ogmzergrush said:
I also think coathangers should be prescription only.
Maybe Pregnancy should be prescription only. If they're in a position where they are actually considering a coathanger, then they are almost certainly not in a position to have gotten pregnant in the first place.
Making the abortion drug available over-the-counter might put an end to coathanger abortions, but all that does is make murder easy. Mothers (and fathers where possible) should be made to consider the ramifications of their actions, to weigh up the potential benefits with the potential risks and moral issues. They need to take responsibility for their actions, and the consequences of those actions.
Society should work to prevent people being put in a position where they even have to consider abortion. While I believe that for a 12 year old to carry a baby to term is as much a tragedy as a 12 year old having an abortion, I think the biggest tragedy is that the 12 year old was even forced to consider it. That 12 year old should behave like a 12 year old, taught like a 12 year old, and disciplined like a 12 year old. The 12 year old should have a bedtime, not a bed buddy. The fact that the 12 year old got pregnant in the first place is the real tragedy.
Making the abortion drug prescription only is an important and essential measure in preventing further harm later. Abbott makes a good point about the need for medical supervision and physical danger in any abortion - but I think the bigger issue is the psychological damage - and a doctor is far more equipped to guide a young mother through these issues. An alternative is to provide training for the Chemist to discuss the implications of the Abortion drug, instructions on its safe use, and information on what to do and who to call if something goes wrong. Again, it's important that there is some face-to-face contact between mother and professional, because the potential for abuse by third parties remains present without it.