The vexed question regarding abortion is proving very fascinating. We are bound to hear the same rhetorical arguments about our moral rights versus religious and legal rights. As a woman, cogito, ergo sum (I think, therefore I am) and I would not like my actions, which I think are permissible, to be legislated. Suffice to say that I am an anti-abortion believer although it seems that the debate is stale and our comprehension of the issue should go beyond the ?who?s right or wrong?? One cannot imagine what new tactics can be devised to make this debate more cogent as the argument is not new and neither will we ever reach a consensus. Throughout the world abortion has proved to be controversial. In India, women resort to abortion if they have conceived a girl and the eugenics have been in practice for decades. People select the child sex as if they are selecting vegetables at the market. Nowadays, the issue has reached different proportions. Pre-screening tests allow parents to even make choice about abortion instantly, without careful considerations. Pregnancy and abortions are like commercial activities in any clinic. Women who are desperate to conceive go for fertility treatments and even consider adoption as a last resort while others casually decide to abort if they feel like it. Births and deaths, to some extent, are choices not left to nature anymore.

Whilst all the religions are against life destruction of any form, they also point out to the rights of the mother to opt for a termination (before 7 weeks) should her pregnancy impinge on her life. The Buddhists, on the other hand, talk about the ?karmic? nature of life and the concept of reincarnation does not allow the contemplation of abortion. The Mahabaratta also mentions the strong bond of a son whilst still in the womb of the mother. Nevertheless, we all do empathise with victims of rape, incest who have their rightful reasons to go for a termination, as long as it is not the case of infanticide. However, why has abortion become such a burning issue in our society? The answer is simple and lies in the three-letter word: Sex.

Let us not be coy and hypocritical about the word and make no bones about the problem. Everyone these days seem to believe that women liberation starts with divesting yourself of clothes and showing off your backside. How many girls can you see parading down the roads wearing what looks like belts but to them are trendy mini skirts? How many shirts are getting tighter around the chest that one fears papayas popping out? The very attire of women depicts the change in attitudes. It?s cool to be sexy, to look sexy and to behave in an erogenous manner. Sexual activities are no longer reserved for married couples but anyone out for a good (lascivious) time. The core of the issue of abortion is to address the sexual and moral education for all. Immorality and promiscuity are rampant and that?s where the problem truly lies. Youngsters are living a dissipated existence and their aphrodisiac behaviours are lending them in hospitals for abortions. We all had fun, experimented and were carefree in our youths but we knew our limits. Today, there is no more fun in listening to the three-letter word ?God? but the three-letter word ?Sex? is more exhilarating.

The post-chivalrous period has long begun whereby women can command attention from men without waiting to be wooed. Marriage is no longer regarded as sacred because women are readily available. The sanctity of marriage has long been eroded and we cannot deny that we have problems of adaptation. At the same time, let us accept that women are equally at the suffering end and we have to be vicarious here. Look at how many engagements are broken off after the besotted lovebirds have fornicated their relationships and the woman is royally jilted after that. These serial monogamists have no respect for women, let alone any decency. Extra marital affairs are common and the rate of divorce is on the rise. Women in our society face enormous hurdles in terms of acceptance. The reality dear all, for our women, is far from rosy and conflicting for our female species.

The government needs to grapple the underlying problem and start by introducing sex education in colleges and run workshops in deprived areas. It is a sad fact of life to educate people about the birds and the bees but we have to move on with time and realise that we no longer live in that paternalistic, conservative society so many old fogies like myself would like to believe. The youngsters of today are rebelling against laws and questioning their rights. Cogito, ergo sum, they can rightly say. We cannot deny them their freedom but we can educate them and allow them to understand the risks and moral issues surrounding the whole concept of sex, abortion and responsibility. Auld Lang Syne, we anticipated the mystery about marriage, with excitement. Today, we are looked down as belonging to the old school of thoughts. We need to make sure that people are aware of the risk of having, unprotected sex and, numerous sexual partners, without being pedantic and patronising. Tackle that issue and then one could see the concept of abortion more clearly. Educate youngsters about the sanctity of marriage. What is concerning though, is the number of underage abortion being practised. A doctor friend told me of the patients, as young as fourteen, are already on their second abortion and backed by their parents? consents. Some of these adolescents come from high browed family and it shows that even the educated lot lacks in morality and not just the pauper. This is frightening and needs to be tackled urgently. We need families to be equally accountable and responsible for the risks involved with abortions.

Stringent laws should be enacted to fine and jail those who fornicate relationships with minors and may be then, we shall see some more conscientious actions. Advise women, of all ages and all walks of life, to visit their family planning centres to get proper advice and please train those family planning advisers to give advice rather than indulge in gossiping and badmouthing those in help. More professionalism and seriousness of the issue will bring positive changes rather than prejudices and bias. As far as the jilted women are concerned, counselling should be in place to help them cope and those Casanovas should be named and shamed. Well that?s my opinion. The tourist industry needs to be regulated. As a major tourist attraction, let us not forget the three well known ?S? on the minds of most visitors: Sand, Sea and Sex. Let us show some respect and tackle the sex industry within tourism. Let us not make our country a harem for foreign paedophiles and sexual predators (as evidenced in Thailand, the Philippines etc.); we already have them among us.

I would also like to point out the lack of censorship of the movies shown on our screens. Look at the ancillary issues before debating about abortion. We are nurturing youngsters to indulge in debauchery and not guiding them towards morality. We have our fair share of blame.

Abortion should be made illegal in my view, as I strongly believe that no one has the right to kill a child whether as a foetus or a grown up. Let us understand that by educating our young children about morals and self-discipline, which, all the religions advocate, we shall get on the right footing. However, to maintain a democratic society and accept different perspectives, we cannot go about enacting laws that will impinge on our rights. Everyone can say cogito, ergo sum and we need to listen to the plights of women and understand where and how to start with the issue of abortion. Let us first start by educating people about the basic facts of life and then address the poignant issue of abortion with more sensitivity.

By Rubina DOOBORY