I need to complete this argumentative essay outline that I attached.

Topic/Claim:

• ________

Argument 1:

• _________: ___________.

Supporting Evidence:

• _____________.
• _____________.

Argument 2:

• ______: _____________________.

Supporting Evidence:

• ________________.
• _____________.

Argument 3:

• ________: _______________________.

Supporting Evidence:

• _____________________________.
• _________________________________.

Counter-argument/Rebuttal:

• _______: _______________________________.
• Rebuttal: ____________________________________.

Conclusion:

• ____________________________.

Abortion as a Social Good

This is perhaps the world's most divisive and debated issue, on women's health, rights, and equality. One could imagine being presented with a life-altering decision and having the denial of one's life-altering agency. For many, this isn't hypothetical; it's a daily reality. Abortion, defined as the interruption of a pregnancy before it is feasible for a fetus to exist independently of its mother, constitutes one of the most critical protections for women's rights in controlling their own bodies (Abrams, 2023). The right to abortion has also been denied by societies around the globe, owing to debates based on cultural, political, and religious beliefs. Nevertheless, evidence debunks the fact that access to abortion enhances its safety and legality and indirectly diminishes risks against health and equality for the underprivileged. This essay defends the argument that abortion must be legally available to all women for reasons of autonomy, a reduction in health risks, and social equality.

Among the primary reasons that make abortion a social good is to empower women regarding autonomous decision-making about their health. Autonomy is really a bedrock in human dignity, and by far, the most elementary tenet of human dignity is that one should have control over what happens to one's body. The arguments for lawful abortion have been backed by research which has demonstrated the importance of autonomy-encouraging reproductive choice that could enhance general well-being among women, according to Abrams (2023). Such women enjoy smooth continuation of their educational, professional, and personal endeavors as legal access to abortion prevents unwanted interruptions caused by pregnancies. According to the Turnaway Study by Guttmacher Institute (2023), denial of access to safe abortions leads women to greater rates of economic distress, stress, and diminished opportunities. Abortion access is not just an issue pertaining to health; rather, it is part of a very important human right that empowers women to be in control of their future.

Another very vital reason for legal abortion is that it offers considerable health advantages, especially in reducing maternal mortality as well as the prevention of unsafe procedures. According to the World Health Organization, criminalizing abortion does not reduce its incidence but rather pushes women to seek unsafe methods, which may cause serious complications and even death (Benenson, 2022). Unsafe abortions are considered one of the main causes of maternal mortality across the globe. Studies show that those nations with laws that strictly regulate abortion, for example, in parts of Africa and Latin America, have the highest rates of unsafe procedures that endanger the health and life expectancy of women (Haddad et al., 2009). On the other hand, Uruguay, where the law legalized abortion, saw a huge reduction in clandestine and unsafe abortions, which is an indicator of health benefits that derive from legal access to abortion (Benenson, 2022). Therefore, access to safe and legal abortion is very crucial in protecting women's health and preventing unnecessary deaths.

Legal abortion also addresses critical issues of social inequality, especially in marginalized groups. Women coming from low socioeconomic backgrounds are overrepresented amongst the people that bear the full weight of abortion restrictions as they suffer more constraints on access to care and are most likely to be constrained financially if pregnancy is unintended (Guttmacher Institute, 2023). The National Abortion Fund Network and other similar entities lend their financial capabilities to assist low-income women to afford abortion services, thereby reducing economic disparities. Levelling the Ground: When abortion is legalized, in that sense, some women have no privileges and others disadvantages regarding inequality no matter their social structure. In fact, denying access to abortions, when they are done, entrenches inequality. It leads to perpetuation of poverty and social exclusion.

Opponents of abortion argue that this brings psychological damage to women, such as damage in their mental condition. However, studies have indicated that psychiatric outcomes resulting from abortion are greatly benign compared to the stress and anxiety of being denied an abortion. The Turnaway Study showed that women who were able to access an abortion reported lower levels of anxiety symptoms and overall better mental health than those who had to carry the unwanted pregnancy to term (Guttmacher Institute, 2023). This directly contradicts the belief that abortion causes long-term damage to mental health. On the other hand, deprivation of the right to a choice brings psychological and financial torture, which are far more harmful.

All in all, abortion turns into a social good since it promotes women's autonomy, health protection, and even favorable social equity factors. Ultimately, legal and safe access to abortion might lower the rate of maternal deaths and risks, but also enable the lady to have an opportunity to decide about her future or bodies. The evidence is clear, countries that legalize abortion experience better health outcomes and lower rates of unsafe procedures, while those that restrict abortion experience higher maternal mortality rates. Moreover, the access to abortion plays a crucial role in promoting economic and social equality among these women, mainly the most vulnerable ones. Policymakers should, therefore, consider the legalization of abortion and ensure accessibility for all women so that this fundamental right would bring them an opportunity to make informed decisions and live healthier, productive lives.

References

Abrams, Z. (2023). Factors about abortion and mental health. Retrieved from

https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/09/news-facts-abortion-mental-health

Benenson, P. (2022). Abortion situation in the world. Retrieved from

https://www.es.amnesty.org/en-que-estamos/noticias/noticia/articulo/el-aborto-en-el-mundo/

CDC. (2008). Abortion Surveillance Report. Available in Public Health Archives.

G.M., A. (2024). In which countries is abortion legal and which ones have conditions?

Retrieved from https://www.nationalgeographic.com.es/mundo-ng/que-paises-es-legal-aborto-y-cuales-ponen-condiciones_21770

Guttmacher Institute. (2023). Induced Abortion in the United States. Retrieved from Guttmacher Institute.

Haddad, L. B., & Nour, N. M. (2009). Unsafe abortion: Unnecessary maternal mortality.

Reviews in obstetrics & gynecology. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2709326/

Migration, C. (2024). Unsafe abortion: Consequences, facts & statistics. MSI Reproductive

Choices. https://www.msichoices.org/latest/unsafe-abortion-consequences-facts-statistics/