Abortion Debate Forum - From a Teen Point of View

meblonde01

replied on June 17th, 2007

Extremely eHealthy

Re: From a Teen Point of View... Please Read!

Doriz wrote:

Truthfully, i don't fully understand why there is a forum to debate about abortion. I believe that no matter how many times anybody can discuss this there will always be three sides with three different opinions: those who agree, those who oppose, and those who really just don't care.

I personally believe it is up to the woman carrying the baby. Everything in this world requires a choice. It is a choice whether you want to abort or not. There are many situations that place a woman in a spot where she has to decide. It is up to the woman that is faced with this situation to decide whether she is prepared enough to give this baby the life it deserves or if she really just can't take care of it. If she doesn't decide to abort, because of religious reasons or because she really doesn't agree with the idea of abortion, then she has another choice to make. Either finding a way to take care of it and move foward no matter how difficult it may be or giving it up for adoption and facing the emotional part of giving up the child that you carried for 9 months.

I am in highschool and the school constantly has these assemblies where they have a group of people come and discuss the issue of abortion. They show us videos of how horrible it is and how morally wrong it is to do so. They teach us that we are killing babies and that it is a sin. When i hear these people talk, all that runs through my head is that instead of giving us these leatures about aborting, why aren't they giving us lectures on how to protect ourselves to not become pregnant in the first place. The best way to avoid abortion or the thought of it is to protect yourself!! Those lectures that they give should change. They shouldn't have this debate on abortion. They should put their minds together to find a way to prevent teen pregnancy, to prevent unwanted pregnancy, and to help those who aren't sure what to do when they find themselves in this situation.

Let the woman decide. Let her think it over and don't pressure her to do what you believe is right. In the end, it is her that makes the decision and even though you might not completely agree, support her because it probably wasn't an easy one to make.

I know that everyone has a different opinion on abortion and i respect their choices. I just wish that everyone else would have the same respect as i do.

Doriz,
All that you say is true. But not all agree. That is why it is called a debate. Some people like me know that we will not change minds or even laws, but we still have opinions. And feel it is wrong to take a life, not to give a child a chance to live. That is why we debate! Just because things are the way they are does not mean we have to agree. People have different opinions. And we are here to speak them. Just like you did.. Welcome aboard! It's nice to hear your views..

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Tylanas

replied on June 17th, 2007

Especially eHealthy

Doriz wrote:

Let the woman decide. Let her think it over and don't pressure her to do what you believe is right. In the end, it is her that makes the decision and even though you might not completely agree, support her because it probably wasn't an easy one to make.

This is very well written, and it is the core of the debate; in all honesty it's the core of everything. I know you're right, and I agree with you. It would be true human altruism if everyone helped each other and supported people through their decisions and choices, but some people can't help but shove their noses into people's business and call them evil for their choices. These people do not support others through every decision; only the ones they view as "moral".

Welcome to the debate forum, and don't let the pro-lifers get you down.

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trina1

replied on June 17th, 2007

Active User, very eHealthy

Re: From a Teen Point of View... Please Read!

Doriz wrote:

Truthfully, i don't fully understand why there is a forum to debate about abortion. I believe that no matter how many times anybody can discuss this there will always be three sides with three different opinions: those who agree, those who oppose, and those who really just don't care.

I personally believe it is up to the woman carrying the baby. Everything in this world requires a choice. It is a choice whether you want to abort or not. There are many situations that place a woman in a spot where she has to decide. It is up to the woman that is faced with this situation to decide whether she is prepared enough to give this baby the life it deserves or if she really just can't take care of it. If she doesn't decide to abort, because of religious reasons or because she really doesn't agree with the idea of abortion, then she has another choice to make. Either finding a way to take care of it and move foward no matter how difficult it may be or giving it up for adoption and facing the emotional part of giving up the child that you carried for 9 months.

I am in highschool and the school constantly has these assemblies where they have a group of people come and discuss the issue of abortion. They show us videos of how horrible it is and how morally wrong it is to do so. They teach us that we are killing babies and that it is a sin. When i hear these people talk, all that runs through my head is that instead of giving us these leatures about aborting, why aren't they giving us lectures on how to protect ourselves to not become pregnant in the first place. The best way to avoid abortion or the thought of it is to protect yourself!! Those lectures that they give should change. They shouldn't have this debate on abortion. They should put their minds together to find a way to prevent teen pregnancy, to prevent unwanted pregnancy, and to help those who aren't sure what to do when they find themselves in this situation.

Let the woman decide. Let her think it over and don't pressure her to do what you believe is right. In the end, it is her that makes the decision and even though you might not completely agree, support her because it probably wasn't an easy one to make.

I know that everyone has a different opinion on abortion and i respect their choices. I just wish that everyone else would have the same respect as i do.

You are extremely well spoken and well written for a high school student. If I may ask....do you attend a public or private high school? The way you talk...it must be private....as I know of no public school that would allow (prolifers from the way you describe them) to come and speak of sin or the act of abortion as killing babies. I would also think that if you went to a public high school....you would be having assemblies dealing with birth control and abortion as a choice and not a sin.

You are very right when you say that education on how not to get pregnant should be what you are being taught. You should know about everything from abstinence to birth control. You should be taught about self-respect and made to know that if you do get pregnant....you have more than one choice. You also should as pre-young adults....be given credit for the fact that if you are given a complete education on prevention....that chances are....abortion won't ever have to be considered as a "choice" in your life.

All this being said though....abortion will always be a controversy because there are those who feel passionately that by allowing abortion they are protecting the life of the woman....and others that feel just as passionately that by allowing abortion....one human life will always leave the clinic dead.

The good thing about being able to debate the subject....is anytime there are two opposing sides who are as passionate as both pro-life and pro-choice are....you know that neither side would feel the way they do...unless they both felt they were right. Through civil debate and discussion....both sides stand to learn alot....and both sides....whether they ever agree or not...can at least learn to respect the others opinions.

My position....no humans right to choice should ever override another humans right to life.....but....I also respect your right to believe differently.

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HcoBrunette06

replied on June 17th, 2007

Especially eHealthy

I personally am glad there's a debate forum. i've actually learned a whole lot since I've been here for the last few months. I used to be really close minded and I wouldn't even come to this part of the forum because it made me so mad, but then I started coming and reading and I've actually learned a lot!

I used to believe that abortion was really wrong and that making it illegal would end it and all the babies could go up for adoption or the mothers would realize that they wanted the baby in the end and everything would end up happy Smile

but after reading on this forum i've realized that it's not a reality. no matter what, there are always going to be people getting abortions, and making it illegal would only make it worse, making these girls abandon their babies that they really don't want because they're scared out of their mind. that's not always going to be the case but look at how many there are now, and making abortion illegal would only make it a million times worse i can bet you. so yeah, my opinion has changed because of this forum and i feel more educated (in my opinion)

so maybe that's why there's an abortion debate forum. that and because nobody is ever going to completely agree on this subject.

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Birch

replied on June 18th, 2007

Extremely eHealthy

Re: From a Teen Point of View

Doriz wrote:

Truthfully, i don't fully understand why there is a forum to debate about abortion. I believe that no matter how many times anybody can discuss this there will always be three sides with three different opinions: those who agree, those who oppose, and those who really just don't care.

...

I know that everyone has a different opinion on abortion and i respect their choices. I just wish that everyone else would have the same respect as i do.

We debate about abortion exactly because people don't respect other's choices [for a multitude of reasons].

I'm glad to know that despite your educational brainwashing, you are coming through it a freethinker. You should let them know it's not working.

HcoBrunette06 wrote:

I personally am glad there's a debate forum. i've actually learned a whole lot since I've been here for the last few months. I used to be really close minded and I wouldn't even come to this part of the forum because it made me so mad, but then I started coming and reading and I've actually learned a lot!

I used to believe that abortion was really wrong and that making it illegal would end it and all the babies could go up for adoption or the mothers would realize that they wanted the baby in the end and everything would end up happy but after reading on this forum i've realized that it's not a reality

HcoBrunette06, you are cool.

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HcoBrunette06

replied on June 18th, 2007

Especially eHealthy

Re: From a Teen Point of View

Birch wrote:

Doriz wrote:

Truthfully, i don't fully understand why there is a forum to debate about abortion. I believe that no matter how many times anybody can discuss this there will always be three sides with three different opinions: those who agree, those who oppose, and those who really just don't care.

...

I know that everyone has a different opinion on abortion and i respect their choices. I just wish that everyone else would have the same respect as i do.

We debate about abortion exactly because people don't respect other's choices [for a multitude of reasons].

I'm glad to know that despite your educational brainwashing, you are coming through it a freethinker. You should let them know it's not working.

HcoBrunette06 wrote:

I personally am glad there's a debate forum. i've actually learned a whole lot since I've been here for the last few months. I used to be really close minded and I wouldn't even come to this part of the forum because it made me so mad, but then I started coming and reading and I've actually learned a lot!

I used to believe that abortion was really wrong and that making it illegal would end it and all the babies could go up for adoption or the mothers would realize that they wanted the baby in the end and everything would end up happy but after reading on this forum i've realized that it's not a reality

HcoBrunette06, you are cool.

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Dannzibelle

replied on June 18th, 2007

Supporter

Another teen point of veiw:

I don't particularly like abortion, it's not something i would do but i'm not going to attack every girl or woman who has one, ultimately it is their uterus, their vagina and if they choose it to be then it's their baby to raise as they see fit.
of course in a perfect world anyone who didn't want to get pregnant wouldn't get pregnant and therefore abortions wouldn't take place but that's never going to happen.
And for those who think abortion should be illegal:
I do see your point of veiw, abortion isn't a particularly nice act but thankfully we live in a world where it is available for those who want it, i know that if i was terminally ill and found myself pregnant and was told that if i continued with the pregnancy i would die i would be very very thankfull that i have more than one choice

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JohnGuy

replied on June 18th, 2007

New User

When Does Life Start?

The debate centers around answering the question as to when life begins. Once someone is a "living person," historically our nation has protected that life. One side has argued that life begins at birth. The opposing side argues that life begins at conception. Others land somewhere in between these two views.

When does a fetus become a living child? Is it at birth? When the fetus has a heartbeat? When the fetus has formed the necessary body parts which make it appear like a baby? When it can feel pain?

When does this "it" become a "her" or a "him"? Scientifically, what differences are there between a one-minute old child, which is considered "alive" and protected by federal law, and the fetus in the womb, which in the United States presently is not yet considered to be a living child?

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Birch

replied on June 18th, 2007

Extremely eHealthy

I don't think so. I think it's biologically obvious that after conception, when cells start dividing, you've got something unique going on. For me, life starts at conception; just a different kind of life than what you and I experience.

That really doesn't make a difference to me. I just don't care, because this life isn't life as we know it; it's not a developed human being. It's not there yet. So it's like scrambing an egg, versus scrambling a live chicken.

I think people may want to know when does the "spiritual" side of the person develop; when does the 'soul' come into play, when does 'self awareness' kick in, when does that sacred thing that we can't identify that makes us "us" come into play? Does it develop with us as we develop spiritually? Does it happen before or sometime after birth? Does it happen mystically at conception?

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Tylanas

replied on June 18th, 2007

Especially eHealthy

Re: When Does Life Start?

johnfhansen wrote:

The debate centers around answering the question as to when life begins. Once someone is a "living person," historically our nation has protected that life. One side has argued that life begins at birth. The opposing side argues that life begins at conception. Others land somewhere in between these two views.

When does a fetus become a living child? Is it at birth? When the fetus has a heartbeat? When the fetus has formed the necessary body parts which make it appear like a baby? When it can feel pain?

When does this "it" become a "her" or a "him"?

Actually, that can be determined during pregnancy, but I don't think gender necessarily has anything to do with this...

Quote:

Scientifically, what differences are there between a one-minute old child, which is considered "alive" and protected by federal law, and the fetus in the womb, which in the United States presently is not yet considered to be a living child?

Many differences. A minute old baby can breathe. A fetus cannot. A minute old baby is not 100% dependent on just the mother's body to survive. Other humans can raise it.

No one denies that the fetus is alive, by the way. It is alive, and it dies during an abortion or miscarriage. But personhood is what matters to most pro-choicers, that, and the value of life. We believe that the mother has more value than the fetus/embryo/zygote.

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Doriz

replied on June 18th, 2007

New User

Re: From a Teen Point of View... Please Read!

trina1 wrote:

You are extremely well spoken and well written for a high school student. If I may ask....do you attend a public or private high school? The way you talk...it must be private....as I know of no public school that would allow (prolifers from the way you describe them) to come and speak of sin or the act of abortion as killing babies. I would also think that if you went to a public high school....you would be having assemblies dealing with birth control and abortion as a choice and not a sin.

You are very right when you say that education on how not to get pregnant should be what you are being taught. You should know about everything from abstinence to birth control. You should be taught about self-respect and made to know that if you do get pregnant....you have more than one choice. You also should as pre-young adults....be given credit for the fact that if you are given a complete education on prevention....that chances are....abortion won't ever have to be considered as a "choice" in your life.

All this being said though....abortion will always be a controversy because there are those who feel passionately that by allowing abortion they are protecting the life of the woman....and others that feel just as passionately that by allowing abortion....one human life will always leave the clinic dead.

The good thing about being able to debate the subject....is anytime there are two opposing sides who are as passionate as both pro-life and pro-choice are....you know that neither side would feel the way they do...unless they both felt they were right. Through civil debate and discussion....both sides stand to learn alot....and both sides....whether they ever agree or not...can at least learn to respect the others opinions.

My position....no humans right to choice should ever override another humans right to life.....but....I also respect your right to believe differently.

Actually, i am in a public school. The school i was talking about was one i attended in Puerto Rico. I had moved there two years ago to brush up on my spanish. For the last 3 months i am back in New Jersey. Even here they don't teach students about abstinence or birthcontrol. I guess the school just tries to ignore it and that way prevent controversy because i know of many parents who don't agree with those kinds of lectures in school. I guess the base of any unwanted pregnancy could be because of lack of education but then again it can be because of lack of free-will (those women who can't make decisions on their own despite what they have been taught and let themselves be manipulated by others). Many just let themselves be swept away by the heat of the moment.

But anyways,

I do understand why they debate about this issue. This world is infected by debates of all sorts. I guess thats what makes this world unique. Anywhere and everywhere there are people with different opinions, there will always be debates. I understand completely.

Eiri wrote:

this is very well written, and it is the core of the debate; in all honesty it's the core of everything. I know you're right, and I agree with you. It would be true human altruism if everyone helped each other and supported people through their decisions and choices, but some people can't help but shove their noses into people's business and call them evil for their choices. These people do not support others through every decision; only the ones they view as "moral".

Welcome to the debate forum, and don't let the pro-lifers get you down.

Well i agree with you! And trust me i won't let them get me down!! Wink

Birch wrote:

we debate about abortion exactly because people don't respect other's choices [for a multitude of reasons].

I'm glad to know that despite your educational brainwashing, you are coming through it a freethinker. You should let them know it's not working.

I have always been a freethinker. I believe that everyone should make their own decisions based on what they believe is right, not based on what others want you to believe is right.

I believe that abortion should be legal and remain that way. It should be there as an option for those who just can't take the emotional rollercoaster of pregnancy and what comes after that. I mean think about it. Its now with abortion and we constantly hear of babies being thrown in the dumpster or being wraped in garbage bags and thrown away like trash. If its so morally wrong to abort, then isn't it even worse to be so cruel? If they had aborted or if they had just thought about things beforehand, then that baby wouldn't be suffering or even worse dead.

Abortion gives the person the option to start over. It gives them the opportunity to do things differently and to prevent another baby from suffering.

So... mabey it is wrong... but at least it's there for those who believe it isn't.

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amino65

replied on June 19th, 2007

Experienced User

just thought I'd add that she is well spoken, and what difference would it make if she came from a public or a private school. Depending on the school and the person you can be very well spoken. Many people go to public school and are very smart and well spoken, not just people from private schools.

And to the op, you are very well spoken, it's hard to find teens who write as eloquently as you do.

I read around this forum, and am pro-choice, and I agree with everything you have said, though fortunately my school nor my surroundings has ever tried to brainwash me... though it may be because I live in liberal California.

Anyway, I completely agree with you that it all boils down to choice, and that abortion is never an easy decision, which is why there are always debates.

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HcoBrunette06

replied on June 19th, 2007

Especially eHealthy

i think she asked if she was from a public or private school because public schools wouldn't be having an assembly where people come to preach about abortion and sinners, not because of the way she's actually speaking.

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amino65

replied on June 19th, 2007

Experienced User

ah, I might have misunderstood, but the way I read it I interpreted it as this

she wrote "you are extremely well spoken and well written for a high school student. If I may ask....Do you attend a public or private high school? The way you talk...It must be private..."

anywho, sorry if there was a misunderstanding.

it's nice to see that people can write eloquently, it's refreshing Smile

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Doriz

replied on June 20th, 2007

New User

shasta205 wrote:

just thought I'd add that she is well spoken, and what difference would it make if she came from a public or a private school. Depending on the school and the person you can be very well spoken. Many people go to public school and are very smart and well spoken, not just people from private schools.

And to the op, you are very well spoken, it's hard to find teens who write as eloquently as you do.

I read around this forum, and am pro-choice, and I agree with everything you have said, though fortunately my school nor my surroundings has ever tried to brainwash me... though it may be because I live in liberal California.

Anyway, I completely agree with you that it all boils down to choice, and that abortion is never an easy decision, which is why there are always debates.

Thank .You!! Very Happy

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diamondsimone

replied on September 24th, 2007

New User

i dont agree with the original poster r of this message because babies are living things that are defenseless and they dont have a right to choose nobody deserves to be murdered . I only agree with abortion if the woman has been raped and im still iffy on that i have one question for you what if your mom had an abortion with you? Abortion in my opinion is selfish you have to have the baby anyway your just killing it why not think about someone else who cant have a baby why not help them outside

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nightangel73

replied on September 24th, 2007

Extremely eHealthy

Re: From a Teen Point of View

Doriz wrote:

Truthfully, i don't fully understand why there is a forum to debate about abortion. I believe that no matter how many times anybody can discuss this there will always be three sides with three different opinions: those who agree, those who oppose, and those who really just don't care.

We know that there will always the three sides..we just like reading people opinions and we like to debate too. We have all kinds of people comming here to express the opinion on such a controversial topic. From church clergy to people who work in abortion clinics to many women who have had real abortions. With the advantage of anymosity people feel free to voice their opinions and it is interesting to read how the people from all these different backgrounds think.

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Verizon-y

replied on September 24th, 2007

Extremely eHealthy

Re: When Does Life Start?

JohnGuy wrote:

The debate centers around answering the question as to when life begins. Once someone is a "living person," historically our nation has protected that life. One side has argued that life begins at birth. The opposing side argues that life begins at conception. Others land somewhere in between these two views.

When does a fetus become a living child? Is it at birth? When the fetus has a heartbeat? When the fetus has formed the necessary body parts which make it appear like a baby? When it can feel pain?

When does this "it" become a "her" or a "him"? Scientifically, what differences are there between a one-minute old child, which is considered "alive" and protected by federal law, and the fetus in the womb, which in the United States presently is not yet considered to be a living child?

No, the debate centers around a person's right to control their own body. If someone tried to rape a woman, she could use lethal force to stop him, and he's a born person. Why can't she just let him finish the rape and live??

If a born person needed your bone marrow to live, and only your bone marrow would work, you cannot be forced to donate it.

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Verizon-y

replied on September 24th, 2007

Extremely eHealthy

diamondsimone wrote:

i dont agree with the original poster r of this message because babies are living things that are defenseless and they dont have a right to choose nobody deserves to be murdered . I only agree with abortion if the woman has been raped and im still iffy on that i have one question for you what if your mom had an abortion with you? Abortion in my opinion is selfish you have to have the baby anyway your just killing it why not think about someone else who cant have a baby why not help them outside

Are you picturing an actual baby in your mind, like with a head, face, eyes, nose, mouth, ears, arms, hands, legs, feet, etc., etc?

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