When you are asked to think about a social policy,
generally you think of the positive things that should arise from them. You
think of all of the areas in a community that will better from them. You also
think of the people that are at loss because of the deficits they experience in
society. We are all aware that social policy is intended to improve social
welfare and help individuals meet their needs to function as a successful
individual. However, what happens when a social policy creates deficits, creates
more barriers, and creates an unsuccessful path for someone? What then, is the
point of a social policy?
In this blog entry, I am going to discuss abortion. I am
aware that this topic is touchy for some, and I am aware that some people are
very dominant in their stance on the subject and I would like to make it clear, before I begin to blog about it, that this blog isn’t meant to offend anyone or
cause any personal distress. Please accept my apologies in advance if any
emotional distress does arise. I simply chose this current topic because I found
its relevance to the women’s group I am apart of comparable to no other.
Abortion is a social issue for women because it is a
stigmatizing and challenging experience to go through. Some women are forbidden
to go through it, some women are scared to go through it, and some women
attempt to go through it but then cannot because it ends up being too late.
These reasons alone are enough for it to be a social issue that women are
unfortunately faced with. The elaboration of these issues only makes the issue
more difficult for women.
Did you know that not all hospitals perform abortions? Only
certain hospitals perform abortions in certain areas. This is limiting for
women. Did you know doctors aren’t taught how to perform an abortion in their
training? Doctors, who chose to be able to perform them, are required to take
courses in order to be certified. This is also limiting for women. I am from a
small city, in which will be used to put into perspective how limiting this can
be for women. In a city like Sault Ste. Marie, women aren’t always able to
access abortion clinics when they need to. This is because the doctor who
performs abortions is here on schedule and the doctor's schedule doesn’t always work
with every individual. This is also limiting because if the woman is unable to
meet with the doctor before it is too late to perform an abortion, she will need
to take another path in order to pursue her decision, which can be extremely
costly. This can be costly because of travel expenses and because other doctors
schedules not coinciding with theirs. In the end this can lead to the woman with no other
option than to have the child.
Recently the subject of abortion has re-opened and it has been in discussion in the House of Commons. As stated by Niki Ashton, the
issue of abortion was settled in 1988 and is still in conflict, which is a
clear representation of the gender gap that still exists in our society. Women are
still persevering in becoming equal with their male counterparts and the issue
of abortion is only a minor set back. Violating right of choice, and the right
of reproductive choice is only a temporary set back in my eyes.
With the past being proactive the future should only become
more than the past was. Although it seems were working the opposite way
we should be, many voices are speaking in attempt to remove unfair ceilings of
women’s rights. Quoted from an article I read, “National
News-paper Index, the press produces more articles on how the abortion question
affects various political candidacies and parties than on how woman with
unwanted pregnancies are affected by growing restrictions on abortion
services.” (p. 700) I think this is one of the better arguments I’ve heard on
the topic of abortion because the issue has become more popularity based than
restriction based. A woman’s life is what we are debating about. No matter the
reason, the causation, or the circumstance, at the end of the day the woman
making the decision will decide based on what is right for her own situation. In an
online news article I read Patrick Crane stated, “It is a medical decision between the
physician and the patient. It should be left there as all abortions should be.”
and that “Any woman can choose an abortion for any reason, and she doesn’t have
to tell us what it is. It’s none of our business.” This idea is what I would
like to end this entry with. At the end of the day, the woman has the right to
decide what is best suited for herself. We aren’t aware of her story and nor
should we be. Having a child is a very personal part of life and it should not
be a decision made by anyone but a woman herself.
Social policy is formulated to better society and the
individuals within. If we set boundaries in giving women the right to choose
what is best for her life, then we aren’t bettering the society at all. Women
live with restriction as it is and forcing a woman to have a child without her
being at her full potential to proceed with the responsibility of a healthy
pregnancy followed by proper care for a child is without question a decision that
can only be made by the one having to live with the repercussions.
References:
Crane,
Patrick B. (2012, October 3) Canadian Feminists back sex selection as valid
reason for abortion. Lifesitenews.com. Retrieved from:
http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/canadian-pro-aborts-refuse-to-condemn-sex-selection/
Deborah L. Rhode. (Spring, 1995), Media Images, Feminist Issues
Signs,
Vol. 20, No. 3 pp. 685-710. Retrieved from: http://www.jstor.org/stable/3174839
Nikiashtonndp. (2012, April
27) Ashton's M-312 Speech, April 27 2012. Retrieved from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qNLUpBDKUI
This is a touchy subject and controversial at times. At the old hospital on Queen St. in Sault Ste. Marie, abortions were performed once a month and religious groups would be there with protest signs that were very derogatory and judgemental. The women ( and teenagers) who were scheduled for abortions that day would have to walk past the protesters and feel worse about an already difficult decision. I think it absolutely should be a confidential matter between patient and doctor and the public should keep their opinions to themselves.
ReplyDeleteThere are many different religions and people that all have a different stance on this subject. I do not think it should be up to anyone else except the patient. If a doctor is capable of performing an abortion they should respect the women’s wish, and do the procedure with no questions, except medical questions asked. The problem regarding the availability of abortions is something that cannot really be fixed because, of how personal this subject is. Like stated and abortion is not something all doctors learn, so there are not too many doctors that will be willing to perform an abortion, which leads to very minimal availability of this procedure.
ReplyDelete-Kahli (Physical Disabilities Group)
Reading your blog made me more informed on the social issue faced by woman. A lot of what you talked about I didn’t know much about until reading your post. Abortion is not a topic I know that much about. Also, I didn’t realize all of the challenges that women face when deciding to get an abortion. I was not aware that only certain hospitals would perform an abortion and that doctor’s need to take a separate course if they chose to be certified in performing abortions. There are so many limits and challenges that women face when deciding to have an abortion and I personally think that there should be more supports, options and hospitals that perform this procedure for women.
ReplyDeleteKristen – Mental Illness Group
Many people do not have a lot of information on abortion because it is one of those taboo topics. I am also one of those inividuals who lacks education around this topic. I too was unaware that not all hospitals perform abortions, and not all doctors are qualified. I was also saddened to read Tara's comment on how there would be protests outside the hospital on Queen street. I agree that these women who choose to go through with such a decision should not be ridiculed or made to feel worse. Everyone has their rights, and there are reasons why someone would make such a difficult decision. In my opinion this is not the publics business, this is a private matter which should be kept confidential for that woman. I also agree with Kristen that more energy should be put into supporting these women through resources, and options available.
ReplyDeleteAlissa B-Mental Illnes Group
You were right when you said this was a tough topic. I mean looking at both perspective, I can see how they both make sense. I completely agree that women have rights, those rights include making an informed decision about what's right for her, her body and her life. But being the devil's advocate and thinking about what could happen if we made abortions more accessible and easy to perform, I can see how that makes sense to. Will this be used too frequently and make people less worried about taking precautionary measures and medically it can be a risky procedure with life long effects. I don't really agree that it's murder, that's not the reason I can look to the other side. I guess my personal feelings, Do I agree with abortions, are and have always been, it's depends. Each situation is different, as a mom I think, I could never see myself terminating a pregnancy, a child is a gift. There are so many people out there looking for babies to adopt because they can't have babies for themselves. Then I think, but what if there were different circumstances, rape let's say. Should someone have to go through with a pregnancy and delivery? So again, for me it depends. Unless I am in the situation or am affected by someone who is in the situation, I can only discuss options and not say what I or anyone else would or should do. Your blog was a great way of opening up discussion on such a taboo topic. Great work.
ReplyDeleteAngele
Thank-you for sharing this post, I think you are very brave. This is such a touchy subject and hurtful at some times. I think the major issue with Abortion is that people are so judgmental. Looking at a religious perspective, abortion is considered to be a sin. But on the other hand, people determining if it is wrong or not are also performing the sin of casting judgment. The only person to be worried about judgment should be God. I’m not going to get into the religion aspect, but focus on your post of it being a women’s choice. I think sometimes the woman may be pro-abortion, but the male may be against. So in this case whose choice does it really come down too? The male wanting to keep the child, but the women disagreeing?
ReplyDeleteIn some cases women or teenagers may be irresponsibly disrespectful in being sexually active, therefore resulting in pregnancy. They may choose abortion because they are “not ready” to become a mom, yet they are ready to become sexually active? This is where I think abortion is careless. There are many controversial topics towards abortion and people may argue back and forth which is acceptable or not, but unfortunately in today’s society a lot of things are accepted that would not pass as ok in other people’s eyes. In the end yes, it is a women’s choice, and only she can decide that on her own. It is just too bad women cannot be more educated on the harms they could be causing in the future, because of their humanly right as a woman.
-Meri-Beth *
This post is absolutly amazing because you took the time to research a majorly contraversial issue. There are several reasons a women chooses to keep, adopt, or abort a baby. I believe that this is the personal choice of that person and her partner (if there is one). I have also done research on this in my college classes and it's a scary topic to even bring up because you have no idea of what reactions the next person may have.
ReplyDeleteErica
Awesome job! This is definitely a sensitive topic, but you approached it with care. I definitely think this information would help one make an informed decision regarding abortion. And yes, I remember when the hospital was downtown, there would be protesters every Thursday. I still see them sometimes up at the new hospital. What always gets me is that fact that the majority of the protesters are white, older males; a demographic that doesn't actually have to go through the mental and physical turmoil of actually making the decision whether or not to abort. Same with the lawmakers; the majority of whom are white, older men who feel it is their decision on what women can do with their bodies. I also believe that every situation is different and we can't possibly understand the thoughts or emotions going through a woman's head during this time. That being said, I think there are some reasons that are better than others to abort, like a rape victim vs. someone using abortion as a form of birth control. I also think this topic is difficult for some because a lot of the opinions are "easier said than done" (ex. "It is NEVER ok to abort."), and until you are faced with the situation yourself, it's is very hard to put yourself in someone's shoes.
ReplyDeleteShannon
There is so much I want to say about this topic. It makes my heart race because I am so extremely passionate about the fact that a women should be able to make her own decision about the rest of her life without anyone passing judgment on them. I do understand it is a sensitive issue and that there are surrounding issues like religion and circumstance, but why? Why the stigma? Isn't the thought of individuals using it as a form of birth control a stigma in itself?
ReplyDeleteBefore we received our new hospital in Sault Ste. Marie women would be put through a process that was further discouraging. Either live with the pregnancy until the surgeon comes to town, or pay your own way to travel elsewhere.
I wanted to touch on the fact that people view this issue as "taboo". During my time at Sault College gaining my Social Service Worker diploma, not once did a professor bring up this issue. To me, this seemed strange. If students chose to bring up this issue it was quickly dismissed, or individuals would leave the classroom. Isn't it important as social workers that we are never biased or judgmental? Isn't it crucial that we remember to support the client in whatever decision they chose regardless of our own opinions? Everyone will have their own beliefs, but as long as we project them onto other individuals we are not doing our job as social workers. I think in any college or university program, this is necessary to stress.
-Alexandra
Great post...This is a topic that can be very touchy for not only women but for men as well. There are so many things to take into consideration when you are deciding if you are "pro-choice" or "pro-life". As of right now, I see both sides...Even though I have thought about this subject time after time, it is hard to say and decide what side of the fence I am on. Most importantly, I am not going to ever judge a person for having an abortion because only that person knows and understands how they feel at that monent in their life. Would I ever have an abortion? Like everyone is saying - it depends on the situation. If I were to become pregnant with my boyfriend of 6 years - I would not have an abortion. If I were raped walking home from work one night - an abortion may be considered.
ReplyDeleteMost importantly, be aware of the reasons why people may get an abortion...it is not always an easy decision, and these women have this memory for the rest of their lives...Be supportive! It's safe to say I sit in the middle of the fence, and do not pick a side.
Meagan (LGBT Group)
This is a very controversial topic for many people. I feel that you approached your blog in a very positive and professional way. I am a person who believes in "pro-choice" and "pro-life". I feel that both sides of a story need’s to be looked at before judging a woman on her decision. I feel that there are many different circumstances on why women choose to have abortion vs. not have an abortion. These women should be supported and have someone to count on no matter what their decision may be. My last year of the child and youth worker program my group and I did a presentation on abortions and I learned a lot of information about this issue. I also learned by doing this that people have their own beliefs on this issue from their own experiences. In Sault Ste. Marie, there is someone who comes to town every 5 weeks to perform the abortion process. At this time you will see picketers at the end of the hospital road with their signs because they are fighting for "pro-life" even if they are unaware of the story behind why they may be doing that. For example, someone may have been sexually assaulted by a family member or raped and became pregnant and decided not to keep the baby. I also see the other side where people have abortions to get out of situations they dont want to be in, or may not be finanacialy stable, or have done it time and time again. But this is ultimately their choice for what is best for them. This is not east for anyone, and it is a very big decision for woman to make when they are in this situation. People should be able to make their own decisions and not be scolded for it.
ReplyDeleteAlysha (LGBT)
I am extremely impressed that you took this topic on. I agree with several of the comments above. The issue of stigmatization around abortion is something I definitely feel needs to be addressed. I remember walking out of my high school (not here in the Sault), to a wall of pro-life protesters with extremely graphic and vulgar signs. I knew a girl who was debating the issue at the time and she was highly offended by this event. I am all for expressing strong views in strong ways, but NOT when it is a matter of individual choice. I believe that is what abortion is; it is a deeply personal decision that I believe should be respected. I can understand having strong opinions either way; however, I also believe the problem is worsened by the stigma connected to it. I'm sure it is not an easy decision to make as is, I don't think the added pressure of judgment does anything to remedy the situation.
ReplyDelete-Kayla T.
This is not a topic that I usually talk about or debate with people, but you brought up the social issues in abortion perfectly. You approached the topic in a very professional manner, and was able to state the facts without stating a bias. I'm very impressed. As I am not a woman, I can't specifically say what you can or cannot do with your bodies. I know it's an issue only glued to your gender, and us males can only think of comprehending it. I myself am not really fond of abortions unless in dire circumstances, but you proved a good point that it is a haunting and traumatizing experience for a woman to go through, and that's what matters in the post.
ReplyDelete-Spencer (poverty group)
I would like to thank you for bringing this up. I believe it is a stigmatized topic and an emotional one that is often hard to discuss however, you pulled it off great and included all women. I do believe abortion is a matter of personal choice, a choice usually based on one's current situation. Having an abortion is traumatizing for most and a tough experience all around to go through; there is an emotional cost. Therefore, I feel when women do proceed with the procedure it's usually for valid reasons. Excellent job!
ReplyDeleteCassandra
Geraldine,
ReplyDeleteAs I read the first comment on this blog, really? There are protestors that stand outside the Sault Ste. Marie hospital and discriminate poor women who are scheduled for abortion? It already seems emotionally painful enough to have to deal with the emotional stresses that these women have to go through. No one knows there story, they could have been raped, or know they could not raise their child in poverty, they might have not even been able to bear the thought of raising a child by their own influence because of the own lifestyle they have had. This article makes me think of the presentation I did with a number of friends for the pregnancy care centre within my town. We helped win 5000 to donate to unfortunate mothers who needed counselling, information and baby necessities within my community. I have researched many hardships that these mothers have had to experience.
I completely agree with the fact that it is no one’s business but the woman’s when choosing to get an abortion. Although there are some that believe it is wrong, it is the woman’s body herself, and no one has the right to interfere with her decisions unless she asks for an opinion herself. I believe that this blog is well rounded and does not feature bias, which is something that is important in understanding this topic.
- Kara (poverty group)
What I don't understand is why abortion has to be such a social issue, why does it matter to everyone else what these woman do. It is there body and there choice they shouldn't have the pressure of the outside world upon when making this decision. It's never an easy decision to make and I am sure that every woman out there that has had an abortion had a valid reason in there minds. I personally think that there should be more services available to woman who chose to abort their pregnancies, they shouldn't have to feel ashamed of their decision but instead have the support they need readily available to them.
ReplyDelete-Karlie
Abortion is an issue that has been happening for so long, and i have to say that it is the woman's choice and no one else's. It is her body and her right to make that decision if she wants to. With making a choice comes a lot of hardships and i have respect for every woman who choice to get an abortion. I have people close to me who have had abortions and it made their lives easier but not always better, she still misses her baby everyday but just because she couldn't afford and take care of it doesn't mean she never loved it.
ReplyDelete- Alyssa
I also do not mean to offend or upset anyone by my comments made here but I feel that abortion is wrong. I do think it is a personal decision and no one goes through the same circumstances and everyone has the right to make their own choices about their life. I think it is wrong to protest and make someone feel horrible for their decision. If you do not want to have an abortion then don't have one but don't shove your beliefs down someone else's throat. For some abortion is the right choice for their lives. You do not know what they have been through so you can not judge them. It is wrong, it is bullying.
ReplyDeleteAlexandra