By 8 weeks gestation, a fetus has the ability to flex their spine. This movement shows that enough of the nervous system had developed that the fetus would feel pain (Listland). In the United States abortions are legal until 24 weeks gestation. If the fetus could feel pain at only 8 weeks, imagine how much more pain they feel when the pregnancy is even further along. Recent research has shown that the fetus feels pain during an abortion. Dr. Nathanson, an early proponent of abortion, became a pro-life advocate after he saw innocent 12-week old fetuses shrink from instruments, and open their mouths in a “scream” during an abortion (Listland). The fetus screaming and attempting to move away from the instruments during the abortion shows their development and that they must be feeling immense pain during the abortion procedure. Imagine watching a newborn baby, a toddler or anyone going through that much pain. It is heart-wrenching. As a society, we are not allowed to let this happen postpartum, but are allowed to painfully take the innocent lives of those that are in utero. Abortion makes no sense. The disgrace to the unborn child does not always end during the procedure. Planned Parenthood was recently found selling dead fetus’ body parts to scientists and research universities for a nominal fee …show more content…
Women who undergo an abortion have an increased risk of mental health issues. As recorded by the National Right to Life Organization, a 2011 meta-analysis published by the British Journal of Psychiatry found an 81% increased risk of mental health problems among women who undergo an abortion. Some have been found to experience anxiety, depression, alcohol use, drug use, and suicidal behavior. Also, a large scale Finnish study found that the suicide rate following abortion was nearly six times greater than the suicide rate following childbirth (How Abortion Hurts Women). Delivering a child is proven to be better for the mother’s mental health than what having an abortion would be. The mother may be feeling such pain, remorse and guilt for ending the life of her innocent, voiceless, and helpless child. There are also many medical risks associated with abortions. Research has found that abortions can hinder future reproductive success by increasing the chance of premature delivery, infertility, and miscarriage (How Abortions Hurts Women). Many women do not realize the long lasting effects that having an abortion could have on their chances of future