Public recognizes anguish of abortion

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)