The global ethical dilemma of abortion Shakeel Ahmed Ibne Mahmood

For most women, to decide whether or not to have an abortion is one of the most emotionally traumatic events (ethical dilemma) in their lives, and opinions on the subject are sharply divided amongst the pro-choice and pro-life factions. As a result, it is hard to discuss abortion without provoking strong emotions and no short review of the issue will ever manage to represent all viewpoints. But an abortion is so frequent within the US society, its social and spiritual implications are required to be constantly reviewed and discussed.
   
   Abortion and religion
   All the religions have forbidden abortion. And as we are obligated not only to ourselves but also to our society and further we have to consider the religious perspective.
   The Bible has a strong prohibition against killing human beings because of God's special regard for us. The Bible does not mention abortion directly but it does comment on many issues that abortion raise. The Bible says that procreation (sexual intercourse that results in the creation of children) should occur within married heterosexual relationships.
   The Jewish world, informed by the Torah (the first five books of the Old Testament) had a high regard for human life at all stages and abortion was forbidden.
   The Hindu scriptures forbid abortion. From time immemorial, Hindus consider children as gifts from God. In the code of Manu, Manu forbids abortion. One of the worst acts described in the scriptures is SISU-HATYA meaning destruction of the unborn foetus. There are prayers in the Rig Veda to guard a growing embryo. Only time abortion is allowed is when the foetus is known to be defective as per SUSRUTA SAMHITA, the Hindu Aurvedic book.
   Buddhists believe that "sickness or a shortened lifespan may in some instances be karmic retribution"#[2] for past life transgressions. The Buddhist philosophy of not harming living creatures extends to embryos and so abortion is condemned by many serious Buddhists. Prior to more scientific knowledge the point at which a foetus was considered alive was at the stage of movement or quickening (around 3 or 4 months old of gestational age). Many Buddhists have had to reconcile this with the current day knowledge of developmental biology. Yet in Japan where Buddhism is a major religion, abortion rates are very high since abortion is frequently used as a method for birth control. The Japanese Buddhists have special prayers for the aborted foetuses known as mizuko kuyo and believe that the aborted foetuses have been the victims of a poor karmic cycle. Abortion, while not sanctioned by the Japanese Buddhists, is still a normal practice in that society. Just as reproductive controls such as abortion have become tacitly accepted, there is a possibility that stem cell research and cloning may ultimately attain a similar status.
   In Islam, it is to some extent forbidden, but it is possible if it is really required to do so. In Quran, it was mentioned that we should not worry how our new bond child will be raised, so in that abortion in that sense is not legal, but in other aspects it is granted, as I mentioned earlier that if it is required, such as on medical grounds when it becomes a matter of life and death of the mother etc.
   Example: Country like Bangladesh, lots of married women keep their babies after they become pregnant, though they don't want to have baby but because of the religious point of view, they don't go for abortion. But at the same time some of those mothers' also opt for abortion when they feel it is required.
   
   The other view
   As human beings we should give importance to the individual, and it is our human right (liberty) to do what we want to do and it is our own view dependent upon our perceptions. Having respect for the free will of the people and their right of self-determination lies at the heart of many discussions about abortion.
   Example: In the US, many females practice their right of abortion because it is their own free will and their opinions and perceptions are respected in that country.
   
   Legal provisions
   The Abortion Act 1967 came into effect on 27 April, 1968. This permits abortion in Great Britain (Northern Ireland is excluded) by registered practitioners subject to certain conditions. Section 37 of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act, 1990, made some changes to the legislation. This latter Act says that abortions can only be performed under grounds C & D before 24 weeks, but can be performed at any stage of foetal development for grounds A, B and E. Over 98 per cent of abortions are performed under grounds C and D.
   This interest in 'autonomy' is complex, however, because of the different parties involved. There is the call for each woman to make decisions about what happens to her body - no one should force her either to carry or terminate a pregnancy against her will. On the other hand, there is the issue of the foetus' life, which raises the question of whether one person's desire for autonomy can extend to ending another's existence.
   Then again there is the doctor who is asked to become part of this process. Should anyone be able to force a member of the medical profession to perform a task that s/he disagrees with?
   Currently the assumption in law is that the woman's need for autonomy overrules all else. After all, in England, Wales and Scotland human beings have no standing in law before birth, so their wishes cannot be taken into account. The Abortion Act 1967, however, does recognise the doctor's need for autonomy, making clear that members of the medical profession can opt out of being involved if they so wish.
   Example: The Abortion Act is unusual in its provision of a 'conscience clause'. By giving doctors the ability to opt out of their involvement in the procedure it acknowledges the deep division of views within the medical profession. In practice, however, it means that it is very difficult for individual members of the medical profession to practice in obstetrics and gynaecology if they are not prepared to be involved in abortions.
   
   Ethical points
   In our country, Bangladesh, abortion is legal; so long you are officially married. But illegal abortion does occur in our country because of the societal value and prestige. In Bangladesh the idea of "being a single mother- meaning unwed mother" has not been officially recognised yet.
   
   Course of action
   The course of action depends on the situation. I have outlined my ideas below in the order of their respective priorities.
   Priority 1: If the person believes in law and the medical consequences then she should rely on the doctor and abide by the law of that country.
   Priority 2: If the person is religious and she is concerned about society, then she should avoid abortion.
   Priority 3: If the person believes in
   uman rights and individuality, then she should take her own decision, meaning she can opt for abortion or be responsible
   for the baby.

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Outsmarting Harvard

Rayyan Kamal

It's certainly been an interesting day. In the morning, as I sipped my coffee and read the newspaper, I was intrigued to discover that the two new residential colleges slated for construction would be named after two of Yale's most respected luminaries: Bush Sr. and Bush Jr. One college is to be named Big Dubya College and the other, Little Dubya College. The university plans to hang a portrait of these colleges' namesakes on the wall of every room, so that future Yalies can be reminded of the greatness that preceded them on campus. I must admit that I was quite disappointed upon realizing that I would never have the opportunity to be in either of these colleges. In comparison to the two Bushes, my residential college's namesake, Morse (of Morse code), seems pretty uncontroversial.
   In other news, the admissions statistics for members of the Class of 2012 were also revealed. This year, Yale had finally solved a problem that has plagued it since its existence, probably. The truth is, the administrators were simply tired of losing out to Harvard when it came to comparing acceptance rates. When Yale's admissions rate was down to 10 per cent, Harvard's was down to 9 per cent, and when Yale's rate was down to 9 per cent, Harvard's was down to 8 per cent. In a moment of genius comparable to that of what Newton must have felt when he discovered gravity, Yale's Dean of Admissions figured out that he could solve the problem in one fell swoop. The result? NOT A SINGLE STUDENT WAS ACCEPTED! 0 per cent admissions rate. Take that, Harvard!
   But I've left out the front page story: Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will be coming to Yale next fall to teach a class in the Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies department. Sick of being the head of state of Iran, he finally decided to pursue his true calling. In an interview, he said, "I'm a feminist at heart and want nothing more than to bring women closer to men with regard to social, economic and political standing. In fact, I'd be happy if they overtook men altogether!" Who would have thought? I'm sure students will be fighting it out to see who can get into the seminar he will be teaching next fall: "Feminist Thought in Iran." Who needs Blair when you've got Ahmadinejad?
   To add to the good news, I found out that the exam I was supposed to take today - the one I had not prepared for at all - was cancelled. Apparently students had been complaining that the subject, US Economic History, was simply too boring. So she agreed to cancel the exam and rewrite the syllabus for the rest of the semester. From today onwards, the course will consist of watching movies that are relevant to economics and writing reviews of them if we are sufficiently motivated to do so. We will be watching movies like A Beautiful Mind.
   I thought the day could not get any better, but I was wrong. I checked my e-mail a few hours ago, only to find out that Yale's financial aid policy had been restructured once again: now every admitted student who decided to matriculate at Yale could do so free of cost. Wow! What a day's it been.
   Note: Today is April 1st.
   Rayyan Kamal is a sophomore at Yale University.

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Dr. Turin Chowdhury

Nowadays we see more overweight boys and girls than before. Computer or video games, fast foods and lack of playgrounds in schools are taking its toll on the young kids in our society. It is very much probable that these obese children will turn into obese adults. Childhood obesity is associated with risk factors for later development of chronic diseases and complications associated with these conditions, such as, heart disease and stroke.
   Obesity is described as an overload of body fat, which frequently causes significant impairment of health status. It should not merely be considered a cosmetic problem; rather overweight should be deemed as a pre-disease condition. It means obesity problem can put his or her health at risk.
   Effects
   Obese children are at risk of developing medical problems that not only affect a child's present health but also affect the future health status. It increases the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and abnormal blood lipid levels, and Type 2 diabetes. Studies found that heart abnormalities were already common in obese adolescents, probably due to the extra work the heart must do in a body of excessive weight. Obesity also increases the risk of bone and joint problems. Obesity may aggravate the symptoms or increase the chances of developing asthma in children. Obesity problem may contribute to restless or disordered sleep patterns. Overweight girls may have irregular menstrual cycles and have fertility problems in adulthood. Obesity problem increases the chance of liver and gall bladder disease. Even it can lead to mental problems like depression.
   Intervening
   If your child is overweight then it is very important to control the obesity or overweight problem in the kid from the very start. The following steps can be undertaken to ward off obesity in children:
   Encourage children to be physically active for at least an hour every day. During the afternoon encourage kids to play outside, such as to ride bike or play a football game with friends.
   Make effort to limit sedentary activities, such as watching television and playing computer or video games. Be strict if necessary; limit these to no more than an hour.
   Avoid junk food based diet habit in general. Discourage fast foods totally. Don't take your family to places serving such foods, rather go for healthy options.
   Try to develop healthy eating habit in the family. Eat fresh fruits or fresh fruit juice and vegetable-based snacks for afternoon snacks. Serve fruits and vegetables with major meals also.
   Control the size of portions at the family table. If needed serve food in plate for person rather than serving in bowls for self serving style.
   Keep sweetened beverages out of the house. Even commercial juice should not be encouraged. Fresh juice should be the only choice.
   As a parent you should be a good role model for your children by participating regularly in physical activity and maintaining healthy eating habits yourself.
   Plan regular activity which the family can do together, such swimming or hiking.
   Parenting skills are the foundation for success in this intervention. Because it is a daunting task to control the life-style related habits of a child. Sometimes it may sound very inhuman also.
   It is very important to teach by example and implement and practice healthy lifestyle choices.

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ROAMING RACONTEUR

Phenomenal Orleans

Saad Quasem

This is a new experience, a new journey and a new platform, at least for me. I am in the city of New Orleans (NOLA) is located in Louisiana and the place credited as the prime victim of Hurricane Katrina and as the birth place of Jazz music.
   The novelty of this experience lies in the fact that I have never surrounded myself in a culture, where fun-fare is parallel in importance, as oxygen is to every human life. The original title of this city is La Nouvelle Orleans, titled after the French city of Orleans. Today exists the French Quarters and Bourbon Street, where Jazz Music is played (often live) in every café, every bar, every restaurant, shop and all other kinds of business. There are tourists and locals of all ages dancing, screaming and simply being exuberant under the influence of southern bourbon. Usually such fare takes place on special occasions, but here it is every night. I am simply amazed, as no other city has portrayed a mass-party so well. No mention of NOLA is complete without the mention of Mardi Gras, a giant carnival held in February every year per tradition. I see the helm of New Orleans to be a round the clock party; with that in mind I can only imagine what Mardi Gras could welcome.
   This new journey is my first time in the American South, meeting the people whom I have read volumes about. Often I have prejudged the southerners, from the book "To Kill a Mocking Bird." Now the perception is transformed. Many books stereotype the general Southerner as racists, who hold no tolerance for other racists. White supremacists apparently take precedence. However, throughout my visit, I have experienced none of it. Living with a southern family, I almost feel as if I am home. They cook me special meals, often going out of their ways to shop for local delicacies. NO is synonymous of Cajun cooking, my host family is making sure I get every essence of the specialties, namely Jambalaya, Gumbo, Po-boys, Cat fish and crawfish. The gastronomical delights of this journey are phenomenal, just like the rest of the city.
   The blissful platform is a tear drawing motion. In a popular song, they sing here "The b****h called Katrina tried to blow us out and killed us just for a while." This uniquely setup urban jungle had been for weeks under water. Millions were stranded and businesses were out for weeks. Apparently it took over a year to refresh the spirit at which it functioned. I remain awestruck, when I see that life is back and the spirit is still rolling. Everyone, I met seemed to have anecdotes of the fateful night that Katrina struck them. However, they have learnt to move on. Yes, internal problems due to the mass effects of Katrina exist, but that doesn't seem to let the life of the city down. The drive of the people is ideological. The grave effects did not let the colours fade.
   This platform, this journey, an experience was really unlike any other.
   Can we take the Sidr affected sections of Bangladesh back to its position, just as NOLA?

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