The Abortion Epidemic Rebecca Peck PHI 107: Philosophy of Human Conduct Instructor Russell E. Fail February 9, 2009 The Abortion Epidemic The word epidemic has several meanings. In the adjective form, it means “excessively prevalent.” As a noun, it is defined as “an outbreak of sudden rapid growth or development” which usually carries with it a negative connotation. One can hardly argue that since the infamous case of Roe vs. Wade in 1973, abortion has mercilessly extended its arm to all four corners of the world. The act is reckless, irresponsible, and many times comes with grievous consequences. But, is it immoral? While valid arguments in support or opposition to abortion are infinite, in this paper I will show that it is not only ethically wrong, but it may be the most unnatural and catastrophic freedom that humanity has ever adopted. Some might ask “how can abortion be called a sudden outbreak when it has been practiced throughout history?” This is true. In fact, documents exist from ancient Greece until the mid-twentieth century that have made mention of women who procured abortions through ghastly means. (Wernow, 2008). Until the arrival of antibiotics, many attempted abortions ended in death for the fetus and the mother. Women were given a concoction of herbs or drugs that were, at times, too toxic to endure. Also, women who tried to have the fetus surgically removed often died from infection or hemorrhaging to death. (Luker, 2005). As long as there have been ways to abort, there have been arguments about its morality. But what makes something immoral or moral, and who makes that decision ultimately? To truly determine the morality of abortion, one does not need to turn to faith. Though the Bible contains scattered scriptures about fruitfulness and reproduction, it does not mention abortion directly. This is hardly a valid point concerningBiblical standards of abortion since the book is not specific about many ethical issues, such as: birth...