In my life, I cannot think of an ethical dilemma but I hold a strong opinion over women’s rights to contraception and abortion. Whilst I do understand the ethical complications of abortion in regards to religious systems, beliefs, values and culture, I do not believe that they should overrule an individual woman’s choice. People may disagree and be upset in regards to the issue but they should not be the ones implementing laws that can affect a woman’s life in such away. In 2016, the CDC reported that there were 11.6 abortions per 1,000 women aged 15-44. But in some countries these numbers can be lower due to new government laws and restrictions, inability to access medical facilities, not having the funds for this procedure or their family/romantic interest not letting them. The controversy regarding abortion is the fact that some individuals believe that you are murdering an innocent child even when it is still only a fetus. Religions ranging from Christianism to Islam have varying views on the matter, some see it as being completely forbidden to others such as Judaism who believe it can only be necessary for serious situations, but nevertheless these religious systems have such a strong influence over a women’s choice. Some women also go against it for fear of social stigma and social punishment, being isolated due to a ‘crime’ in the eyes of others. There is also debate that abortion should only take place if the child may be suffering from down syndrome, or if the mother’s life can be in grave danger. But truly, some women might not be ready for a child either financially or just because it is their lives that would be affected the most. But at the end of the day, I stand by the belief that all women from all ages have the right to an abortion without have to support their reason with anything in regards to the babies health or her own, she must be able to put her best interest first and no individual should be able to decide for her.

There are different aspects of knowledge which hold a heavy influence over the decision to abort. Such as belief, evidence, culture, technology, values and justification. As mentioned belief mainly involves religious beliefs but they can also be political and social. There is also evidence that can promote or taint abortion, evidence that abortions are safe and accessible makes them reliable whereas some evidence can show that it can harm not only the child but also the mother. Culture is a strong aspect of knowledge which influence abortions, in some cultures, for example in some places in Europe, it is completely normal and common to have abortions no matter what age, status or reason. Whereas in some other countries, the culture can shame and stigmatise women who have abortions and as mentioned before, can exile them in society. Technology can support the use of abortions in regards to choosing whether or not a woman wants to have a child with a long term illness or issue that could strongly affect their lives by showing accurate scans and data, as well as making the process painless and reliable. Values can fall under culture and religion, they are what strengthens their beliefs and the decisions being made. Lastly, there is justification for both sides of the argument for a number of reasons and is another aspect of knowledge which is very prominent within this issue.