Introduction:

Abortion is a highly debated and controversial topic that involves the deliberate termination of a
pregnancy before the fetus can survive outside the womb. It raises significant ethical, moral, and legal
considerations, which have fueled intense discussions and disputes throughout history. Abortion can be
classified into two main types: spontaneous, which occurs naturally through miscarriage, and induced,
which involves a deliberate intervention to end the pregnancy using medical procedures or
pharmaceutical drugs. The reasons for seeking induced abortion are diverse, ranging from personal
circumstances and health concerns to fetal abnormalities and socioeconomic factors.

Religious perspectives on abortion vary across different faiths and even within the same religious
tradition. For instance, Catholicism strongly opposes abortion, viewing it as a grave moral offense that
violates the sanctity of life from conception. In contrast, Buddhism and Hinduism generally consider
abortion as killing but may tolerate medically necessary procedures. Islam holds differing opinions on
the permissibility of abortion, with some scholars allowing it under specific circumstances, such as risks
to the mother's life, while others prohibit it at various stages of fetal development. Orthodox
Christianity, while generally opposing abortion, may allow indirect termination of pregnancy to save the
mother's life.

The issue of abortion is also addressed within the framework of human rights. The Convention on the
Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) recognizes women's right to
healthcare and criticizes restrictive abortion laws that hinder access to safe and legal abortion services.
The Committee on the Rights of the Child expresses concerns about punitive legislation and advocates
for the review of restrictive laws to permit abortion in cases of rape, incest, and threats to the pregnant
woman's life.

Abortion laws vary significantly across countries, with some permitting access to safe and legal abortion
services, while others impose severe restrictions or even criminalize the procedure, except in cases
where the mother's life is at risk. Ethiopia, for example, has seen the evolution of abortion laws through
different legal instruments, including the Feteha Negest, the 1957 Penal Code, and the Revised Criminal
Code of 2004. The constitutionality of abortion has been a subject of examination in Ethiopia,
considering the right to life within the constitutional framework.

The availability, legality, and accessibility of abortion services have implications for women's
reproductive rights, bodily autonomy, and the role of governments in regulating reproductive
healthcare. These disparities in abortion laws and access raise important questions about social justice,
gender equality, and the right to make autonomous decisions about one's body.

In conclusion, abortion is a complex and multifaceted issue that triggers intense debates and discussions
worldwide. It involves the termination of a pregnancy before the fetus can survive outside the womb
and raises ethical, moral, religious, and legal considerations. Religious perspectives on abortion vary
across different faiths, while human rights treaties address women's right to healthcare and criticize
restrictive abortion laws. Abortion laws differ among countries, and their availability and accessibility
have significant implications for women's reproductive rights. By examining the diverse dimensions of
abortion, we can enhance our understanding of this complex topic and contribute to informed and
respectful discussions surrounding it.