Abortion is Not the Only Option

I want to use this opportunity to express my deep concern on a national issue, abortion. With an increase in pregnancies – most commonly teenage pregnancies – it has come to my attention that abortion has become the first solution for many young women. My question is: don’t they have any other option? Is this the right way to go?

First, let us understand exactly what abortion is. Abortion is the termination of an unborn child. It is also known as the removal of unwanted pregnancies. People turn to abortion because they find it to be the easiest way out of a scary situation, but let us bear in mind that while abortion may be legal in other countries, it is illegal in Namibia. Therefore anyone who goes through with this act is breaking the law. Abortion should only be an option if the woman was raped or if keeping the pregnancy would be dangerous to her or the baby’s health.

I know that it must be hard for teenagers to keep a baby, thus they decide to to terminate the pregnancy, but in my opinion, it is wrong and unjust. You cannot blame this baby for your wrong doings. If you knew in the first place that you didn’t want a baby, why didn’t you take the precautions to prevent pregnancy? Also, if you were aware of the consequences that could result from sexual activities, why did you decide to partake in them in the first place?

People are simply ignorant and with this mentality, they tend to make the wrong choices. I think it is inhumane when someone continuously gets pregnant and always terminates her pregnancies. Turning to people with no medical experience whatsoever to terminate your pregnancy is very dangerous because these people have no knowledge of the medical procedures, which need to be carried out. What if they damage your womb? You might not be able to conceive again when the time is right, all because of a mistake you made in the past. Apart from abortion, adoption is also another option you can consider if you find yourself in this situation. There are people out there who have been trying to conceive but can’t. I am pretty sure that they would be willing to consider adopting the baby you don’t want.

If you ever find yourself in a situation where you don’t know what to do, avoid making hasty decisions like choosing abortion because there are other alternatives. Remember, you might not want that baby but there are people out there who would do anything to have a child. Think wisely!

* Natasha Domingo is a first year IT student and she loves to read and write.

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