Edison Community College 
Communications in the Abortion Debate
By Samantha Kremer
Communications 121

The early ending of a pregnancy is often defined as abortion. This could be through surgery, medicine, or on its own (naturally). One of the most common surgical procedures performed in the United States each year is abortion. More than 40 percent of women will have an abortion during their reproductive lifetime. A woman typical of ending her pregnancy through abortion is often young, white, poor, unmarried, or over the age of 40. Common reasons for terminating a pregnancy would include concern for responsibility of another human being, financial reasons, interference with schooling or employment, or fear of being a single parent. Women in all social, demographic, and economic groups experience unintended pregnancies. Not all pregnancies are unintended though. Almost half of all pregnancies are intended and yet, some deserving women still lose their babies due to natural causes. 

Over the years, abortion laws have fluctuated. This has been caused by various social reformers, women’s rights groups, and doctors. Because of these groups, laws banning abortions have been repealed in many countries, like the United States. One group against this would be those that are pro-life, while those that are for abortions are called pro-choice. There are many anti-abortion movements that are seeking legal bans of abortion, not just in the United States but all around the world. These groups are speaking out because of a decision made by the United States Supreme Court in 1973. Roe v. Wade was the decision that legalized abortion in the United States. 

Before 1973, women looked for any possible way to obtain an abortion, including back-alley abortions, getting an abortion out of the country, inserting a wire hanger, and other various methods. These unsafe methods that often caused physical harm to the woman and in some instances, the woman died from these harmful ways. Stories of traumatic experiences like these helped to lift the ban on abortions when it came time for Roe v. Wade. Women speaking out and telling of their experiences with the dangerous methods was traumatizing to many Americans. They were often disgusted and scared for the mother and the baby and Americans wanted safer methods to have abortions. Many people were still against abortions but if they were done safer and by trained professionals, abortions were often less controversial, to some extent. 

When the court’s decision came about, the public’s opinion on women’s status in society was already in a period of shift. This is when sexism started to come about and when women started pushing for equality. In 1969, speak-outs became effective in advancing women’s rights, when women spoke of their illegal abortions. Women began holding public testimonies around the country to speak up for their rights and to tell about their experiences. These speak-outs put pressure on politicians and judges in Washington, D.C. to do what the public wanted so women wouldn’t have to be ashamed of their previous actions. 

Once Roe v. Wade legalized abortions in 1973, pro-life and women’s rights activists started expressing their thoughts and feelings with more passion. Movements were started immediately to prevent funding for abortions and to limit the effects of Roe v. Wade.  Many people started disrupting peace at abortion clinics. People were blocking access and entrance to clinics, harassing people as they were trying to enter, and vandalizing the clinic’s property. Over time, bombs, physical attacks, and murders created a hostile environment for those seeking abortions. 

The pro-life movement in the United States developed from Roe v. Wade as a political and social movement for those against abortion. Those associated with the movement are often of the Christian religion, mainly Catholics, and frequently of the Republican political party. One of the primary goals of the movement is to reverse Roe v. Wade. The movement tries to inform the public of the terrible effects of abortions through pamphlets, websites, religious and political organizations. The pro-life movement holds a march each year in Washington D.C. to express their views. The March for Life happens on January 22 of each year and this is when thousands of pro-life supporters swarm the city and march for those who can’t. This is one way that those against abortions can express their thoughts and be a part of something bigger. People will often speak up more if they are with others of similar beliefs. They feel like they cannot accomplish anything by themselves, but with the support of others, they feel like they can make an impact. This is why you see people going to the March for Life and other demonstrations to speak out and let their views be heard. Its events like these where thoughts and opinions are expressed. These opinions then gain popularity and the audience then takes the ideas back with them to their hometowns. 

Whether you are pro-life or pro-choice, you can’t deny that you have been influenced by the public, media, or your family morals. Everyone has their own opinions and we often express those opinions, whether it’s at the kitchen table, church, or on our local television stations. If it wasn’t for people expressing their feelings on the subject, many of us wouldn’t know much about abortions, unless someone around us had previously had an abortion. These opinions have influenced each and every one of us, whether it was for or against abortion. 

While some editing may have been done for grammar or clarity, the choice of topic and discussion in this and other Communication 121 student Term Projects is solely the result of the research completed by the student. Read the County News Online introduction for these papers here.