Case Study...abortion..(pengguguran bayi)

Definition:Removal or expulsion of an embryo or fetus from the uterus, resulting in or caused by its death. The termination of pregnancy by the removal or expulsion from the uterus of a foetus/embryo resulting in or caused by its death.

FACTS..An abortion can occur spontaneously due to complications during pregnancy or can be induced,in human or other species.Abortion has a long history and has been induced by various methods including herbal,abortifacients,the use of sharpened tools,physical trauma and other traditional methods.46 millions abortion occur around the world every year.26 millions-legal abortion and 20 millions-illegal abortion

RIGHT TO LIFE:Once a woman is pregnant, her choices with regard to her pregnancy are childbirth or abortion, i.e the life or death of her child.People have the right to reproduce, and obligation to exercise this right responsibly. Killing the human being created by reproduction is always irresponsible, and should not never be a legal right.

PRO-CHOICE:Mother feel that the fetus is not living organism or human.Prior to six month a fetus (or embryo) despite having a beating heart and developing lungs, can not feel pain and is not conscious of it’s existence or aware of it’s own life.For this reason, people feel comfortable getting abortions because the fetus will feel nothing, it will be aware of what happening to itself.

PRO-LIFE:Do not feel right killing the fetus or embryo because it is living organism-beating heart between 18-21 days after conception.By the time most abortion can be performed, the baby already has a beating heart and identifiable brain waves.The baby living in her mother is a distinct and unique a new person and as deserving of protection under the law as we are.

CLAIM AND RESPONSE:

It’s my body/a women’s choice -every mother is faced with profound decisions can never include the right to killing the baby.

What will we do with all the unwanted kids (poor babies, overpopulation, abuse) -the problem is lack of development not the population.

Woman who’s been raped/incest or carrying a disabled/child sick (hard cases) -aborting a child with a disability is a height of prejudice. Support both victims, mother and child.

Feminist’s View

According to a World Report on Women’s Health released by the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (Figo) :

Unsafe abortion is serious health problem for women around the world

Figo president,Dorothy Shaw said :

there were serious health consequences for women,including adverse outcomes of pregnancy

Public awareness is the first step in addressing these gross violations of human rights of women and girls.

Islamic Verspective

Abortion is forbidden in Islam whether in the earlier stages of pregnancy or otherwise

The Islamic view is based on the very high priority the faith gives to the sanctify of life.The Quran states:

Whosever has spared the life of a soul,it is as though he has spared the life of all people.whosever has killed a soul,it is as though he has murdered all of mankind.

(Chapter 5,verse 32)

All school of Muslim law accept that abortion is permitted if continuing the pregnancy would put the mother`s life in real dangerous.This is the only reason accepted for abortion after 120 days of the pregnancy.

Different schools of Muslim jurists hold different views on whether any other reasons of permitted(e.g:in the case of rape or insect)and at what stage of pregnancy if so.

All Muslims scholars believe that an embryo deserves respect and protection at all stages of the pregnancy.In fact,dead unborn babies are afforded proper Islamic burials after 120 days from initial conception

Important Supreme Court Decisions Regarding Abortion Law

Roe v. Wade (1973)-the Court holds that woman’s right to privacy includes the right to obtain an abortion if she so wishes.The Court also ruled on when and how a state may regulate abortions by breaking a pregnancy into trimester,states may not regulate the abortion procedure; in the second, the states have a greater interest; and in the third, they can ban the procedure

Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v.Casey (1992)-the Court upheld a state law requiring physicians to provide antiabortion information (including pictures of fetuses) to women seeking an abortion, a mandatory 24-hour waiting period following receipt of this material,and the filing of reports on abortions that could be made public.However, spousal notification requirements were unconstitutional.

In Malaysia, we can say that illegal abortion is totally wrong and against the right of life.