Abortion is one of the most controversial and talked about topics of our time. It is discussed in classrooms, work places and even on the Internet. Abortion is defined as the termination of pregnancy after, accompanied by, resulting in or closely followed by the death of an embryo or fetus. This definition includes accidental abortion such as, miscarriage and stillbirths. But this is not what is being debated. People want to know if abortion is ethical, if the fetus can feel pain, and when it is more human than non-human. These questions are very difficult to answer and may never be answered in our lifetime. But one thing we as humans do know are that we have opinions, ranging from completely anti abortion (pro-life) to completely for abortion (pro-choice), and anywhere in the wide spectrum in between. I believe that abortion should remain a safe option for all women. In the mid-1980's, leaders of the anti abortion movement produced a video called the "The Silent Scream." The video, produced by American Portrait Films, has been sent out to over 25,000 people across the country. Although the group claims they have "saved" 15,000 babies, they may have ruined the lives of all those mothers. The movie epitomized the anti-abortion agenda and strategy, shifting the focus of the abortion debate away from compassion for the heath and needs of the woman to an exaggerated concern for the fetus (Planned Parenthood, pg1). Originally designed to frighten women who turned to so-called "crisis pregnancy centers" for assistance with their problem pregnancies. Clips from the film are also always available for download on the World Wide Web. A very reliable health clinic, Planned Parenthood, realized that this video was harmful to women, causing them to experience much unnecessary paranoia. The Silent Scream, although terrifying is full of scientific, medical and legal inaccuracies as well as misleading statements and exaggerations.
