Civil Discourse: Professional Boundaries

The increasing uncertainty surrounding what can and cannot be expressed within a professional environment has puzzled me numerous times during my relatively short tenure in the workforce. As a member of the National Forensics League, I am keenly aware of the merits of individuals occasionally sacrificing their own voice in favor of allowing others to speak. This approach can facilitate what society often views as "civil discourse" (Davenport-Sypher). Ideally, it would be simpler to assert our perspectives if those around us would concede to our arguments.

However, we must also consider the dissatisfaction inherent in a system where voices are suppressed, especially when the roles are reversed.

While no one naturally seeks to silence themselves, the prevailing sentiment among many is to avoid civil discourse altogether due to a lack of understanding of what it truly entails. This ignorance complicates discussions on mature and sensitive topics, such as reproductive rights, making them exceedingly challenging to navigate. The Complexity of Reproductive Rights

The right of a woman to choose whether to terminate a pregnancy has been a contentious issue since the mid to late 1800s, with legal cases highlighting the ongoing debate. Various circumstances, such as financial instability, sexual assault, unplanned pregnancies, and health complications during pregnancy, are common factors influencing a woman's decision to seek an abortion. The myriad of opinions on this subject can be as diverse as the reasons for the procedure itself, leading to widespread confusion. As a woman, I strongly believe that we should have the sovereignty to make decisions regarding our bodies, particularly when our mental or physical well-being is at risk, or when we lack the financial means to support a child. Nevertheless, my personal convictions also guide me to question whether abortion is always the ethical or moral choice, casting doubt on whether it should be readily accessible. This internal conflict is often exhausting due to the complex nature of the issue, yet my stance leans more towards supporting a woman's right to choose.

In the 1820s, abortion first became illegal, a time when surgical practices were perilous to women's health. Despite the legal restrictions, women continued to seek abortions, often resorting to self-inflicted procedures that were even riskier than professional interventions. According to the National Abortion Federation, "the criminalization of abortion did not reduce the numbers of women who sought abortions. In the years before Roe v. Wade, the estimates of illegal abortions ranged as high as 1.2 million per year" (2018). The landmark case of Roe v. Wade served as a critical juncture for those affected by restrictive abortion laws. In this case, "the Supreme Court ruled that Americans’ right to privacy included the right of a woman to decide whether to have children, and the right of a woman and her doctor to make that decision without state interference" (National Abortion Federation, 2018). Jane Roe, a young pregnant woman, became a symbol for countless women who opposed the law. At that time, many states had policies that only permitted abortion if the mother's life was in jeopardy. The movement spearheaded by Jane Roe played a pivotal role in saving the lives of many women, as it eliminated the need for illegal and unsafe procedures.

Balancing Ethics and Rights

Explaining my perspective on reproductive rights is challenging due to the moral implications often associated with the issue. The perception that terminating a pregnancy equates to taking a life is significant, yet the possibility of a woman dying due to a dangerous pregnancy must also be a collective concern. By advocating for legal access to abortion, I find myself at odds with certain religious doctrines, while simultaneously aligning with them in protecting the sanctity of life. I hold the belief that allowing a woman to perish in order to save an unborn child can be as unjust as the reverse scenario, where an abortion is performed. This is why I support the existing laws, which generally provide adequate protection. When a woman seeks an illegal abortion because her life is not explicitly threatened, she may resort to self-induced procedures, which pose a similar risk to her life as a medically dangerous pregnancy. Historical data on pregnancy-related fatalities underscores the validity of these concerns. Given the historical context and the complexities surrounding the issue, I am convinced that making abortions legally accessible is vital to safeguarding the lives of potentially hundreds of thousands of women. It is my hope that this essay sheds light on the nuances of reproductive rights, encouraging a more informed dialogue and preventing the repetition of past mistakes, for the benefit of women worldwide.

In conclusion, the issue of reproductive rights is deeply intricate, requiring a balance between ethical considerations and the autonomy of women. By examining the historical and legal contexts, as well as the diverse perspectives on the matter, we can strive for a more comprehensive understanding and compassionate approach to this critical issue. Through civil discourse and informed debate, we can hope to foster an environment where women's rights are respected, and their health and safety are prioritized. Sincerely,

Lindsey Spannagel, Class of 2022

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