One of the most controversial issues of our day includes the rights of the unborn fetus. Anti-abortionists (or pro-lifers) argue that the process of aborting a baby is murder; moreover robbing an individual of his/her life experiences. They believe that a women should be legally bound to carry the child to term. Pro-life advocates believe that it should be illegal to have an abortion. Pro-abortionists (or pro-choice advocates) strongly disagree with these concepts. They believe that a woman has a right to make any choice that directly effects her own body They believe that the state has no right to force a woman to do anything that is against her free will and desire. In past decades both sides have scored points. Under the Bush administration, legislation was passed that would require girls under the age of eighteen to receive counseling services and/or parental consent. As President Clinton began his terms he was able to reverse that decision posing a great victory for the Pro-choice advocates. Various states have different laws regarding abortion laws. It is likely that the battle will continue on this heated, controversial issue throughout history.
In the article entitled “Abortion: Violence May Split the Pro-life Forces,” the rising tide of zealotry can be observed. This article describes a 37 year old woman named Rachelle Renae Shannon who uses a .32 caliber pistol to kill an abortion doctor. She manages to shoot the doctor but not kill him. This incident angered many people (anti- and pro-abortionists alike). However, extremists describe this incident as well as similar ones as “justifiable homicide”. Rev. David Trosch, a Roman Catholic priest was quoted as sayings “If l00 doctors need to die to save over one million babies a year. I see it is as a fair trade” (McCormick 59).
Lesson 1:
Students will read the article mentioned above. They will need to compose a letter addressed to Father Trosch. In this letter they will need to state whether or not they agree with his views. In addition, the students will need to write supporting data to why they agree or disagree with his statements concerning violence over the abortion issue. Students will have the opportunity to read letters to the class in order to foster group discussion on the topic.
Lesson 2:
Students will read and discuss a case concerning a minor’s right to privacy. In the case of H.L. v. Matheson, a girl seeking an abortion disagreed with the statutory requirement that the doctor would contact her parents before proceeding with an abortion. She felt that this action would violate her constitutional right to privacy.
However. the court ruled that it was in her best interest to contact her parents before the procedure. The decision was based on the belief that “constitutional interpretation has consistently recognized that the parents’ claim to authority in their own household to direct the rearing of their children is basic in the structure of our society” (Davis 68-69).
Students will read the case and discuss in a group context The teacher will choose several students to represent each of the opposing views. These students will be chosen depending on the views shared during group discussion. The class will engage in a debate, each side arguing for their view. The teacher will serve as the mediator and the rest of the students will act as the audience.
