Monday, October 7, 2013
Class blogs available on iwrite S2 blog on the dashboard.
If you have yet to comment on other blogs now is your opportunity to view all blogs also posted on AUT online under brief 2 in the left hand column. Feedback on brief 2 tomorrow in class
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Pro Choice
Its pro choice or no choice.
Abortion has long been a source of controversy, it is defined as the “deliberate termination of a pregnancy by the removal or expulsion from the uterus of a fetus or embryo prior to being capable of normal growth”, which to be simply put is ending a pregnancy. On one side of the debate is the pro-life stance, supporting the notion that inducing an abortion is immoral and believe it should be illegal and that under no circumstance should somebody take away the new life. On the other, the stance in which I agree with is pro choice – that each female has the right to make a decision based on what she believes is right for her. The bases of which I choose to be pro choice in regards to abortion are individual freedom, personhood, victim protection, birth control and life opportunities. You do not necessarily have to agree with what I have to say, but you do have to recognize these points of view.
Abortion in New Zealand is legal provided that they follow the rules
and guidelines. Anything outside of these regulations is considered to be
illegal.
- Pregnancies under 12 weeks may be carried out in a licensed clinic; pregnancies over 12 weeks must be carried out in a licensed hospital.
| When women have abortions* |
|---|
| Eighty-eight percent of abortions occur in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, 2006. |
 |
Before an abortion is performed, The Contraception, Sterilisation, and
Abortion Act 1977 states that the female will have an appointment
with her own doctor or at a family planning clinic and following on from that,
“her doctor will then arrange a referral to a licensed clinic for a pregnancy
under 12 weeks and for a pregnancy over 12 weeks the doctor will then refer the
woman to a specialist operating in a licensed hospital”. This makes the
procedure as safe and secure for the female as it can be. There are six main reasons for legally
performing an abortion.
- Serious danger to the life of Mother or the unborn child
- Serious danger to physical health
- Serious danger to mental health
- Any form of incest or sexual relations with a legal guardian
- Mental sub-normality
- Fetal abnormality
 |
| “Take away a women’s right to choose and shes left to take matters into her own hands” |
Provided
that the female has one of these reasons for an abortion to be performed - a
willing licensed operating surgeon will conduct it. (The surgeon must have a
certificate in order to perform the operation -(http://www.abortion.gen.nz/legal/index.html
(Abortion Services in New Zealand, 2012) There are two more circumstances that
are not included in the Abortion Act (1977) but will be taken into account,
these are extremes of age between the partners and sexual violation. Pro life
advocates argue that even if the female has fallen pregnant due to a rape it is
not their choice to terminate the pregnancy as the child has done no wrong
itself, it was at the fault of the Father and even sometimes the Mothers fault.
No person even under the consenting age of sex can be made to have an abortion.
This in turn reflects Section 44 of the CS&A Act where self-abortion is an
offence - The Coat Hanger Project, a film that came out in 2008 is a
documentary by Angie Young. The Coat Hanger project documents how a large
number of women tried to dislodge their pregnancies by self-aborting. Inserting
coat hangers, knitting needles and other lengthened objects into their uterus.
The documentary shows that making abortion illegal wouldn’t stop them being
performed, they would simply make them more dangerous and “pro life forces have
been making it their decision to dismantle women’s reproductive freedom”.
60,000 to 80,000 women around the world die from dangerous abortions each year,
which is why today we have three abortion procedures to ensure that they are
done with no harm to the mother, unlike what happens when they are not
available. The three methods are-
- Vacuum aspiration. The most common technique, a suction tube is used through the dilated cervix to remove the foetus from the womb.
- Dilation and Curettage. The doctor inserts a loop-shaped steel knife through the dilated cervix to scrape the wall of the uterus. This procedure is usually performed between seven and twelve weeks of pregnancy when the fetus is more developed.
- Hysterectomy. Only ever used during late term pregnancies where complications with an abortion procedure have occurred or the mother is having a miscarriage. The doctor performs a Cesarean and the baby is removed from the womb and allowed to die by neglect or killed by a direct act.
 |
| Of all the things from the 70's to make a comeback, there's one we really hate to see. |
Why pro-choice
By being pro choice you are giving the individual freedom – it isn’t up
to the government to tell a women if she should give birth or not, denying the
access or even option to seek one amounts to this. Pro-life advocates remove
even the possibility of an abortion no matter what circumstance the women is
in. Pro-life supporters fail to take into account victim protection, the women
that become pregnant as result of rape of incest. (Sheirer, 2013) To have already experienced
this traumatic event and then have to carry, support and give birth to the
child of this often results in emotional distress for the mother and makes them
prone to post natal depression. Abortion is often the best way to protect the
mental health of these women rather than forcing them to carry a physical reminder
of the crime. Pro life supporters argue that by making abortion legal it is
giving woman a way out, that they can simply rely on the procedure as a method
of birth control, 76% of women who have had abortions were using some form of
contraceptive method if not a combination of two, which greatly contradicts the
idea that they are relying on an abortion.
By being pro choice you are simply giving each woman the option to do
what is right for her, The Guttmacher Institute estimates 5,000,000 women
worldwide suffer permanent or temporary injury from self-abortion. Keep
abortion legal, no exceptions, and no apologies.
Links (APA Referencing)
1.BBC. (2013).
Ethics Guide, Woman’s Rights. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.co.uk/ethics/abortion/
2.
Guttmacher.(2013) In brief, a fact sheet. Retrieved from http://www.guttmacher.org/pubs/fb_induced_abortion.html
3. Just
Facts.(2012) Abortion. Retrieved from http://www.justfacts.com/abortion.asp
4.Planned Parenthood. (2013) Abortion. Retrieved from http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/abortion-4260.asp
5. Abortion Services in New Zealand (2005)
Contraception, sterilisation and abortion act 1977. Retrieved from http://www.abortion.gen.nz/legal/csaact.html
6. The Coat Hanger project (2008) The Coat Hanger Project film.
Retrieved from http://thecoathangerproject.com/
7. National Organization for
Woman (2012) Woman who died from illegal and unsafe abortions, rememberance.
Retrieved from http://www.now.org/issues/abortion/120904women-who-died.html
Saturday, September 28, 2013
Socio-Political Issue Links/Essay/Reference
Socio-Political Issue Links
Same-Sex Marriage: Global Comparisons -http://www.cfr.org/society-and-culture/same-sex-marriage-global-comparisons/p3117776+ countries where homosexuality is illegal -http://76crimes.com/76-countries-where-homosexuality-is-illegal/
76 Countries Where Anti-Gay Laws Are As Bad As Or Worse Than Russia’s -http://www.buzzfeed.com/saeedjones/76-countries-where-anti-gay-laws-are-as-bad-as-or-worse-than
Should Gay Marriage Be Legal? - http://gaymarriage.procon.org
Should Same-Sex Marriages be Legalized? -http://www.balancedpolitics.org/same_sex_marriages.htm
Gay Marriage Should Be Legal -http://ic.galegroup.com/ic/ovic/ViewpointsDetailsPage/ViewpointsDetailsWindow?
displayGroupName=Viewpoints&zid=bc1f7a0cd556407b5dac020e0bf8bb89&action=2&catId=&documentId=GALE%7CEJ3010014232&userGroupName=viva2_tcc&jsid=a07d470d801ca4129b5ed4c940c2cf10
Pros & Cons of Gay marriage -
10 Reasons Why Homosexual “Marriage” is Harmful and Must be Opposed -
A Common Missed Conception -
Same-Sex Marriage and Religion: An Inappropriate Relationship -
http://journals.chapman.edu/ojs/index.php/e-Research/article/view/87/307
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights have globally made momentous gains in recent decades, although approval of non-heterosexual orientations remains uneven across and within countries. Same-sex marriage is currently legal in fourteen countries, the majority of which are in Europe and South America. Traditionally, marriage has been defined as a religious & legal commitment between a man and woman, as well as the ultimate expression of love. Homosexual relationships are increasingly gaining acceptance in countries; however, these couples have not been permitted to marry. Many democracies provide varying degrees of legal rights to same-sex couples, including full marriage rights, limited civil union status, and no legal recognition at all. Some states have considered a new form of commitment called a "civil union", which essentially is marriage without using the word "marriage".
Marriage is a societal right which is practised worldwide. It is a practise of giving legal formality to relationships that society has deemed deserving of it. Marriage is often linked to religion, however, it is not a religious institution. As marriage is a social right, it is not for religion to regulate; it is for society and for society to turn to Parliament to express our views of what society deem acceptable. Accordingly, denying Homosexuals the right to get married is a violation of religious freedom. Civil and religious freedoms are two different things and even though all major religions consider homosexuality to be a sin, Article 1 of the United Nations Declaration of Human rights states "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood." Thus, all human beings regardless of their sexuality are entitled to publicly celebrate their commitment in the same way as heterosexual couples.
If same sex marriage was to be legalised it would come to be easier for same sex couples to adopt, providing stable home for children who would otherwise be left in foster care. Since same sex couples can not reproduce the number of adoptions should increase. In the US, 100,000 children are waiting to be adopted. A longitudinal study published in Pediatrics on June 7, 2010 found that children of lesbian mothers were rated higher than children of heterosexual parents in social and academic competence and had fewer social problems ("Gay Marriage," 2013). Much the same as Heterosexual couple relationship, a same-sex marriage may encourage the desire for a family. Considering, gay couples cannot have kids naturally, this will likely increase the desire to adopt.
Denying same-sex couples the right to marry stigmatizes gay and lesbian familiesas inferior and sends the message that it is acceptable to discriminate against them. In New Zealand, The Human Rights Act 1993 protects people in New Zealand from discrimination in a number of areas of life. Discrimination occurs when a person is treated unfairly or less favourably than another person in the same or similar circumstances. Therefore, denying these marriages is a form of minority discrimination. Denying marriage to a homosexual couple is no different than denying marriage to Hispanic or black couples.
Legalising Same Sex Marriage
The institution of marriage has traditionally been considered as the formal union of a man and a woman, typically recognised by the law, where they become husband and wife. Nonetheless, over the recent decades the idea of allowing same-sex couples to be legally wed has arisen and has become an acceptable concept in many modern societies. This essay will discuss the varying degrees of legal rights given to same-sex couples by many democracies, how marriage is a societal right which all couples should be entitled to, if same-sex couples were allowed to wed the likelihood of adoption rates to increase, that denying same-sex couples to marry may be considered a form of discrimination and that the only fact that should matter about marriage is love.
If same sex marriage was to be legalised it would come to be easier for same sex couples to adopt, providing stable home for children who would otherwise be left in foster care. Since same sex couples can not reproduce the number of adoptions should increase. In the US, 100,000 children are waiting to be adopted. A longitudinal study published in Pediatrics on June 7, 2010 found that children of lesbian mothers were rated higher than children of heterosexual parents in social and academic competence and had fewer social problems ("Gay Marriage," 2013). Much the same as Heterosexual couple relationship, a same-sex marriage may encourage the desire for a family. Considering, gay couples cannot have kids naturally, this will likely increase the desire to adopt.
Denying same-sex couples the right to marry stigmatizes gay and lesbian familiesas inferior and sends the message that it is acceptable to discriminate against them. In New Zealand, The Human Rights Act 1993 protects people in New Zealand from discrimination in a number of areas of life. Discrimination occurs when a person is treated unfairly or less favourably than another person in the same or similar circumstances. Therefore, denying these marriages is a form of minority discrimination. Denying marriage to a homosexual couple is no different than denying marriage to Hispanic or black couples.
The only thing that should matter in marriage is love. The main reason for heterosexuals marry is not to create legal status, allow joint filing of taxes, or protect each other in medical decision-making. They marry because it is the ultimate expression of a person's love for another. Marriage is a life-long commitment.
Lastly, this idea that the institution of marriage is solely for a man and woman may be considered outdated by many in todays society. There are many positives that come with allowing same-sex couples to marry, as previously stated in the essay. Although, people may argue that Homosexuality is a sin, I believe everyone is entitled to marriage. As it is seen as an ultimate expression of love, same-sex couples deserve to be able to experience marriage just like a Heterosexual couple without discrimination and interference.
References
Baker, B. (2010). Same-Sex Marriage and Religion: An Inappropriate Relationship. Retrieved from http://journals.chapman.edu/ojs/index.php/e-Research/article/view/87/307
CFR.org Staff. (2013). Same-Sex Marriage: Global Comparisons. Retrieved from http://www.cfr.org/society-and-culture/same-sex-marriage-global-comparisons/p31177
Kellard, J. (2012). Gay Marriage Should Be Legal. Retrieved from http://ic.galegroup.com/ic/ovic/ViewpointsDetailsPage/ViewpointsDetailsWindow?displayGroupName=Viewpoints&zid=bc1f7a0cd556407b5dac020e0bf8bb89&action=2&catId=&documentId=GALE%7CEJ3010014232&userGroupName=viva2_tcc&jsid=a07d470d801ca4129b5ed4c940c2cf10
Pro Con Lists. (2013). Pros & Cons of Gay marriage. Retrieved from http://www.proconlists.com/list/society-culture/gay-marriage/9762
Aaron's Socio-political links and reference list
The Leaping Bunny logo is used by brands that don't test on animals, useful for the ethically conscious beauty fan.
1.http://animalliberationfront.com/Philosophy/Animal%20Testing/BUAV_Acute_Toxicity_Briefing.pdf
o Report by Dr Gill Langley, discussing the case against acute toxicity testing on animals, also a view into animal suffering during traditional tests.
2. http://www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/Market-Trends/The-Body-Shop-joins-pledge-to-end-animal-testing-in-cosmetics
o Proof of a large cosmetic company that is behind the push for Animal free testing.
3. http://leapingbunny.org/eu2013/index.html#.UkPbpdfwx8E
o Leaping bunny organization (as above). Products with that label mean no animals tested.
4. http://www.sciencedirect.com/
o The Draize Eye Test, one of the cruel methods used to test eye irritation.
5. http://www.intertek.com/news/2013/03-26-intertek-supports-healthcare-and-beauty-products industries-with-alternative-methods-for-cosmetics-testing/
o Date for the complete banning of animal testing thought-out the EU.
6.http://www.mediapeta.com/peta/PDF/companiesdotest.pdf
o This page shows the companies that still test their products on animals.
o Article on acute toxicity (LD50). Quote taken from E, Walum describing death rate for LD50 test. Quote from taken from line four.
13. http://mpkb.org/home/patients/assessing_literature/in_vitro_studies
o An example of in vitro and in silico testing.
14. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vKWI-UCG2o
o Examples of newer and more efficient Alternative methods.
15.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGA9V4Eaij4
o Visual examples of experiments performed on animals and narrator gives interesting statistical information on survival rate and different types experiments performed.
o Report by Dr Gill Langley, discussing the case against acute toxicity testing on animals, also a view into animal suffering during traditional tests.
2. http://www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/Market-Trends/The-Body-Shop-joins-pledge-to-end-animal-testing-in-cosmetics
o Proof of a large cosmetic company that is behind the push for Animal free testing.
3. http://leapingbunny.org/eu2013/index.html#.UkPbpdfwx8E
o Leaping bunny organization (as above). Products with that label mean no animals tested.
4. http://www.sciencedirect.com/
o The Draize Eye Test, one of the cruel methods used to test eye irritation.
5. http://www.intertek.com/news/2013/03-26-intertek-supports-healthcare-and-beauty-products industries-with-alternative-methods-for-cosmetics-testing/
o Date for the complete banning of animal testing thought-out the EU.
6.http://www.mediapeta.com/peta/PDF/companiesdotest.pdf
o This page shows the companies that still test their products on animals.
7.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/
o China’s laws which restrict companies not to use animal testing.
o This link is used for the imagery of the Draize test.
10. http://www.animalethics.org.au/accreditation-and-licensing/ld50-and-lethality-testing
o Used to show the LD50 test which is used in animal testing.
11. http://altweb.jhsph.edu/sebin/c/g/altex_2_10_bitz.pdf
o Used to show the suffering LD50 test causes on its animal test subjects.
12. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1533392/pdf/envhper00537-0100.pdf
o China’s laws which restrict companies not to use animal testing.
8.http://www.mediapeta.com/peta/PDF/companiesdonttest.pdf
o A list from PETA of companies that do not test their products on animals.
9. http://www.all-creatures.org/articles/ar-international.htmlo A list from PETA of companies that do not test their products on animals.
o This link is used for the imagery of the Draize test.
10. http://www.animalethics.org.au/accreditation-and-licensing/ld50-and-lethality-testing
o Used to show the LD50 test which is used in animal testing.
11. http://altweb.jhsph.edu/sebin/c/g/altex_2_10_bitz.pdf
o Used to show the suffering LD50 test causes on its animal test subjects.
12. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1533392/pdf/envhper00537-0100.pdf
o Article on acute toxicity (LD50). Quote taken from E, Walum describing death rate for LD50 test. Quote from taken from line four.
13. http://mpkb.org/home/patients/assessing_literature/in_vitro_studies
o An example of in vitro and in silico testing.
14. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vKWI-UCG2o
o Examples of newer and more efficient Alternative methods.
15.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGA9V4Eaij4
o Visual examples of experiments performed on animals and narrator gives interesting statistical information on survival rate and different types experiments performed.
Reference list
- British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection. (2005). Acute Toxicity Testing Without Animal. Report. London: Dr. Gill, Langley. Retrieved from http://animalliberationfront.com/Philosophy/Animal %20Testing/BUAV_Acute_Toxicity_Briefing.pdf
-
· Walum, E. (1998). Acute Oral Toxicity, 106, 2. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles /PMC1533392/pdf/envhper00537-0100.pdf
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· Doctors against Animal Experiments. (2010). The Botulinum Neurotoxin LD50 Test –Problems and Solutions. Report. Munich: Silke Bitz. Retrieved from http://altweb. jhsph.edu/sebin/c/g/altex_2_10_bitz.pdf
- Wilhelmus, K. (2001). The Draize eye test, 45, 6. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedirect .com/science /article/pii/S0039625701002119
Autoimmunity Research Foundation. (2012). Differences between in vitro, in vivo, and in silico studies. Retrieved from http://mpkb.org/home/patients/assessing_literature/in_vitro_studies
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