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 an

d 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.

Supporters of abortion also maintain that it is permissible in the case where "fetal deformity will (or is likely to) result, because carrying the child to term will cause harm to the psychological health of the mother, which will result in family strains (both emotional and financial), and will result in a low quality of life for the child" (Crum and McCormack, 1992; 21). Opposition to this premise asserts that regardless of how severe the family strains are they cannot justify the destruction of a human life. However, some proponents offer an exception to this rule. It is referred to as 'euthanasia abortion'-killing the fetus for its own good (Crum and McCormack, 1992; 21). The argument is that the 'quality of life' of the human fetus, if allowed to live, would be so low that the fetus himself or herself would rather not exist. But the counter-argument to this made by firm anti-abortion individuals would be that the "deformed unborn child is not prevented by an abortion; the deformed child is only killed before it can be born" (Crum and McCormack, 1992; 22). Another criticism is that of the slippery slope argument-where would the line be drawn with regard to deformities? In essence 'pro-life' advocates insist that in all its stages human life should be respected. Killing an innocent human being is unethical and in most circumstances unjustified.

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 there are radically differing opinions on the issue, that "one part of the abortion reality is the class of the two altruisms that appear to be utterly opposed" (Gentles, 1990; 19) but in essence share a common principle of individual freedom. Gentles contends that where the two sides differ is to whom the focus and claim to freedom is directed. He states, "the problem is which individual: a mother or child? Who is to be free and at what cost to the other?" (Gentles, 1990; 19). Those who support abortion, although they acknowledge the value of the 'potential human life', insist on the overriding importance of the woman's wellbeing and freedom of choice. Similarly those who reject abortion defend the concept of freedom claiming that the freedom of the baby to live is a human rights principle (Gentles, 1990; 22).

The media have played an influential role in framing the abortion issue and influencing the public's opinions. Much of the coverage on abortion campaigns has been and still is very biased. In fact it is argued "if one thing is clear from the history of press coverage of abortion, it is that journalist's beliefs, whether for or against abortion, do heavily influence coverage" (Olasky, 1988; 147). Claire (1995) argues that "expert 'marketing' of the notion that abortion is murder, via the pulpit and media, is responsible for the current hysterical anti-abortion crusades in the United States" (Claire, 1995; 47). The issue was placed in the forefront as a main social issue through the use of repetitive advertising and exposure in the media. The power that the media holds as a tool to reach and affect the public is tremendous. This impact is highlighted by the claim tha

Some common words found in the essay are:
Crum McCormack, , United Claire, Role Media, Jane English, Arguments Abortion, crum mccormack 1992, mccormack 1992, crum mccormack, gentles 1990, human life, abortion issue, oppose abortion, mother's life, 'pro-choice' activists, abortion debate, unborn child, cause unnecessary suffering, mccormack 1992 11, pregnancy result rape, child crum mccormack,
Approximate Word count = 2500
Approximate Pages = 10 (250 words per page double spaced)