During the past century abortion has become one of the most debatable subjects of controversy in the Western world. It poses moral, social, and medical dilemmas that involve emotional and legal considerations. It has become one of the most intense and polarizing ethical and philosophical issues. The two defined fields of thought include those who are 'pro-choice' activists and supporters of the 'pro-life' campaign. A variety of ethical arguments have been made on both sides of the abortion issue. However, no consensus has been reached because in the public policy debate both sides have radically opposing views about the status of a fetus.
             The entire complex issue centers on this very question: Is the fetus a person? On the one hand there are those who argue that it is only a 'potential' human being until it is viable; that it is simply a part of the woman's body and subject to her exclusive control. Thus, any attempt to diminish that control is an unjustified infringement or interference upon a woman's autonomy and rights. On the other end of the spectrum there are those who believe the fetus is a person from the time of conception. Therefore, it is argued that there is a moral obligation to preserve and protect it and that abortion is equivalent to murder. The arguments set forth by both sides will be discussed further in this paper. The role that the media has played in mobilizing the abortion issue and placing it on the political and social agenda will also be briefly reviewed.
             As noted earlier there are differing viewpoints on the abortion debate. 'Pro-choice' supporters favour a woman's reproductive rights, including the right to choose to have an abortion. In opposition 'pro-life' advocates generally oppose abortion, except in extreme circumstances, as when a mother's life is at risk by carrying the baby to full term. It is argued that although the...