Islamic Thoughts

Countering Abortionist Argument

38 : COUNTERING THE ABORTIONIST ARGUMENT "MY BODY MY CHOICE"

We often hear the "my body, my choice" slogan in support of women's rights to abort pregnancy. This argument may also be extended to cover their claims for rights to adultery or other indecent uses of their bodies. For now, let our discussion confine to the issue of abortion. While religious conservatives see a sin in abortion, the abortionists argue that any decision about abortion should be left to the concerned women. Because it is their body, not of others, that will be affected by this decision. An ideal position in this matter may be as follows:

(i) The fear of producing an out-of-wedlock child usually works as a preventive of adultery. However, an absolute freedom with abortion to get rid of such child will simply encourage this sexual misconduct. Social disapproval of abortion should, therefore, be in place as a measure against adultery and murder of the unborn. Exception to this may apply to particular cases where early stage abortion is medically considered essential for the safety of the mother, viewing one death as better than two deaths.

(ii) The "my body" argument is not sound enough to justify an injustice done to your own body. You don't have the ability to create your body; it is created by God through the media of parents. By right of creation, He is the real owner of your body which He has just rented to your soul. You therefore do not have legitimate right to harm your body against His will. For the same reason, suicide is considered a sin across most religions.

(iii) Abortion does not only concern the interest of individual women. It also threatens the life of social beings (fetus) that develop in their womb. So the question of human rights abuse is also linked with abortion.