The New View by Zenobia

Zenobia's entry into Varsity Tutor's September 2021 scholarship contest

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The New View by Zenobia - September 2021 Scholarship Essay

Going to a catholic middle school, we were taught certain ideas, one of these being anti-abortion. I was often told about the sin of abortion, lessons on how it is a disgrace to human life, and all of God’s creation. Since this was the first experience where I was approached with this topic, I believed whatever I was told without much consideration. So, for a while, I indefitied as pro-life; but, this was until an experience in the classroom changed my view on abortion and the world.

It happened after an anti-abortion rally. Each year, my religion teacher would take the graduating class to the “Rights for Life” rally in DC, and since we were 8th graders it was our turn to attend. The cause attracted a large variety of protestors. Priest, students, victims, and their children ranging from different races, ages, and nationalities all gathered to discuss the moral, religious and political grim that comes with abortion. I was pretty convinced at first. These people told their stories, the reasoning to their beliefs, and the alternative actions, such as adoption, for people to consider when thinking about abortion. They even shared their generosity by praying for the victims. The arguments presented at this rally seemed solid, so I agreed with them without considering the other side of the story. When we returned to school, we were asked by another teacher our opinions on the rally. My classmates and I expressed our discontent about abortion and how it should be illegal. After our responses, my teacher proposed a scenario: “ What if a woman was assaulted by a man she doesn’t know? Would you be against abortion then?” The classroom was silent. Before we could even think, she challenged us once more- “What if that was your child? What if a woman is bearing a child, but is surrounded by circumstances that could potentially kill her and the baby? Would you still be against it?” Almost everybody in the room, including myself, had no response to her question. Even my classmates who attempted to rebuke her questions could not formulate reasonable answers. However, this put me into deep thought about the faults in my logic.

What I realized on that day, and even more so now, is not the flaw in either argument, but the lack of perspective I had. Yes, abortion may be seen as harsh or immortal but you never know what someone is going through. Mothers may not be in a stable position mentally, physically, or financially to carry and care for a child. Therefore, society has no right to judge her or the choices of others, especially if that decision does not impact them. There is always going to be more than one side of the story. It is important to acknowledge the struggles and mindset of others before immediately bashing them.

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