Making a critique about legalization of abortion requires presenting a clear and logical argument

that supports or opposes the issue, based on relevant evidence, facts, and values. Here are some
possible steps to follow:

 State your position: Begin by stating whether you are for or against the legalization of abortion,
and briefly explain why. For example, you could say: “I am in favor of legalizing abortion
because I believe that women have the right to choose what to do with their own bodies and lives,
and that denying them access to safe and legal abortion violates their human rights and dignity.”
 Provide background information: Give some context and background information about the
issue, such as the current legal status of abortion in the Philippines, the reasons why some people
seek abortion, and the consequences of criminalizing abortion for women’s health and well-being.
For example, you could say: “Abortion is illegal in the Philippines under all circumstances, even
when the pregnancy results from rape, incest, or endangers the woman’s life. This law dates back
to the colonial Spanish era and is influenced by the Catholic Church’s doctrine. According to the
Guttmacher Institute, an estimated 610,000 induced abortions occurred in the Philippines in 2012,
mostly among poor, married, and Catholic women. Due to the lack of access to safe and legal
abortion, many women resort to unsafe and clandestine methods that put their lives and health at
risk. About 100,000 women are hospitalized each year for complications from unsafe abortion,
and about 1,000 die.” 12
 Present your main arguments: Provide at least three main arguments that support your position,
and back them up with evidence, facts, and examples. You can also address and refute the
opposing arguments, and explain why they are flawed or weak. For example, you could say: “One
of the main arguments for legalizing abortion is that it is a matter of women’s autonomy and self-
determination. Women should have the right to decide whether to continue or end a pregnancy,
based on their own personal, moral, and religious beliefs, as well as their social, economic, and
health circumstances. No one else, not even the state or the church, should impose their views or
values on women’s reproductive choices. Legalizing abortion would respect women’s agency and
diversity, and allow them to exercise their fundamental human rights. A second argument for
legalizing abortion is that it would reduce the harms and suffering caused by unsafe and illegal
abortion. As mentioned earlier, many women in the Philippines face serious and sometimes fatal
complications from unsafe abortion, which could be prevented if they had access to safe and legal
abortion. Legalizing abortion would also protect women from the stigma, discrimination, and
criminalization that they face for seeking abortion, and ensure that they receive adequate and
compassionate care and support. A third argument for legalizing abortion is that it would promote
public health and social justice. By ensuring that women have access to safe and legal abortion,
the government would improve the health outcomes and quality of life of women, especially
those who are poor, marginalized, or victims of sexual violence. Legalizing abortion would also
reduce the burden on the health system and the society, as fewer women would need
hospitalization and treatment for complications from unsafe abortion, and fewer children would
be born into poverty and neglect. On the other hand, some of the main arguments against
legalizing abortion are based on the premise that life begins at conception, and that abortion is
equivalent to murder. However, these arguments are not supported by scientific or legal evidence,
and are based on subjective and religious views that are not shared by everyone. Moreover, these
arguments ignore the fact that women are also human beings with rights and dignity, and that
forcing them to carry unwanted pregnancies violates their bodily integrity and personal freedom.
Furthermore, these arguments fail to recognize the reality and complexity of women’s lives and
situations, and the reasons why they seek abortion. They also disregard the negative impacts of
criminalizing abortion on women’s health and well-being, and on the society as a whole.”
 Conclude your critique: Summarize your main points and restate your position, and end with a
strong and memorable statement that reinforces your argument. For example, you could say: “In
 conclusion, I have argued that abortion should be legalized in the Philippines, because it is a
matter of women’s rights, health, and justice. Legalizing abortion would respect women’s
autonomy and diversity, reduce the harms and suffering caused by unsafe and illegal abortion,
and promote public health and social justice. Criminalizing abortion, on the other hand, violates
women’s human rights and dignity, endangers their lives and health, and perpetuates inequality
and oppression. Legalizing abortion is not only a moral and rational choice, but also a necessary
and urgent one, for the sake of women and the society.”

Oliver Johnson is managing director for the Global Health Institute at

Georgetown University. In 2023, he completed his Ph. D. at King's College
London in the United Kingdom, with a focus on strengthening leadership by
health professionals in sub-Saharan Africa.

Oliver Johnson is managing director for the Global Health Institute at

Georgetown University. In 2023, he completed his Ph. D. at King's College
London in the United Kingdom, with a focus on strengthening leadership by
health professionals in sub-Saharan Africa.
https://www.wheninmanila.com/we-asked-pinoys-should-abortion-be-legal-in-the-philippines-and-the-
answers-might-surprise-you/

https://www.rappler.com/voices/thought-leaders/203572-time-decriminalize-abortion-philippines/

https://grademiners.com/blog/why-abortion-should-be-legal-essay-writing-tips-tricks

https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/01/11/criminalization-abortion-has-failed-its-time-end-it