Topic of Choice Blog

     I'm going to choose a controversial topic to discuss, and that is abortion and contraception. I went to a private Catholic school throughout elementary school. I remember we had field trips that were just kneeling and praying outside the nearest hospital that performed abortions. We even had to write letters to President Obama begging him to not allow abortion in our country. (He didn't personally answer by the way, some secretary at the White House responded a year later for him). Everything I know now regarding this subject is what I had to research on my own, as both my family and my school did not discuss it. 

    I think part of the reason why it is so hard to reach a middle ground that everyone can agree on in this topic is that there is such a fundamental divide in morals. I can see how it would be so hard to listen to the other side's opinion if you genuinely believe that they are "killing babies." You can scientifically and logically argue that plan B is not killing babies or even inducing abortions, as it just prevents the release of an egg from the ovary, as Allison mentioned in class before. But if the person you are trying to communicate with genuinely believes that a baby exists from the moment after conception, any attempt to change their mind regarding reproductive rights is going to be very difficult. They genuinely believe that human life exists past that moment, and any argument you make is just going to sound like "it's okay to kill someone, it doesn't count." I'm not really sure how you can reach a rational middle ground at that point. 

    Regarding the position of a healthcare provider in this topic, I firmly believe that they should be required to provide access to contraception or abortion no matter what their personal beliefs are. Healthcare providers should be prioritizing the patient's health and safety over their personal beliefs. You cannot just refuse to treat or care for someone because you think they are doing something wrong. If the patient ends up resorting to very unsafe methods and DIYing their own contraception or abortion, and suffers health complications or even death as a result, that is on the healthcare provider who failed to give them safe alternatives and proper education. Every healthcare provider reallistically probably can't be compulsed to provide those services, but they should at least refer the patient to someone who can. 

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