Introduction

Abortion if one of the family health related issues that have generated heated controversies in almost all social, political and health circles. It should be understood that no single society has abortion accepted or rejected by all. Whereas some people support the act of abortion, others consider it as an unacceptable act that amounts to killing (Liamputtong, 2007). However, none of the differing factions provides convincing evidence to support their allegations. Consequently, abortion continues to raise heated political, social, and cultural debates.  This paper addresses some of the social, cultural, and political issues related to abortion.

Social, cultural, and political factors on abortion

The social value of life is one of the key aspects used to oppose abortion. Opponents argue that abortion disregards the value of the life of infants who would eventually become adults. These individuals note that the value of life should be respected for all from inception to death. It is, however, contradictory for conservatives to oppose abortion and support the death sentence for serious crime offenders (Blas, Sommerfeld & Kurup, 2011). This is an indication that there is no absolute value for life. The battle to determine the value of the life of an unborn child has been taken to the corridors of justice, but no conclusive stance has been achieved; this is proof that the value of unborn life may not be determined soon.

From a political perspective, the issue of abortion is pegged on two issues “a right to life” and “a woman’s right to choose.” (Gatison, 2015).  Some political factions argue that women have a right to choose whether to terminate an abortion or to carry on with it. Most of those who support abortion look at it from a political perspective. These proponents argue that banning abortion does not imply respect for life.

Cultural values, on the other hand, form the core foundation of perceptions and opinions against abortion. A huge number of members of different communities do not support abortion. In addition, many cultures respect the value of life and consider any act that amounts to the termination of life as an abomination (Alexander, et al. 2017).

Impact of personal perceptions of providers on abortion on women care

The personal perceptions of care providers on abortion have a tremendous impact on the care for pregnant women. Even though care providers look at this issue from a health perspective, not all of them support it. Care providers, guided by ethics of practice, make it clear that abortion should only be carried out when the life of the mother is in danger (Liamputtong, 2007). This perception places many care providers in jeopardy especially when the mother has chosen to terminate the pregnancy. In other instances, the mother may wish to keep the pregnancy even though her life would be put in grave danger. Some providers perform abortions for financial gains without following the necessary ethical procedures. Such professionals conduct abortion even in cases where the life of the mother is not in danger (Liamputtong, 2007).

Conclusion

Abortion is a health issue that continues to raise heated controversies across the social, cultural and political arena. Even though it is argued that abortion is culturally and socially unacceptable, the health of the mother should be considered as the most important determinant of the performance of this act. Abortion should only be carried out when the health of the other is in danger.

References:

Alexander, L., et al. (2017). New dimensions in women’s health. Burlington, Massachusetts : Jones & Bartlett Learning,

Blas, E., Sommerfeld, J., Kurup, A. S. (2011). Social Determinants Approaches to Public Health: From Concept to Practice. Geneva, World Health Organization,

Gatison, A. M., (2015). Communicating Women’s Health: Social and Cultural Norms that Influence Health Decisions. New York, NY: Routledge,

Liamputtong, P. (2007). Reproduction, childbearing, and motherhood: A cross-cultural perspective. New York: Nova Science Pub.

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