Due to the sensitivity of the topic, many women do not talk about abortion and is often considered a hidden history. However, statistics show that abortions have do take place, no matter the legality. The conflicts between the law and society's moral standards have caused this debate, and one must decide if a mother's interest outweighs the state's interest to come to a conclusion. Before the Supreme Court's 1973 Roe vs. Wade decision, abortion was illegal and was not accepted by people in society. Now first and second trimester abortions are legal, but because of our diverse society, it is doubtful that there will ever be a standardized agreement on the topic of abortion. The judicial system cannot provide a solution because it is "not a forum where the people can be weighed in a balance that is right for them" (Bullock 4). To end this complex debate, Kaplan suggests that society break the subordination of women to men and allow women the freedom to choose. Through a convincing argument based on the stases of proposal, she persuades the audience that a woman's reproductive control is "fundamental to women's freedom, and women should be allowed the right to take control of the abortion process" (Kaplan 472).
Through her appeals to ethos, pathos, and logos, Kaplan presents a compelling argument. Her ethos is credible due to her personal involvement and background with Jane. Kaplan's personal experience allows her to relate the history, and capture the sorrow and exhilaration of Jane's work to strengthen her argument. For example, she describes how her "friend's abortion had been a safe, positive and educational experience", and was the reason she joined Jane in 1971(Kaplan 479). Her involvement with Jane "has taught her a way to understand personal power" and has been "life-affirming and powerful" (Kaplan 480). With this experience, Kaplan is able to vividly describe and portray emotions of freedom and control.