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Abortion Laws: National and International
from:Abortion laws are those legislations which describe whether or not the practice of abortion is allowed in certain places, and how it can be practiced. As the technical details vary greatly from country to country, I will be focusing on general details for general geological areas.
Abortion laws were discussed in discourse all the way back to the ancient Greek and Roman times in the writings of such people as Plato and Aristotle, who favored abortion in certain circumstances, and Hippocrates who completely disagreed with the practice. Certain writers of this time period even discussed different abortifacient herbs – or herbs that cause abortion - and how to use them. Religion has always played a major role in the legalization or banning of abortion. Many Catholic popes have declared abortion a “sin against marriage”. In the 1800s, Western countries began making abortion illegal because of moral dilemmas and because the practice of abortion at that time was so dangerous. However, abortions did not decrease due to the bans. This is a major reason why in the 20th century legislation was passed in many countries legalizing the practice of abortion. Most countries now have legalized abortion procedures that are safer than other medical treatments available.
International abortion laws are difficult to uphold due to individual country’s laws. However, the United Nations, as well as other international organizations, has instituted a number of legislations regulating abortion and dealing with women’s rights. One such legislation is the 1994 Programme of Action, which states that abortion should not be used as a practice of family planning. It also recognizes that in countries where abortion is legal, those practices should be safe. In other words, this legislation helps make sure that abortion procedures are medically regulated and practiced by licensed professionals. Another of the international abortion laws states that women have the right to make a decision about her body without being coerced or punished. This legislation is called the 1995 Beijing Platform for Action.
Individual countries ultimately make their own abortion laws. In Africa, most countries allow Therapeutic abortion, but in cases of rape, socio-economic factors and fetal defects, abortions are not allowed. On demand abortions are illegal in almost every country. In Asian countries like China, North Korea and Cambodia, all abortions are legal. In Japan, abortions are only legal in the first and second trimester, and on demand abortion are not allowed. In Europe, most countries have relaxed abortion laws, except for in Malta and Vatican City, where all abortions are illegal. Ireland, San Marino, and Andorra allow for therapeutic abortions only. In the Middle East, only Bahrain allows all types of abortion; most countries provide for the health of the woman. In Canada and the United States, all types of abortion are legal, though on demand abortions are a bit more restricted in the US.
Abortion News
Candidates' Abortion Views Not So Simple - Washington Post
Republican John McCain used anecdotes and carefully honed campaign positions, while Democrat Barack Obama responded philosophically to questioning by one of the nation's most influential evangelical pastors. The narrative of the presidential campaign ...
Read more...Candidates' Abortion Views Not So Simple - Washington Post
The narrative of the presidential campaign appeared to be set on the issue of abortion: Sen. Barack Obama was the abortion-rights candidate who was reaching out to foes, seeking common ground and making inroads. Sen. John McCain was the abortion ...
Read more...Obama faces new criticism on abortion - Guardian Unlimited
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Painted during the Democratic primary as weak on abortion rights, Barack Obama is now being portrayed by opponents of abortion as an extremist who literally supports killing babies. Both portraits are based on his handling of ...
Read more...Democrats Move Left On Abortion - Wall Street Journal
Lake Forest, Calif. "Above my pay grade." Those words rang in the ears of Gene Taylor, a middle-age member of Saddleback Church I interviewed after the worship service on Sunday morning. He was referring to the answer offered by Barack Obama when ...
Read more...McCain's Abortion Remark Stuns Base - AOL
(Aug. 14) - Top social conservative leaders in key battleground states are urging John McCain not to pick a running mate who supports abortion rights, warning of dire consequences from a Republican base already unenthused about their nominee. McCain ...
Read more...EXTRA: Archbishop Burke on Catholics who Support Abortion - Catholic Online
He referred to “public officials who, with knowledge and consent, uphold actions that are against the Divine and Eternal moral law. For example, if they support abortion" ROME (CNA) - The prefect of the Apostolic Signature, Archbishop Raymond Burke ...
Read more...Vic abortion laws stir debate - Skynews.com
Victorian women will have the option to have an abortion at up to 24 weeks gestation, under changes to abortion laws announced on Tuesday. Under the new laws, doctors will decide if an abortion is appropriate after 24 weeks based on the woman's ...
Read more...GOP Officials Say John McCain Will Not Pick Pro-Abortion Running Mate - LifeNews.com
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- John McCain has reoprtedly confirmed he will not be picking a running mate who takes a pro-abortion position and has ruled out former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge, who media outlets promoted as a possibility. McCain ...
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