to occur during rape. Over, less than one percent of women who are raped become pregnant.

It is extremely difficult for a women to conceive in a state where emothons are all over the map. And hormones are fluctuating rapidly. In addition, a woman is fertile only 3 days each month, approximately 36 days out of year, lessening the chance of conception during rape even further.

Another argument is , "What if the child is unwanted?"

There are so many things wrong with this question. It projects the idea that children are objects who should only exist base on whether or not a person desires them more than they desire other "things."

Also, there is such a vast number of people who are waiting, longing to adopt children. If a woman does not want her baby, some body else does! It has been estimated that if every aborted baby, annually, had instead been able to live, the need for adoptable babies would be filled.

There is not reason for this murder to continue.

"Abortion is murder."

Let’s break this down:

Abortion is the willful and predecided act of terminating pregnancy (aka, human development). Murder is defined as the killing of another human being...with malice aforethought, characterized by deliberation of premeditation.

A fetus is indeed human.

Abortion is an unnecessary act that stems from misinformation; it is a veil that shrouds truth.

An fetus is human. Murder is to kill a human. Therefore, abortion is murder.

Elisha Lakin

2006

As a side note, I want to make it known that I hold no animosity towards women who have had, are considering to have, or are supporters of abortion/s.

I maintain the belief that crucial information has been side-stepped for the sake of the easy way out.

I believe abortion is the answer in lieu of substantial exploration and the pursuit of truth.

Abortion, in many ways is regarded as a form of contraception. Mark my words, no child is a mistake. That is one of the most terrible lies I ever have had the misfortune of hearing. It is no coincidence that you are willing to read through this opinion that you may disagree with or even share.

Think about this, if your mother had exercised her "right" to "choose," it is very likely you may not even be here.

It’s a terrible shame women aren’t being told, in explicit detail, the "surgical," or more aptly put; sacrificial , methods that take place in their womb during the abortion procedure.

It’s terrible that the only side-effects that are made known are slight pelvic pain, when the true magnitude of side-effects reach far beyond physical pain that a pill can mask. Emotional trauma is more than common. In fact, it is expected in most cases.

Abortion is a decision that is so very often regretted, leading to a severe sense of loss, depression, self-hatred, anger, and even suicide.

Not only is one life lost, but it can take the life of the mother and those who care for her as well.

Abortion should not be an option. It is a wrongful act not only for the child, but just as much for the mother.

Mothers; love you children as you mommy loved you. She loved you enough to let you take a crack at this thing called "life."

Fathers; protect you children and respect their mother’s body and spirit. Do not allow their lives to be destroyed. You owe it to your heart. It you gave been wronged, by those who were meant to love and cherish you, guide and protect you, please do not let their mistakes drag you down.

If you become pregnant, if your girlfriend or wife becomes pregnant, look at it as a chance to do something selfless, something loving, even if you didn’t get to experience the love that you should have.

Life always starts anew.

If you participate in the formation of a new life, make the choice to honour and care for it.

Elisha Lakin

2007