Abortion: Right to Life or Right to Choice – Personal Decision Sheet
Directions: For this exercise, one must assume the following conditions are actual
For this lesson, you are to consider the beliefs that four individuals have about abortion rights. The beliefs of the four individuals may be expressed below:
Citizen 1: Mrs. Johnson: “Abortion should be completely illegal in all cases. Life begins at conception, and terminating a pregnancy is equivalent to murder. The right to life supersedes any other rights or considerations. The government has a responsibility to protect the lives of the unborn. We cannot allow the destruction of innocent human lives, regardless of the circumstances. Adoption is always a better option than ending a life. Every child deserves a chance to live, and it is our moral obligation to defend the defenseless. The argument that women have the right to control their bodies fails to acknowledge the separate life growing inside them. Pregnancy is a natural consequence of certain actions, and we must take responsibility for the lives we create.”
Citizen 2: Mr. Thompson: “I believe in some restrictions on abortion. It should be allowed in cases of rape, incest, or when the mother’s life is in danger. However, elective abortions should not be permitted after the first trimester. We need to balance the right to life with the right to bodily autonomy. The fetus develops rapidly, and at a certain point, it can feel pain and has a chance of survival outside the womb. We should protect the rights of the unborn while still allowing for some exceptions in extreme situations. Women should have the choice to terminate a pregnancy in the early stages, but as the fetus grows, its rights must also be considered. Abortion should not be used as a form of birth control.”
Citizen 3: Ms. Davis: “I support the right to choose. The decision to have an abortion should be left to the woman and her doctor. The government should not interfere in such a personal and private matter. Women have the right to control their own bodies and reproductive choices. Forcing a woman to carry a pregnancy to term against her will is a violation of her basic human rights. Abortion is a complex issue, and every woman’s situation is unique. We must trust women to make the best decisions for themselves and their families. The impact of an unwanted pregnancy on a woman’s life cannot be overstated. It can derail her education, career, and personal relationships. Denying women access to safe and legal abortion puts their lives and well-being at risk.”
Citizen 4: Mr. Wilson: “Abortion should be legal and accessible to all women. It is a fundamental right and an essential component of reproductive healthcare. Restricting access to abortion disproportionately affects low-income and marginalized communities. We must trust women to make the best decisions for themselves and their families. Criminalizing abortion does not stop it from happening; it only makes it unsafe and puts women’s lives at risk. Comprehensive sex education and access to contraception are key to reducing unintended pregnancies, but abortion must remain a legal option. The idea that life begins at conception is a religious belief, not a scientific fact. The decision to have an abortion is deeply personal and should be made in consultation with a medical professional, not dictated by politicians or religious leaders.”
Directions: After evaluating the above beliefs regarding abortion rights, please answer the following questions.
1. In your own words, what is the position taken by each of these four people?
2. How does Mrs. Johnson’s position differ from that of Mr. Wilson?
3. How does Mr. Thompson’s position differ from that of Ms. Davis?
4. Which of the four positions matches your own beliefs?
5. Which of the four positions is most likely to prioritize the right to life?
6. Which of the four positions is most likely to prioritize the right to choose?
7. Which of the four positions is most likely the thinking of most elected officials today?
8. Who do you think would be a supporter of pro-life organizations?
9. What is your position on abortion restrictions versus abortion rights?
10. Do you think the issue of abortion was considered when the Constitution was drafted? If so, why, or why not?
