Tiffany 王羽岑
412115013
Dr. Sherry
Composition III, revised research report
December 31, 2024
The Role of Abortion Education in Balancing Perspectives on Life and Choice Among Taiwanese College Students
Abstract
This essay advocates for abortion education to enhance public awareness by addressing the fetus's right to life and the implications for women's health. The research draws on a survey conducted among 117 online respondents, predominantly Taiwanese college students. The data was collected through a structured questionnaire that included both closed-ended and open-ended questions, with responses analyzed for quantitative trends and qualitative themes. The study reveals three main findings: (1) the public demonstrates limited knowledge about abortion; (2) the prioritization of maternal autonomy over fetal life is a predominant view; and (3) a significant portion of respondents are unaware of the potential negative impacts abortion can have on women. These findings underscore the necessity for comprehensive abortion education to resolve public misconceptions, reduce contradictory perspectives, and empower individuals to make well-informed decisions.
I. Introduction
Abortion remains a highly debated issue worldwide, with approximately 73 million induced abortions occurring annually, according to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2024). This issue is pivotal in societal discourse, where many advocate for women’s reproductive rights. However, less attention is given to the fetus, which often lacks a voice in these discussions. The intersection of women's rights and fetal rights, as well as the broader implications of abortion, presents a complex and multifaceted challenge. While abortion laws and views vary across regions, research on the public’s understanding of abortion, particularly in Taiwan, remains limited. This study aims to explore the gaps in public knowledge about abortion and the confusion surrounding the issue, especially among Taiwanese college students. Specifically, the survey investigates the relationship between individuals' views on abortion and the education they have received on the subject. This essay argues that abortion education is crucial in addressing the public’s misconceptions about abortion, fostering a more consistent understanding that balances the value of fetal life with the importance of women’s autonomy. By enhancing education on abortion procedures and the implications for women’s health, individuals can make more informed decisions, leading to more thoughtful and less contradictory viewpoints on the issue.
II. Method
The survey gathered responses from 117 participants, primarily Taiwanese college students. Of these, 72.6% were female, and 27.4% were male. The majority of respondents were aged 18-24 (70.9%). In terms of nationality, 88% were Taiwanese, with others from countries such as the USA, Russia, and India. The questionnaire included both closed-ended and open-ended questions. Closed-ended questions consisted of Likert scale items and multiple-choice questions designed to quantify participants' views on abortion, fetal life, and women's autonomy. The questionnaire was distributed online via Google Forms, with a total of 117 responses. The quantitative data from the closed-ended questions were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while the qualitative data from the open-ended questions were examined through thematic analysis to identify common themes and patterns in the respondents' answers.
III. Findings
The three main findings from the closed-ended questions are as follows: (1) the public has limited knowledge about abortion and fetal development; (2) a majority (40%) support abortion, prioritizing the mother's bodily autonomy over the fetus's life (71.8%); and (3), nearly half (43.6%) are unaware of the negative impact abortion can have on women. This section analyzes the contradictions and inconsistencies found in public views regarding the first finding—the public has limited knowledge about abortion and a lack of understanding regarding fetal development.
The data revealed a clear pattern of limited knowledge about abortion procedures and implications. A significant 63.2% of respondents had never received formal education on abortion, and 64.1% were unaware of the abortion procedure. This stark gap in knowledge highlights the critical need for abortion education. Furthermore, public opinions on the fetus's right to life are varied, and this issue often receives insufficient attention (Q5,6,10). The data shows 35.9% of respondents believe life begins at the embryonic stage, 30.8% say at conception, and 19.7% say at viability. The diversity of answers suggests confusion or a lack of clarity on when life begins, which may contribute to pro-choice attitudes that emphasize the mother’s autonomy over the fetus's right to life. The data from Q5 and Q10 indicates that the right to life of the fetus lacks the same level of attention or importance in the decision-making process regarding abortion: while the majority agree that the fetus is a life (77.8%), a much smaller proportion place the fetus’s right to life as their top priority when considering abortion (24.8%). This is likely tied to a lack of knowledge about fetal development (Q6). The disparity between recognizing the fetus as a life and prioritizing its right to life in decision-making is significant. Additionally, the public’s lack of knowledge about abortion is also notable. These findings highlight a broader contradiction in public opinion, where 40% support abortion, yet 66.7% believe it should be restricted. Four main themes emerged from the open-ended questions: (1) social and economic concerns, (2) the importance of women’s autonomy, (3) ethical and moral considerations, and (4) criticism of government proposals. Themes supporting abortion, such as "social and economic concerns" and "women’s autonomy," generally advocated for pro-choice stances. (As one mentioned, “ I believe women should have the right to decide whether to undergo an abortion, and I advocate for abortion in cases where the family is unable to provide financial support for the child.”) On the other hand, themes such as "ethical and moral considerations"and "criticism of government proposals" expressed opposition to abortion. (As one mentioned, “Please don’t be selfish, respect life and think about the consequences before ‘having fun’.”) These themes demonstrate the public's divided stance on abortion, reinforcing the inconsistencies revealed in the closed-ended questions. As a whole, the survey responses highlight the need for more informed discourse on abortion to address these divergent views effectively.
IV. Discussion
This section critically examines, discussing how the findings from the survey—a majority prioritize the mother’s bodily autonomy over the fetus’s life (71.8%); nearly half (43.6%) are unaware of the negative impact abortion can have on women— support and challenge the thesis, and compares them to the broader discourse surrounding abortion, drawing on various expert opinions and previous research.
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The survey revealed that the majority of respondents prioritize the mother's bodily autonomy over the fetus's life (71.8%), while nearly half (43.6%) are unaware of the negative impacts abortion can have on women. These findings align with common pro-choice arguments, which emphasize women's rights to control their bodies. However, it is equally important to consider the potential moral and ethical implications of abortion. Patrick Toomey, former U.S. Senator, underscored the significance of the fetus’s life, suggesting that "the life of the unborn baby is more important than the convenience of the mother." This perspective challenges the dominant pro-choice narrative, urging society to recognize the inherent worth of the unborn child as a human life. Furthermore, Claudia Kalb, New York Times bestselling author, highlights that advancements in medical technology, like ultrasound and amniocentesis, not only help identify deformities but also save lives through in utero fetal surgery, reinforcing the idea that life is not only valuable but should be protected at all stages.
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On the other hand, the negative psychological consequences of abortion are often overlooked. According to the Charlotte Lozier Institute, women who undergo abortions report high rates of regret, guilt, sadness, and PTSD (2023). These mental health concerns are further supported by Hagan (2005), who notes that post-abortion trauma, though often not immediately visible, can surface long after the procedure. Hagan's study emphasizes that many women experience lasting psychological distress, including feelings of loss and melancholy. This highlights the necessity for comprehensive abortion education that includes not only the physical procedure but also the emotional and psychological consequences. By providing women with a fuller understanding of the potential outcomes, they can make more informed decisions about their future.
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The pro-life views in this survey align with the view of Don Marquis, author of An Argument that Abortion is Wrong, saying that the right to life overrides the right of a woman to control her own body. The purpose of the essay, similarly, resonates with Marybeth T. Hagan, author of Abortion: A Mother's Plea for Maternity and the Unborn, who emphasizes the critical role of informed decision-making in shaping attitudes toward abortion.
In contrast, the pro-choice stance resonates with Roe v. Wade, where the right to abortion was linked to a woman’s right to control her body. However, it is crucial to note that Jane Roe, Norma McCorvey, who, after initially being a pivotal figure in the Roe v. Wade case, later became an outspoken pro-life advocate, stating that "Roe v. Wade is a case not based on truth." She eventually became an outspoken advocate for the pro-life movement and founded the "Roe No More" ministry. McCorvey’s reversal highlights the complexity of the issue and the potential for individuals to change their views based on new experiences or knowledge.
V. Conclusion
To conclude, this essay aimed to explore the public's understanding of abortion and the significant role of education in shaping attitudes toward the issue. By analyzing survey data from Taiwanese college students, the study revealed critical gaps in public knowledge regarding abortion procedures, fetal development, and the implications of abortion on women’s health. Notably, while 77.8% of respondents recognized the fetus as a life, only 24.8% prioritized its right to life in abortion decisions, highlighting confusion in public perceptions (Hagan, 2005). Additionally, nearly half of the participants were unaware of the emotional and psychological consequences of abortion (Charlotte Lozier Institute, 2023). The study's findings carry important implications for both policy and practice. There is a clear need for more comprehensive abortion education that covers not only the medical procedures but also the ethical, psychological, and societal aspects of abortion. Future research should focus on investigating how different forms of abortion education impact public views and whether such education leads to long-term shifts in attitudes. Additionally, exploring abortion in more depth could provide valuable insights for policy development aimed at supporting women in their decision-making process. With abortion education, the knowledge gap can be closed, leading to more informed and thoughtful decision-making.
VI. References
World Health Organization. (2024). Abortion. Retrieved from
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/abortion
Hagan, M. T. (2005). Abortion: A Mother's Plea for Maternity and the Unborn.
Hagan, M. T. (2005). Abortion: A Mother's Plea for Maternity and the Unborn.
Charlotte Lozier Institute. (2023). Fact Sheet: Abortion and Mental Health. Retrieved from
https://lozierinstitute.org/fact-sheet-abortion-and-mental-health/
Hagan, M. T. (2005). Abortion: A Mother's Plea for Maternity and the Unborn.
Kalb, C. Advances in fetal surgery: Saving lives before birth. Newsweek. Retrieved from
https://www.newsweek.com/treating-tiniest-patients-137921
McCorvey, N. (Jane Roe). (2023). The forgotten story of Jane Roe, who fought for and then
against abortion rights. Retrieved from
https://www.npr.org/2022/10/13/1128005826/the-forgotten-story-of-jane-roe-who-fought-forand-
then-against-abortion-rights
Hagan, M. T. (2005). Abortion: A Mother's Plea for Maternity and the Unborn.
Marquis, D. (2007). An argument that abortion is wrong. In P. Singer (Ed.), The ethics of
abortion (pp. 400-414). Retrieved from https://books.google.com.tw
VII. Appendices (Questionnaire)
https://forms.gle/JzEuSM8DMWGv8RGS8