‘Witness to the Womb’
Summary: Patrik Jonsson, a journalist for the Christian Science Monitor, analyzes this highly debated issue: should a woman considering an abortion be offered a viewing of an ultrasound image of her developing fetus? He beings by presenting two South Carolina women, both considering an abortion, who were shown an image of their fetuses. One proceeded with her abortion and opposes a law requiring women to be offered a picture of their fetuses. The other, after seeing the “fuzzy ultrasound picture” changed her mind and would support such a bill. 10 states have approved a “witness to the womb” law. Supporters say it provides imperative information, while opponents saw such requirements are “medically unnecessary.” According to Jonsson, the law, backed by abortion opponents, is intended to encourage pregnancies. However, the law may have “profound implications” for women’s rights. The author states that women, just like the two mentioned above, view the issue “through the lens of their own views on the morality on abortion.” Jonsson seems to provide an unbiased presentation of the issue.
Commentary: I believe that an abortion-bound woman must have the opportunity to view an ultrasound image of her fetus. Many times women who have an unwanted pregnancy rush into abortion, believing that it is the only choice. However, if they were given one final chance to consider their decision, they might change their mind and not make a decision that they might later regret. Though I clearly think that abortion should be illegal, this proposal, should it become law, would provide a much needed opportunity for women considering aborting their pregnancy. I do not agree with the author in that women view the “witness to the womb” issue “through [their own] lens.” Clearly, both South Carolina women believed that abortion was okay, yet one supports a “witness to the womb” law and the other opposes it.
Analysis: As aforementioned, Jonsson is a staff writer for the Christian Science Monitor, which helps to establish his ethos. An example of logos includes the statistics concerning the number of abortions carried out each year in the United States. He appeals to emotion, or pathos, by providing the stories of the two women from South Carolina.
Jonsson, Patrik. “Ultrasounds: Abortion deterrent?.” Christian Science Monitor 99.118 15 May 2007 3-5. 03 Oct 2007 <http://www.search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ulh&AN=25070698&site=ehost-live>.
huff Said,
October 5, 2007 @ 9:12 am
I love the way you’ve categorized your post: summary, commentary, analysis. I think I might make this a requirement for everyone henceforth.
You continue to amaze me with your creative and critical thinking and your incredible work ethic!
Christine Said,
October 5, 2007 @ 11:31 am
What do you think about a girl or woman who has been raped that has resulted in an unwanted pregnancy? What if the pregnancy is extremely risky to the mother’s health? You stated that abortions should be outlawed. But in the past, when abortions were not legal some desparate people found ways to have them anyway. They were unsanitary and cost them their ability to ever have children and some their very lives .
I agree that a woman or girl should be shown a picture of her fetus before she has an abortion but are there some cases where such matters are not so clear as far as right and wrong?
ithink Said,
October 5, 2007 @ 2:56 pm
Good point, Christine!
There are certainly cases where abortion might be considered, including those that you mentioned. Most anti-abortion law proposals include such stipulations. As for showing a woman a picture of her fetus, this is a simple thing to do and I see no problems with it. If you can think of any, please comment back.
Thanks for visiting the website! Come back soon!
That is what iThink
chasingmyvoice Said,
October 8, 2007 @ 10:50 am
Showing someone who is concidering an abortion could possibly change her opinion on aborting. Hopefully just seeing a blurry picture of her soon-to-be child could alter her future decisions of killing him before he even had a chance live his first day. This is an easy action that could possibly save a life.
got words? Said,
October 8, 2007 @ 11:12 am
I also agree that a law should be passed that abortion-bound women must have the opportunity to view an ultrasound image of her fetus. This, in itself, could save many lives. For example, after the woman referred to in your post saw an image of her fetus, she chose not to abort the baby. This is just one of the many lives that could be saved if this law was ever past.
peelingthelayers Said,
October 8, 2007 @ 2:59 pm
I believe that giving mothers an oppurtunity to see their unborn child before killing it is an excellant proposal. To my knowledge, this would not insult anyone, because they do not have to view it, and it is a simple option before aborting.
What exactly does the author mean when he proposes that women view the “witness to the womb through [their own] lens”?
ithink Said,
October 13, 2007 @ 12:36 pm
Peeling the layers,
That meant that if women are pro-life, they would normally support a “witness to the womb” law. If women are pro-choice, they would normally oppose such a law.