A few months ago, a gynecologist was arrested on charges of intentionally killing a newborn when he/she suddenly came out alive during an illegal abortion operation. As a result, the gynecologist was recently prosecuted. The woman who had an abortion was 34 weeks pregnant. It is no exaggeration to say that the fetus is almost fully grown by 34 weeks of pregnancy. Would not it be fair to say that the attempt at the abortion in this state was the mother and the gynecologist planning a murder? Abortion is currently illegal in Korea.
Actually, the Constitutional Court ruled against abortion charges in April this year, which led to more opinions on abortion. If the National Assembly does not revise the relevant law provisions by December 31th next year, the law on banning abortion will be abolished. However, until December 31th 2020, the current law, which says abortion is illegal, applies. Therefore, the incident, which took place earlier this year, is strictly illegal. Furthermore, having surgery at the end of pregnancy is no excuse for any reason.
Some people say that abortion laws are a violation of women’s human rights and should be abolished. They argue that the government should not interfere abortion because it is a matter of women’s choice. They also say that the women’s right to keep the body intact should not be infringed. In Korea, where there was a discriminatory perception of women due to male preference, I think such a voice can come out. Furthermore, given the circumstances in which the recent “ME TOO” movement took place, it is natural for women to voice abolition regarding the law, which allows them to be more sensitive to responsibilities with men.
However, I wonder if abortion is an action that really can be discussed with women’s rights. I think it is absurd to approach abortion from a sexist point of view. So, I think it is desirable to focus on the human rights of fetuses. Before discussing women’s human rights, why not discuss the human rights of fetuses first? Just as society protects immature minors, it is right for us to protect fetuses rather than grown adults. Men and women who have become adults have agreed to have a sexual relationship, and adults should take responsibility for the judgment they have made. On the other hand, there are exceptions, such as cases of pregnancy due to sexual assault or a deformity. Under current law, abortions in such special cases are allowed. Considering this, the current law seems to be fully reflecting women’s human rights. To plant the right perception of sexual relationship is more urgent than killing the life of a fetus by abolishing abortion laws. There should be a perception among members of society that sexual relationship is a responsibility for adults and that fetuses are a valuable gift who has come from their love.
In other words, those who insist on abolishing abortion laws may not see the essence of the problem, but rather concentrate on pleasure and desire to make arguments for convenience. I do not think it is right for innocent fetuses to be sacrificed, as a result of rash decision made by grown men and women. If it is not a murder, what is the murder?