The Reality of Problems

Many people are uncomfortable with the idea that not all problems have a single solution. This is because people can be very close-minded towards other’s ideas and solutions, and have the attitude of “My way is the only way!” Choosing to have that adamant mindset can start aggressive debates. People desire to have concrete answers and solutions to life’s questions, and frustration occurs when they are thwarted from accomplishing this. Abortion is an example of a debate that has no single solution. In the next three paragraphs I will explain the two opposing side’s view points on abortion, and how even though a single solution is desired, the reality is one will never be concluded.

People who are anti-abortion argue that life begins at conception, and abortion is the act of taking life. Sarah Palin, an avid supporter of pro-life, wrote , “I believe that no matter what mistakes we make as a society, we cannot condone ending an innocent’s life.” Pro-lifers believe that a constitutional amendment should be passed that gives equal protection to all living humans, including the unborn. Another argument of people who are against abortion is that even in cases of rape, abortion should still not be available. While rape is a terrible and cruel crime, the innocent unborn should not be punished for the criminal’s actions. Rebecca Kiessling, a Pro-Life speaker, was the product of rape and points out how insulting it is to have someone believe her mother should have had the right to abort her. She says, “It’s like saying, if I had my way, you’d be dead right now.” Pro-Lifers believe that there is no excuse for abortion, and it is murder, regardless of the circumstances. According to the Center for Bio-Ethical Reform, 93% of all abortions occur for social reasons (i.e. the child is unwanted or inconvenient). Statistics like this anger those who are against abortion.

Those who are for abortion argue that women should have the freedom to choose whether they wish to continue or terminate their pregnancy. Dr. Kenneth Conklin writes that,"A woman should have an absolute right to choose what happens to her own body, provided she pays for her choice with her own money and her own pain." It is the civil right of a women to choose what she wants to do with her body. Pro-Choice advocate Hilary Clinton said, “But for me, it is also not only about a potential life; it is about the other lives involved. And, therefore, I have concluded, after great concern and searching my own mind and heart over many years, that our task should be in this pluralistic, diverse life of ours in this nation that individuals must be entrusted to make this profound decision, because the alternative would be such an intrusion of government authority that it would be very difficult to sustain in our kind of open society.” People who are for abortion especially insist that in cases of rape, and potential harm to the mother, abortion should be an option. A women has rights to her on body, and can decide if she wants to put her body through the pains of pregnancy.

Both sides of abortion, Pro-Life and Pro-Choice, have legitimate opinions on this issue. Unfortunately, there will never be an obvious solution to this dilemma, for it is an issue of individual judgment. Our desire to have concrete answers to our problems often results in uncomfortable feelings when we are presented another viewpoint. The reality is, however, that there are some questions in life that we will not all be in agreement on no matter how much one single solution is desired.