Public recognizes anguish of abortion
JAKARTA (JP): Experts may frame their arguments about abortion around lofty talk of regulations and morals, but the plain realities of life appear to matter more to men and women on the street.
Many of them, interviewed by The Jakarta Post over the weekend, were accepting of women who undergo abortions due to extenuating circumstances, such as financial predicaments or psychological problems.
Pinta Silaen, 29, a logistics manager at a consumer products company, believed she would have to think seriously before going through with the decision to abort.
"I might have to elect for an abortion if I was not really certain about both my own and my baby's future. I mean, financially and psychologically," she said.
Pinta said a financially strapped mother who continued an "unexpected" pregnancy to term may put her child at a disadvantage as an additional burden.
"But, I would definitely not carry through with, or recommend, an abortion if the pregnancy had reached the third month," she said, basing her argument on medical reasoning.
Most medical experts regard the beginning of the pregnancy's second -- when the fetus' heartbeat can be detected -- as most significant in the life cycle. An abortion at this stage can also endanger the mother's life.
Gunawan Lesmana, 32, a finance and accounting manager of a private company, agreed with Pinta that a woman may have an abortion as a last resort.
But he said religious teachings should also be taken into consideration in making the decision.
"I agree that a woman may abort her baby if she has no other choice or if the pregnancy would put her life in great danger. But, if possible, you'd better carry through with your pregnancy."
Aida Nur, a 16-year-old student from Palmerah Selatan, Central Jakarta, said she would leave it up to her parents to decide the best solution if she had an unwanted pregnancy.
"I am pretty sure my parents would be very angry. Maybe they would force me to tell them who the father was, and make the man marry me," she said.
"My own choice? I can't think of any other option than following my parents' words."
Shari, 35, from Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, said it was the mother's choice to decide what was best for her and the unborn baby.
"Who are you to judge or decide what is best for another person? If you're angry because of her stupidity, vent it at her.
But don't put more of a burden on her by forcing her to go your way. If you really want to help, just be there for her in good or bad times."
The mother of two said self-righteousness often colored attitudes toward women who had abortions.
"One more thing, don't stare at them with those horrified looks on your face. They are just people who have made mistakes just like us.
"If it could happen to them, it could happen to you, too." (cst)