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  • Essay / The Ethical Dilemma of Abortion

    Table of ContentsEthical DilemmaFundamental BeliefsResolutionEvaluationComparisonConclusionOur daily lives consist of a never-ending battle within ourselves, a conversation with the voice in our head that tells us "do it" or "don't do it Don’t do it.” It is rational to think that the voice in our head tells us the same thing: do good or do evil. In reality, what dictates this voice is our own subconscious, which is shaped by our worldviews. A person's ability to make the right decision depends on the level of importance given to moral principles in their life, but when it comes to a life-changing decision; pro-life vs pro-choice, ethics are not what drives the decision. Christians have a completely different perspective on abortion than atheists. In this ethical dilemma, we will consider both approaches. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Ethical DilemmaAn example for our analysis is Susan, a woman who has been successful in her career and is ready to expand her family. For her, that means maintaining a healthy work-life balance. She is fortunate to learn of her pregnancy, but blood test results show that the fetus has Down syndrome. The doctor recommends that Susan have an abortion, even though it is something she feels very uncomfortable with. Seeking advice from someone who could influence her decision, she turns to Richard, a professor of evolutionary biology who has devoted his career to minimizing human suffering and maximizing human potential, or happiness. He states that it is immoral to give birth to a child with Down syndrome, as it would cause great suffering for the child as well as the parents. Finally, he suggests that the most ethical decision would be to abort the child to avoid this suffering and try again to achieve happiness. Fundamental Beliefs Within the Christian faith, life is considered a gift from God. This is precious and must be respected. God created us in his image and gave us some of his characteristics so that we can praise him and give him glory for all the gifts he gives us. None of these gifts are larger than life. He knows us and calls us by name from the moment we are in our mother's womb. Before our birth, he designates us as his prophets, as Jeremiah proclaimed: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I have made you a prophet to the nations. When it comes to abortion, Christians are called to defend and accept all pregnancies. Whether society considers a child with congenital diseases to be a blessing or not, for a Christian, all life is sacred and always has a mission on this earth. ResolutionWhen a family is expecting a child, they are filled with so much joy and of anticipation. When they receive news of potential health complications for their child, it is devastating news. Even more so when the doctor advises an abortion. In the eyes and heart of a Christian, God is sovereign and, therefore, His actions must be accepted as a means to a greater goal. During this time of tribulation and agony, Sarah must not forget the ability that God has granted her and placed her own child in her hands. This pregnancy can help her grow closer to God, with the help of a Christian support group. The best way for Sarah to resolve this ethical dilemma is to obtain information and seek advice throughout her pregnancy fromof national or community organizations that advocate and focus on the well-being, quality of life and lifestyle of families with children with Down syndrome. The National Down Syndrome Society is a national organization that advocates and educates the public about Down syndrome. “It is an organization that provides information and resources to people with Down syndrome and their families. Their website contains information about advocacy, education, research and support services, including resources for new or expectant parents. Having a better understanding of the diagnosis will help them be better prepared to give the child the extra love and attention they will need, while respecting the life of a child of God. EvaluationThe Christian worldview will help prevent Sarah from committing a mortal sin. Even if her doctor presents abortion as an alternative to avoid further suffering, a Christian believes and knows that suffering leads to salvation. Jesus knew how to transform a cross into a crown, by accepting God's will throughout his life. As Psalm 34 says, “The righteous may have many difficulties, but the Lord delivers them from them all.” This is just one of the many promises God makes to us. The Christian worldview calls Sarah to carry her cross, which in this case is her child born with Down syndrome, to trust and follow God. He knows that this cross will bring Salvation to Sarah and facilitate her entry into the Kingdom of God. Her doctor's suggestion that she have an abortion goes against her beliefs and values ​​and would create great guilt and remorse for the rest of her life. By having her child, Sarah will be able to see God manifest in her life and see the blessings that will come to her through his acceptance and bearing of her cross. Comparison If Susan were an atheist, the principles that dictate her life would be completely different from those of a Christian. Atheism does not promote love and acceptance, but rather taking control of your life, making any decision that will benefit you and bring you closer to your goals. Although Susan was ready and happy to be a mother, she might have followed Richard's advice given the impact it would have on her career and personal life. She would not be able to see beyond the suffering and perhaps even feel guilty for allowing it, because she would not see a higher goal in life than the one she has for herself. Atheism is not based on the belief that every living thing was created by God and has a purpose. It would therefore have been easier for Susan to abort the fetus without considering it a person. Susan could have decided that the baby was "not wrong" because it wasn't what she expected. Richard's suggestion would only have seemed so appealing to the idea of ​​minimizing human suffering and maximizing human potential – by making humans creators and editors of life. With all the pro-choice debate, it is said that women should have the right to decide what is done with their bodies. Therefore, Susan could feel that she had made the right decision without guilt simply because she had the right to do so. Emma Teitel, author of The Hard Truth and the Right to Choose, says: “The right to abortion is like the right to free speech.” Without the Christian perspective, deciding to have an abortion means deciding what you want to say. There is an absolute removal of consequences and emotional detachment. It is not considered murder because it is justified by the right to end the life you created. Without God in your life, you cannot see the child as a gift, but as a burden. Keep in mind: this.