Human Rights Watch considers abortion within the context of human rights, arguing:
"Abortion is a highly emotional subject and one that excites deeply held opinions. However, equitable access to safe abortion services is first and foremost a human right. Where abortion is safe and legal, no one is forced to have one. Where abortion is illegal and unsafe, women are forced to carry unwanted pregnancies to term or suffer serious health consequences and even death. Approximately 13% of maternal deaths worldwide are attributable to unsafe abortion—between 68,000 and 78,000 deaths annually”
I have often been asked what my opinion of abortion is. My Christian upbringing immediately jumps in and shouts “No”. I see no wrong in contraceptives as a form of birth control, but the abortion issue becomes too emotional, too quickly.
However, what are we doing as a community to support pregnant young girls? Is there a social safety net for unwed mothers who cannot, or do not, want this child? It is sad to hear of another case of infanticide, but I have never heard of the father also being held responsible.
We need to as a community, provide support structures through homes for unwed mothers, or even drop-off points for unwanted children.
