RESOURCES
Abortion
is the termination of pregnancy before birth. If it occurs
spontaneously, it is commonly referred to as a miscarriage.
In contrast, induced abortions require some sort of intervention.
A woman either voluntarily opts to end an unwanted pregnancy
or is advised to do so by doctors for health reasons. Abortions
may be induced by drugs called abortifacients or done with
the use of surgical instruments. Since the legalization
of abortion in the US, abortion is now one of the most common
and safest surgical procedures.
Yet
abortion is a highly charged and emotional issue that has
divided our society. 
On one side are those who believe a
woman has a right to make her own personal decision about
whether abortion is an appropriate option based on her current
situation. This is known as the "Pro-Choice" position.
On the other end of the spectrum are those who believe that
a gestating fetus should be protected as any other human
life. This is known as the "Pro-Life" position.
Often approaching the issue from a religious perspective,
pro-lifers believe they represent the interests of the unborn
child.
During
the difficult process of deciding how to address an unexpected
and/or unwanted pregnancy, it is important that a woman
receive education and counseling on all safe and available
options. In seeking information, guidance, and support,
one must beware of any individual or group who give partial
or false information, use tactics of intimidation, coercion,
or guilt, and are not supervised by physicians, nurse practitioners,
or other licensed medical personnel.
Listed
below are some links to some of the more main-stream pro-choice
and pro-life sites, as well as some recommended further
readings.
Pro-Choice Organizations
Pro-Life Organizations
