When does a human become a human? Although this question may seem abstract, theoretical, and irrelevant, an individual’s answer to that question could have life or death consequences. Abortion, a major hot-button topic in our country, hinges on this question. If human life begins at conception, then abortion for any reason is wrong. If, however, a fetus does not become a “human” until after it leaves the womb, then most types of abortion are acceptable, and in some cases, can be advisable.
To begin with, what is abortion? According to Oxford Dictionaries, an abortion is “The deliberate termination of a human pregnancy, most often performed during the first 28 weeks of pregnancy” (Oxford Dictionaries, n.d.). Suzanne R. Trupin …show more content…
In countries where the Roman Catholic church has considerable influence, abortion is seen as not only deviant, but also sinful. However, in countries like China that have little to no Christianity in their history, abortion is seen as a useful tool to get rid of unwanted children. In America, a country that is a melting pot of many different religious and political beliefs, antiabortionists are currently at odds with “progressive,” pro-choice advocates. Those who hold to more conservative values continue to speak out for the unborn, while those who lean toward more liberal, mainstream thought see abortion as a necessary …show more content…
124). This statement is applicable not only to social conventions and behaviors, but also to our beliefs about social issues. That being said, I do not think that just because we have been socialized a certain way means that we are completely enslaved to the ideas of our parents. For example, I personally believe that abortion is wrong; my parents first taught me this, but as I learn more about the value of human life as described in the Bible and more about how abortion actually works, the more convinced I become. My beliefs are also strengthened by talking with my friends about abortion, and also by media that portray the devastating effect of abortion, such as the movie October Baby. In my case, family, friends, faith, and the media are all agents of socialization that have helped to form and continue to shape my ideas about abortion. Many of my friends also disagree with abortion and think that it is wrong. However, although I would like to think that I would never have an abortion, I have never been put in a situation where I have had to make that choice. I do think that all abortion is wrong, but my dogma is mostly targeted at those who have an abortion because they made a wrong choice and simply do not want the child. I think that the lines would become more difficult to determine in a situation where I or someone I love was pregnant and had no say in the matter. Experiences test our