Ending a child's life without even allowing it to be born has been one of the most controversial topics for centuries. Abortion is the term used to identify the act of intentionally terminating a pregnancy and not allowing the embryo (first stage of development) or fetus (eight weeks and older) to continue its normal process. Every woman has different reasons for deciding to have an abortion and is ready to either end her child's life or allow him to live, even if he is unwanted. Whether it is true or false, fair or unfair is the main argument of the continuing controversy. In centuries past, before the mid-1800s, abortion was practiced legally, commonly, and freely. However, around 20 states have begun to pass laws to make the practice of abortion illegal. The state's reasons included the danger of abortion occurring with little medical training at the time. Between the mid-1800s and 1973, abortion was illegal, but statistics indicate that even in the year before 1973, the number of abortions reached approximately 1.2 million per year (National Abortion Federation). The 1973 court case titled Roe v. Wade opened up the possibility for women to decide whether or not to have a legal and safe abortion. Jane Roe represented all women who wanted the right to legal and safe abortion and her voice was heard and recognized. For his part, lawyer Henry Wade defended the illegality of abortion, but his views on the subject could not be defeated in the court's final decision. Abortion was no longer illegal and safer to perform, and women could now confidently enter a facility to follow through on their final decision (Glazer). Recently, the abortion controversy has started to flare up again, as it is a laboratory ... middle of paper ...... for those who remain firm and convinced which side they lean on. Indeed, it is worrying to know that 42 million abortions take place each year worldwide. Regardless, the decision is personal and determining the difference without considering surrounding conditions is up to the parent. Work Cited Glazer, Sarah. “Roe v. Wade at 25.” Online QC Researcher. CQ Press, November 28, 1997. Web. March 5, 2011. “History of Abortion.” National Abortion Federation. NFA. Internet. March 5, 2011. Jost, Kenneth. “Abortion Debates.” Online QC Researcher. CQ Press, September 10, 2010. Web. March 5, 2010. Johansen, Jay. “Pro-choice arguments.” Pregnant break. September 4, 2000. Web. March 5, 2011. Reardon, David C. “Rape, incest and abortion: research beyond the myths”. After the abortion. 1993. the web. March 9. 2011. .