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The abortion debate remains one of the most morally and politically charged issues of our time, centred on the tension between the sanctity of life and a woman’s right to choose. While many religious traditions, such as Catholicism and Evangelical Christianity, assert that life begins at conception, others argue that the question of personhood is far more complex.

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Dr. Tara Sander Lee of the Charlotte Lozier Institute affirms the pro-life stance, stating, “Life begins from the moment of conception… a new, totally distinct, integrated organism or a human being”. This belief underpins the argument that abortion is not merely a medical procedure but a moral decision with profound implications.

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On the other side, advocates for reproductive rights emphasise bodily autonomy. Ylonda Gault, a director at Planned Parenthood, wrote, “When you have bodily autonomy and the freedom to get the health care you want, need and deserve, your whole world changes”. For many, the right to choose is inseparable from the broader struggle for gender equality and personal freedom.

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Yet, as with all rights, the right to choose is not absolute. Just as freedom of speech is bounded by laws against incitement or defamation, reproductive rights must also be weighed against ethical and societal considerations. Philosopher Richard A.S. Hall argues that abortion is “a moral issue and should not be a legal or political one,” but even he acknowledges the philosophical complexity of defining personhood.

 

The UK’s 1967 Abortion Act legalised abortion under specific conditions, but critics argue that its application has become too permissive. Some worry that abortion is increasingly used as a form of birth control, raising ethical concerns in a society where many couples struggle with infertility.

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Moreover, the rise of unregulated abortion pills online introduces serious health risks. Without medical oversight, women may face complications from unsafe substances—an issue that underscores the need for both access and accountability.

Ultimately, the abortion debate demands more than slogans. It requires a nuanced conversation that respects both the moral weight of life and the lived realities of women. As with all freedoms, the right to choose must be exercised with responsibility, compassion, and a willingness to engage in thoughtful dialogue.